Our say: Global initiative creates new avenue for success
Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 2:50PM Editorial
Bringing international influence to classes and providing more avenues for students to study abroad may be one of the best initiatives introduced in recent Winthrop history.
Even looking past the accreditation factor of Winthrop’s Global Learning Initiative (GLI) quality enhancement plan, the plan will benefit Winthrop’s reputation and increase the value of a Winthrop degree in the workforce.
Changes to core classes such as ACAD and HMXP will likely involve more initial work for faculty and staff in academic affairs, but the long-term benefits of GLI on the individual level for students are well worth any aches and pains of transitioning.
The Johnsonian hopes students and faculty will view GLI as more than just a new perspective being added to curriculum for the purposes of accreditation. If embraced, GLI can bring the world to Winthrop and send Winthrop ambassadors around the globe.
Perhaps one of the most important goals of GLI will be to demonstrate and ensure that a study abroad experience, whether short-term or long-term, can be affordable and fit into a four-year graduation plan.
Providing students with opportunities to earn an international education and making sure they have the tools to do so will set Winthrop apart from other state schools both in South Carolina and nationwide.
Our campus is already known as the “artsy” S.C. school and a great place to earn a teaching degree.
The Johnsonian thinks it would be worthwhile to add to that list “the school that helps each of its students study and travel abroad.”
But, sending a student abroad isn’t the only way to achieve the goals outlined in Winthrop’s global learning plan.
Adopting a fresh way of learning in the classroom will establish an international mindset within our campus community that can only increase our chances of recruiting students from other countries.
There’s no doubt globalization is a major part of society; we’re glad to see Winthrop is proactive in helping students master skills necessary for today’s world.
