Global Visits is a new enterprise which uses modern communications technology to involve more young students in international dialogue with other students around the world. Global Visits is not an attempt to compete with traditional exchange programs whereby students visit other countries. Rather, it uses communications technology to allow more students to participate. Adequate grades and/or finances to afford the costs associated with international student exchanges are often barriers to participation in traditional programs. While certain foundations have restricted funds to meet this need, they are limited in availability and the ability to meet everyone’s needs. Yet essential to these student exchanges is the benefit students receive in terms of improved dialogue and hope for peace among young people – citizens of the world – and one day, decisions makers for their countries. Global Visits is a dynamic opportunity to broaden this opportunity to more students.

Additionally, many ‘traditional’ programs offer student exchanges between countries that may not share the same language, but reflect similarities within a westernized or European culture. Global Visits will also offer opportunities to American students for student exchanges with countries that more closely reflect the majority populations of the world, which will include new emerging and developing nations.

A second major component of Global Visits is to provide an opportunity for more students, and teachers, to see how communications technology in the classroom serves to enhance learning, increase productivity, inspire creativity, assist with familiarity of digital research and curriculum development, and allow for more practical uses of learning technology. Through technology and student/teacher dialogue, Global Visits has the potential to help stimulate classroom teaching, personal learning and contribute toward better understanding among nations.

Quote

Peace comes only through education. Now, as people are attempting to seek peace. Global Visits will educate... -- Mary Keefer, high school principal