Thinking Globally
Thinking Globally (TG) is a program created by the office of International Student Services to connect international speakers with American audiences. USC is home to approximately 1,100 international students representing over 100 countries from across the globe. The Thinking Globally program is an excellent opportunity to showcase both the diversity of the Columbia campus as well as to encourage students to develop a broader world view.
A Thinking Globally presentation consists of a brief introduction and two student presentations. At the start of the presentation, an International Student Services staff member will give information about the University’s international student population, various campus and local cultural events, Study Abroad and other international opportunities. This is followed by two 15-20 minute presentations given by international students. Each presentation is followed by questions and comments.
The presentations give international students the chance to share their cultures, beliefs, languages, experiences, etc with University 101 students. The presentations vary by subject matter, as some cover a broad overview of a country and its history, while other presentations discuss a very specific topic (such a cuisine or language). The styles of the presentations also vary depending on the student giving the presentation; they range from PowerPoint slideshows to interactive speeches accompanied by handouts. No two presentations are exactly alike, as many variables contribute to the success of each presentation, including student interest in the countries of the international students and the instructor’s use of the cultural diversity theme.
Learning Outcomes
This presentation supports University 101 learning outcomes:
II. Help Students Discover and Connect with The University of South Carolina
a) Identify appropriate campus resources and opportunities that contribute to their educational experience, goals, and campus engagement.
III. Prepare Students for Responsible Lives in a Diverse, Interconnected, and Changing World
a) Students will examine how their background and experiences impact their values and assumptions and explain the influence these have on their relationships with others.
b) Describe concepts of diversity and recognize diverse perspectives.
This presentation will:
- Introduce students to the multicultural world in which we live
- Enable students to understand the importance of cross-cultural learning
- Interact with international student on campus and learn about the cultures from which they come and their perception of their time here.
- Address cultural difference in an engaged dialogue in order to help students begin to develop a better understanding and appreciation of diversity
- Spark an enthusiasm for international experiences and learning in students.
To schedule a Thinking Globally presentation, contact Christopher Reid at reidcj@mailbox.sc.edu or 777-1143.
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