International education

The term international education can mean many different things and its definition is debated. Some have defined two general meanings to the concept of international education in regard to students. The first refers to education that transcends national borders through the exchange of people, as in study abroad. The second, explored in depth here, is a comprehensive approach to education that intentionally prepares students to be active and engaged participants in an interconnected world.

Understanding of a broad array of phenomena is enhanced and deepened through examination of the cultures, languages, environmental situations, governments, political relations, religions, geography, and history of the world. While definitions vary in the precise language used, international education is generally taken to include:

1. Knowledge of other world regions & cultures;
2. Familiarity with international and global issues;
3. Skills in working effectively in global or cross-cultural environments, and using information from different sources around the world;
4. Ability to communicate in multiple languages; and
5. Dispositions towards respect and concern for other cultures and peoples.

International Education is also a major part of international development. Professionals and students wishing to be a part of international education development are able to learn through organizations and university and college programs. Organizations around the world use education as a means to development. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals include to education specific goals:

Millennium Development Goals http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/reports/index.htm

achieve universal primary education in all countries by 2015 and eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education by 2005

Other mention of education in regard to international development:

Education For All (EFA): www.unesco.org/education/efa/wef_2000 An international stategy to operazionalize the Dakar Framework for Action; The World Education Forum (Dakar 2000) agreed to reach 6 goals by 2015: o expand early childhood care and education o improve access to complete, free schooling of good quality for all primary school-age children o greatly increase learning opportunities for youth and adults o improve adult literacy rates by 50% o eliminate gender disparities in schooling o improve all aspects of education quality.

Dakar Framework for Action (http://www.unesco.org/education/efa/ed_for_all/dakfram_eng.shtml)

UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014) -highlight the central role of education in the pursuit of sustainable development. www.unesco.org/education/desd

See also comparative education; and Liberalism, Realism, Power Transition Theory,International Development, as focus areas that provide insight into international phenomena relevant to "International Education."

International Education both as a field of study focusing on study abroad and preparing students for international occupations as well as as an active part of international development is taught in many colleges and universities around the world.