Embrace global cultures, the Apeejay School International way

Comprehending global challenges and cultural nuances are essential for a well-rounded learner. Taking forward a unique approach to educate students about how to capture a way of thinking, being and acting characterised by openness to the world, Apeejay School, International conducted an online workshop on ‘Fostering International Mindedness.’

The session offered a recognition of the deep interconnectedness amongst individuals, so that students can learn about empathy and diversity of mind-set. While the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum stands for imbibing core values to develop uniqueness of approach towards teaching and learning, the school through this session, endeavoured to broaden, balance, and adopt conceptual and connected curriculum, along with fostering international mindedness amongst IB learners.

Aditya Kumar, student of Diploma Programme-I who attended the workshop says, “The aim of the session was to inform us about varying perspectives to the same concept. I remember a specific activity at the workshop where we saw 3-4 blindfolded persons unknowingly touching an elephant, and getting their own sensory experience of the same animal. From this example, I learnt that it is important to acknowledge and learn about others’ ideas and only then can we learn to solve global problems.”

Going beyond the basics about accepting and appreciating cultures, cuisines, travel destinations, worldwide etc., the session was all about understanding different perspectives – including those that possibly oppose one’s own. This helped students become aware about diplomacy, governance and global development as a global economy.   “I am inclined to pursue a course in psychology in the near future, and this workshop has been very helpful for me in understanding different perspectives. As I plan to study abroad, knowing about and having International Mindedness would come handy,” says Lavanya Sharma, a Diploma Programme-II student.

By engaging with diverse beliefs, values and experiences, students learnt to cater to global issues and attempted to seek their solutions by knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The programme encouraged them to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who could understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

“International Mindedness (IM) is truly the need of the hour as we citizens of Earth grapple with endless problems affecting humanity. IM means that one is aware of his/her identity, nationality, understands that there are other Nations/Nationalities and that we all are interdependent on each other to make lives better for all.”

-Mr. Purshottam Dutt Vashisht, Principal, Apeejay School International, South Delhi