April 7, 2009
Global Village
Ken Bendiktsen
Starting in fall 2009, 125 students will have an opportunity to get an international experience right here on campus. Located in the Fok Ying Tung International House, Global Village is a residence community designed to provide a multicultural living experience.
Global Village will bring one international student and one Canadian student to live together in a two bedroom suite. And this is only the beginning of the experience.
Students living in Global Village will participate in programs designed to accomplish three key learning outcomes. The first focuses on increasing students’ cultural awareness. This includes broad exposure to different cultures and cultural sharing, as well as reflection on the student’s own culture and its characteristics.
The second key learning outcome is for students to demonstrate greater global and local awareness. To be engaged both internationally and at home, it’s important for students to be aware of issues and concerns impacting others across the globe and to reflect on how their local environment is interlinked with global happenings. For Canadian students, this means reflecting on Canada’s role in the global community. For international students, coming to the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ is an international experience, and thus important that they have the opportunity to embrace and learn about Canadian culture.
The beginning of learning is awareness, but the desired result is to prepare students for action. The final key learning outcome is developing leadership skills in a multicultural community. As communities become increasingly diverse, it’s important for students to be able to work effectively in groups with a variety of cultural norms. Living in Global Village will provide opportunities for all residents to be involved and cultivate leadership skills that will help them be successful wherever they may live.
In addition to the highly experiential programming, Global Village will be the newest residence on campus and will offer outstanding facilities—including double beds, flat screen TVs, air conditioning and a convenience store.
Not only will students learn valuable skills, their participation in the Global Village community will be recognized on their Co-Curricular Record.
Global Village will be the first living learning community at the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½. Any student interested in this experience is welcome to apply and may do so online at: www.ucalgary.ca/residence
For more information or questions about Global Village, please contact Residence Services at 403.220.3210.