What can parents do at home to help their child develop a global perspective?

What is the global education required today?

In recent years, as globalization continues to advance, more and more parents want their children to acquire a global perspective, and schools that focus on global education are gaining popularity.

English was finally made compulsory for elementary school students in Japan from 2020. However, for most Japanese students, the English language learning is not sufficient enough to play an active role in the international community. Learning English is only the acquisition of a language and it is not sufficient for global education.

To be successful in today’s society, employees should understand the cultures and customs of various countries and be able to communicate with people from around the world, including cross-cultural exchange and collaboration on SDGs and DEI, which are commonly recognized around the world.

Therefore, it is important for children, who are the future of Japan, to learn English and other foreign languages, as well as to understand foreign cultures and values, to appreciate each other’s differences, and to have opportunities to be exposed to global issues.

What can you do at home to foster a global perspective?< To foster a global perspective, it is recommended that parents try to incorporate as much foreign information as possible into their child’s daily life. For example, parents can familiarize their children with picture books and videos that are popular abroad and expose them to international news, world maps and other foreign information. It is also beneficial to give your child(ren) the opportunity to experience foreign food culture and games. Lastly, it is a good idea to participate in local international exchange events as a family or enroll your child in an international school program.