Students in Missouri are quickly taking advantage of new language and history options available in the state. Most of the students say that the classes they choose will help them get better jobs in the future since there seems to be many more global business options available to them. Some students just want to be knowledgeable about the cultures they may one day work with, and some want to acquire jobs to eventually provide translation services for different languages.
International Education Week
Recently, schools across the United States celebrated International Education Week, which lasts from November 12th through the 16th. In honor of International Education Week, the Missouri State Board of Education approved a resolution to encourage their schools to provide students with the skills and information they need to succeed in a globally-minded economy.
The Commissioner of Education for Missouri says that the ability to communicate with people who speak a different language is more important today than it ever has been before. Students who aspire to provide professional translation services will have opportunities for business and public relations that their parents and grandparents never even dreamed of.
Foreign Language Enrollment Increase
In the last two decades, the number of students in Missouri enrolled in Spanish and other foreign language classes has nearly tripled. World economies are becoming more connected, says the Missouri Commissioner of Education, and students are starting to recognize the benefits of knowing foreign culture and language so that they can one day be a part of the growing global community.
In the 2011-2012 school year, almost 145,000 students were signed up for Spanish and other languages, including French, German, Chinese, and Russian. Unlike many other states, foreign languages are not required in Missouri to graduate high school. However, the schools strongly suggest that students take at least one foreign language course to round out their education and help them succeed in their postsecondary education.
Globally-Minded Students Prepared for the Future
Even if students aren’t interested in a career that would enable them to become a professional translator, they are still learning to be globally-minded through foreign language and world history classes. Australia has gotten on board the language train as well, and their country is now requiring all of their students to take at least one Asian language.
While Missouri isn’t forcing their students to take specific classes like Australia, the students have already shown an interest and are pursuing their global education avidly.