Internationalism

Round Square schools encourage their students to develop a spirit of Internationalism: To seek out, discover and embrace the similarities and differences between cultures and nationalities in ways that promote meaningful and lasting understanding and respect.

We promote international understanding through exposing students to ideas and concepts from different cultures and countries, by challenging them to understand and tackle real-world issues, and by connecting them with other students from all nationalities, who are welcomed into each Round Square school.

In defining and promoting a Spirit of Internationalism Round Square schools identify and develop – in a variety of settings – the attitudes, understandings and competencies developed by students through a wide range of activities including overseas student and teacher exchanges and participation in regional, global and international conferences.

A Spirit of Internationalism is found in those who seek to discover and embrace the similarities and differences between cultures and nationalities in ways that promote meaningful and lasting understanding and respect. It encompasses an appreciation for the increasing inter-connectedness of the world, our greater dependence on the global economy and interdependence as nations as a result of massively increased commerce and cultural exchange.

The growth of digital communication across geographical borders and the sharing of each other’s cultures through travel and trade is understood. There is an appreciation that national differences are lessening and a blending of cultures, traditions and cultural exchange is on the increase.

A person living out a Spirit of Internationalism respects the need to preserve and celebrate national identity, cultures, traditions and heritage. Opportunities are sought to connect with those from different countries and cultures, exchanging points of view and ideas across borders and developing international and intercultural understanding. These inform an appreciation of how others might view or think about a shared event such as a trade agreement, a partnership or a cultural exchange.

A Spirit of Internationalism also includes an understanding of the tension between increased wealth creation in developing countries and a continuing gap between the world’s poorest countries and the world’s richest.