Students demonstrate Global Perspective when they incorporate intercultural knowledge into their epistemological beliefs and sense of self, which simultaneously influences their compassion for difference and their motivation both to engage in intercultural relationships and to behave in socially responsible ways (Braskamp & Engberg, 2011).

Cultural Perspective involves [Knowledge of] the philosophical perspectives, meanings, attitudes, values, beliefs, ideas that underlie the cultural practices and products of a society. They represent a culture’s view of the world (National Standards for Foreign Language Education Project, 1999).

Global and cultural competencies comprise the knowledge and skills individuals need to be successful in today’s interconnected world and to fully engage in and act on issues of global significance. Our students need to be equipped with critical thinking, communications, socioemotional and language skills in order to work effectively with their counterparts in the United States and around the world. Understanding and appreciating our diverse country and other parts of the world, including different religions, cultures and points of view, are essential elements of global and cultural competence.

An increasing number of careers involve working across cultures, requiring language skills, regional knowledge and the ability to see things from different perspectives. In a survey of 2,100 U.S. employers, 93 percent of respondents said they value employees who can work effectively with customers, clients, and businesses from a range of different countries and cultures. For example, a student in Tennessee may need to communicate with German counterparts about the latest auto industry technology. Or a young person in South Carolina may need to understand Korean business practices to successfully interact with her colleagues at a new manufacturing plant. Students gain this knowledge by studying the arts, civics, geography, history, and world languages and through socioemotional learning and hands-on learning (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2021). 

Below are some resources to help you learn more about the competencies of global perspective and cultural perspective:

Websites

• My World Abroad - MyWorldAbroad is a huge online resource with over 300 articles and 4,000 resources. Our focus is to help you build cross-cultural skills, develop an International IQ, and start your global career.
• Diversity & Study Abroad Resources - Attitudes toward women and underrepresented groups vary greatly among cultures. Consider that even if you are not in the minority at home, you might be in your host culture.

TED Talks