Why is International Knowledge so Critical?

Globalization is driving demand for an internationally competent workforce. Already 1 in 6 US jobs is tied to international trade. The majority of future growth for industries of all sizes is in overseas markets. Future careers in business, health care, government, law enforcement, architecture, and a wide variety of other jobs will all require greater international knowledge and skills.

New human-security and humanitarian challenges – from solving global environment degradation to averting the spread of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, to reducing poverty and hopelessness that underlie much conflict—all require a citizenry with increased knowledge of other regions and culture.

The increasing diversity in our nation’s classrooms, workplaces, and communities, with rapidly increasing population from different parts of the world require greater understanding of the myriad cultures and histories students bring to the classrooms.

Our educational systems need to ensure that the next generation has the knowledge and understanding to solve global problems and build a shared future with the rest of the world.