Global Citizenship

Traveling is an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and learn a new language. Technology has made it easy to access language-learning resources on our phones. However, there is one thing we encourage CCC students to bring on their trips that may seem outdated: a mini notebook!

Taking handwritten notes has many benefits for language-learning. It allows for a more tactile and hands-on learning experience. Writing something down feels personal and helps you remember it more efficiently. Instead of passively scrolling through flashcards on your phone, actively writing and practicing the new language in a notebook leads to better retention and makes the learning experience more engaging.

A small notebook is more portable and convenient than a phone. You can easily slip it into your pocket or bag, and it doesn’t require an internet connection. This makes it a great tool for on-the-go learning, whether you’re exploring a new city or communicating with an indigenous community. Depending on where you are traveling, avoiding pulling out an expensive laptop or smartphone can also keep your interactions safer.

Another benefit of using a small notebook is that it allows you to customize your language learning experience. You can create your own flashcards, notes, and exercises that are tailored to your specific learning style and needs. You can also give your book to new friends and acquaintances to write in or create fun pictures, helping you remember new words, places, and favorite restaurants. Ultimately, this makes the learning process more efficient and effective.

In summary, using a small notebook while traveling allows for more tactile and hands-on learning, is more portable and convenient, and allows you to customize your language-learning experience. If you travel to multiple countries, you’ll slowly develop a collection of memories to look back on and reflect on your growth. So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider bringing a small notebook along with you to help you learn a new language.

There are a number of reasons pen pals experiences benefit teachers, students, schools, and both communities.

Our top ten reasons we are inspired to connect people across the globe are:

1.) Cultural Awareness – We live in a world filled with an incredible number of unique individuals, beautiful cultures, and ways of life. An understanding of the value of such diversity is imperative to a world citizen.

2.) Technology Integration – We redefine the term “Common Knowledge” on a daily basis. As our society becomes more technologically advanced, it becomes essential for people to have the technological skills to succeed.

3.) Professional Development – Teachers acquire the technological skills that their students will need to be taught. These tools teachers will not only be useful in the CCC program but in future classes as well.

4.) Research-Based Learning – Rather than gathering information from a textbook, students are using primary sources to answer questions that they find interesting.

5.) Team Building Skills – Students work together to increase the common knowledge of the classroom during their research projects. This allows a student to recognize personal strengths they can share for the good of the group.

6.) Multilingual education and communication – The benefits of learning a new language are almost infinite. Language can open doors and create connections.

7.) Higher Level thinking skills – CCC promotes open communication, understanding, and fairness, all important skills to practice and master.

8.) Common Core Standards – Using these Standards results in a common structure and level of expectation in our English curriculum, whether the teacher is in Allentown or Turrialba. This also assists in gathering measurable assessment data.

9.) Preparation for an International Business World – As the global economy continues to grow, it is imperative to understand how international business operates. Students gain the necessary skills to communicate and collaborate with people around the world.

10.) Taking Ownership in Learning – According to the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), a learner is more passionate about a topic they choose to study. Combining student ownership and literacy leads to meaningful student involvement.