Reading the word and the world multi-culturally

[Victoria]

Having read the article by Kathy Short that I gave out last Wednesday, how far out on those concentric circles are we managaing to get? 'Cross-cultural studies' certainly but 'integration of internarional experiences'? 'Inquiries on global issues...'? Does Paulo Freire's argument that students often learn about internationalism from the view of tourists hold true for us here? Things to think about especially since it is 'International Week'...

[Spraggy]

For me the whole "international" concept is one that needs some serious consideration. After reading the Skelton article I came to the conclusion that "international" education is really a way of approaching moral values in the secular environment of international schools. Perhaps that is why the attitudes in the PYP are so closely linked with this idea. If that is the case, do we need to talk about international issues or could we call them people or community issues. Do we need to address "global issues" when our own immediate community has plenty of issues of its own? While it may be incredibly parochial, if we cannot treat our neighbour with respect what chance do we have of doing so with a stranger?
I am not familiar with the full "internationalism from the view of tourists" argument but apart from living somewhere else how could you view it any other way?
Sorry it took me until the end of the week after international week to get that reply out there.