EDUCATION BEYOND GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES...

by a project teacher Ms Mamta Kanti Kumar

The important outcomes of schooling include not only the acquisition of new conceptual tools, refined sensibilities, a developed imagination, and new routines and techniques, but also new attitudes and dispositions.  - Elliot W. Eisner 
quoted by The Principal of VIII PALO, IB World School 006265 in Krakow, Professor Jerzy Waligóra in the book: The Power of International Stories: Coming of Age in the Global Village. 
The book can be accessed at: www.stories.annakrzeminska.pl 

 In the shrinking world the importance of global citizenship has come to the forefront.  There is an increasing need to understand the multi-faceted international issue and increase the competencies of students who will live and work in an increasingly interdependent globalized world. Thus charting out the right path for global education is a daunting task for any school.  To bridge the gap between ambitious dreams and reality, geographical and cultural diversities International Student Exchange Programme provides the platform that  identifies potential and cultivates leadership capabilities at the right stage of education in the students.  The Indo Polish Exchange between Delhi Public School, Gurgaon, India  and VIII Prywatne Akademickie Liceum Ogólnokształcące, IB World School 006265 VIIIPALO, in Kraków, Poland  spearheaded by visionary Principles Ms. Aditi Misra from DPS Gurgaon, and Professor Jerzy Waligóra VIII PALO,  Kraków  who provide  opportunity  to their   students to bridge the gap between  geographical regions and break cultural barriers. The benefits are broad based and intertwined having far reaching influence. At this platform, international learning and knowledge propels the student towards acceptance and understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives. The exchange also acts as incentives to create a diverse learning environment for the students. The students develop analytical and problem solving skills and become critical thinkers. They learn to be responsible and resourceful and develop enhanced interest in global issues as well as general knowledge.  The students are exposed to a new learning environment and experiences and the differences in academic program and educational philosophies. Language acquisition is achieved through practical immersion. A tremendous sense of accomplishment upon completion of the programme encourages the students to develop independent opinions, make informed decisions and strive to attain fresh goals. Students also realize the importance of working in collaboration with others to arrive at solutions.  The intangible benefits have a far reaching effect as this programme transcend geographical boundaries. The programme unfolds and develops the latent potential and creates sensitive and empathetic leaders for the future. The fifteen days international exchange offered by both the schools gives the students the taste of global diversity and collaboration and initiates them into a leadership role of the 21^st century