The term "global village" was first coined back in the 1960s, when the forerunners of today’s technology made international trade, travel, and communications a possibility for more than just the fortunate few.
With the dawning of the digital age, the next generation of industrialists, innovators, and scientists will be the first true citizens of that global village, and their colleagues are just as likely to be sitting thousands of miles away as working at the next desk.
The world’s leading colleges and universities understand the importance of this global mobility, and they are keen to attract students with not only the brightest minds, but a truly global perspective.
But how can parents instill this international outlook in their children so they can make their mark on the world?
Expose students to different cultures
Introducing young people to the world beyond their own country as early as possible is important and can give students the competitive edge when applying for college.
Deanna Ford, a Harvard graduate and member of their interview committee, stresses the importance of a worldview when applying for a university. “I help students in the USA, UK, and beyond to secure places at the university of their choice, and the level of competition is astonishing,” she says.
“But you have to remember that, in the business world, taking a global view is second nature, which is why these places look for global-minded applicants.”
Stress the importance of international collaboration
It’s never too early to show students how important it is to work alongside people from different parts of the world.
Dr Saroj Velamakanni, who completed his PhD at Cambridge University and sits on the university’s interview panel for medicine and natural sciences, agrees that an appreciation of international collaboration is a valuable attribute for today’s student.
“Students need to demonstrate cross-cultural experience and the potential to interact and work with different cultures in business. We can’t only look to Europe for innovative medical developments, for example – we have to look at Hong Kong, China, and India if we want to be top of our game.
“I still remember one student who had spent time in a top Indian hospital before he applied. He spoke about developments there, how artificial intelligence was improving efficiency and how he envisaged we could use the same thing in the UK. It was the perfect marriage of ideas and aptitude.”
Focus on skills as well as qualifications
Today’s students will be entering a competitive global marketplace when they leave education, so having an insight into the qualities needed to thrive in the world of work is key.
Both Deanna and Saroj agree that to get a headstart on the career ladder, young people need to focus on some of the softer skills, such as confident communication, open-mindedness and the willingness to network across countries, cultures, and backgrounds.
Saroj recommends encouraging a young person to explore opportunities to work and study overseas or perhaps volunteer for a stint with an NGO. Looking for international internships is another option to broaden a young person’s horizons and give them a view of life outside the States.
“Learning is a constant process, which is why it is so important to develop a deep curiosity about new ideas and new experiences from within, but also outside of your home country.”
Harry Hortyn is the co-founder of Oxford Summer Courses, which welcomes students from over 112 countries across the globe to study 56 subjects through their Oxbridge learning experience summer courses.