Why you should stop looking at education the way your parents do
I can still recall the times when my teachers praised me for my handwriting and ‘faster than a calculator’ math skills. Back then, 4 times 21 felt like I just solved a major global crisis. In little over ten years, I can’t recall the last time I put something down on paper or refused to use the calculator. It’s surprising how even today I’d be praised in primary school for these skills. We’ve made great strides in technology but haven’t drastically changed our approach towards education. The world is shrinking as we all know, thanks to technology and ease of transportation across nations. However, many youngsters do not get to meet people from different cultures while growing up, and this is a major concern for the future.
Not so long ago (200 years) people had to walk to their desired destination. It is understandable that they didn’t get the opportunity to meet outsiders, and due to proximity developed a strong societal structure. Anyone from outside their community was seen as an intruder and the inherent fear of the unknown kicked in. With the advancements in technology over the years, people could move around and come into contact with ‘outsiders’. It is amazing how we’ve reached a place where we no longer discriminate or have preconceived notions towards specific races or different nationals. Oh wait, we still do? Despite having access to the internet and with the rapid expansion of globalization, youngsters still do not have the basic cultural awareness. Surely there’s something missing in the equation.
On a serene, scenic village atop the Pyrenees it was understandable (and hilarious) to see this older French couple go berserk upon seeing me. I doubt they had ever met an Indian before but a case can be made for the remoteness of the location.
Seriously though, many students are misguided by racial profiling, stereotypes and prejudice they hear or come across on the internet. These notions implanted at a young age can take up permanent residence in their train of thought. Cultural intelligence is something that can be gained mostly through first hand experiences. An education system which places emphasis on competitiveness and grades, gives the students barely enough time to enjoy a meal. Students neither have the time nor the incentive to travel or meet travelers in their own city. The schools should focus their attention towards encouraging cross cultural exchanges and promoting travel from a budding age. From a professional point of view, the need for cultural intelligence is higher now more than ever.
Businesses are expanding their operations globally, a trend that is expected to accelerate. In the past few decades more emerging markets have opened up for free trade and have paved way for rapid globalization. Many top corporations have been vocal about culturally aware candidates being their top picks. In the near future, jobs will involve handling a diverse and multicultural team. The employees will have to attend meetings across the world where subtle differences in communication styles can be misinterpreted. Being culturally aware might be the key difference between signing and losing a prospective deal. Having a culturally competent workforce does away with undesirable conflicts in the company. It enhances communication, productivity and provides a sense of unity in diversity.
There is truly no substitute for travel learning. From my personal experiences, I’ve learnt and grown exponentially through travel than any of my course materials. It is quite amazing that people from ‘known’ cultures still continue to surprise me. Travelling puts you in situations which help you discover more about yourself and makes you confident. It makes you more open minded and instills inspiration through various pathways. I’ve only traveled and lived in 2 countries but have had interactions with people from 80 (close to) different countries. The similarities and the common ground I found with people from other cultures, made me realize that on a fundamental level, we all have the same demons and desires. Cultural intelligence might become a basic necessity in the future and a progressive attitude towards travel learning will ensure we are headed in the right direction. It is indeed true that where you’ve been to, defines where you’re going.
