​If you’ve been to any of the major education technology conferences in the last few years then you’ve likely noticed the buzz around global education. While it’s promising to see the great work of organizations and educators leading the #globaled charge, the vast majority of classrooms across the US and around the world haven’t taken notice. Globalization for adults - in our workplaces, politics, and daily lives - has been developing rapidly for decades now. However most classrooms are not much more connected now than they were decades ago.

While there are many reasons why Global Education has been so slow to develop, most fall into one of three categories: Too much work for teachers, inadequate learning outcomes for students, and lack of support from administrators.

Students around the world have been engaging with PenPals like never before. With our newest project, VR Field Trip to Pakistan, students have connected with PenPals in Pakistan and other regions to learn about a country that is often misunderstood. Through virtual reality, PenPals have experienced the sights and sounds of the bustling streets of Lahore, Pakistan.

For teachers who missed the first exchange we have great news. The project begins again - with even more Pakistani classes participating - next Monday! Students will need to enroll before Monday to be matched with PenPals. Have you signed your class up yet?

We would like to celebrate the holiday by taking a look into some traditional clothing across the world! Each country has various traditional clothing, some of which are specific to certain regions. While many traditional clothes across the world are no longer worn on a daily basis (today it may be symbolic and worn during certain festivals or celebrations, for example), traditional clothing is highly representative of a country’s history, climate, customs and the diverse ethnic groups who inhabit them. ​

Should I shake his hand? Should I bow? Should I kiss her on the cheeks? Each country has its own greeting customs, from bowing, to shaking hands, to kissing. These diverse customs can make even the simple act of saying hello” seem awkward and confusing. So we at PenPal Schools we decided to come up with a short guide on how to greet people around the world, country by country.   

The future is here, and it is global! Thanks to technology, the world is multicultural, multilingual, and more connected than ever before. The way we interact with communities around the world impacts national security, environmental conservation, and economic development. Global education is the key to preparing young people to succeed in this interconnected world. So what is global education? What are the benefits? And why is it here to stay?