Initial Thoughts on International Education

Thousands of individuals each year travel to countries abroad to learn another language, to exchange ideas, to pursue education, to receive specialized training, or to work and learn. Some individuals don’t leave their homes, or their schools, or their offices, but they reap the benefits of the Internet, books, lecturers, travelers from their communities, and others to bring the world into their lives. All of these people share one thing. They are part of international education, or the global school—planet école.

I’ve received hundreds of e-mails from individuals who have traveled abroad for education and exchange, whether high school, university or post doctoral. All of them have commented in the same way, “It was the best experience of my life.” Why is that? What made that experience so special? What way could it have been better?

I’ll be presenting my thoughts and experiences with international education on the Internet in the future. In the meantime, I would like to hear from you. What does international education contribute? Why was your experience “one of the best” in your life? What can you do to have more such experiences? Share your story and why it is unique.