Zeitschrift für Tourismus und Gastgewerbe
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Globalizing Educational Tourism and World Learning Communities in Higher Education to Advance Intercultural Awareness, Language Policy, Curriculum and Teacher Competencies

Joyce Pittman and William Green

This article shares transformative knowledge, human stories and resources for considering educational tourism concepts for globalizing learning communities to bridge gaps between world cultures in education. Research shows the world has become more open and less restricted by borders. In theory and in practice, this momentum suggests learners, teachers, educators and leaders must experience and gain knowledge about resources and strategies for using new technologies, storytelling and curriculum as powerful tools for building language and communication bonds across generations and cultures in presenting common issues, sparking dialogue, and inspiring action to solve education and socio-economic problems world-wide. Students today are graduating into a world that is more globally connected than ever before. In fact, studies show that nearly 1 in 5 jobs in the U.S. is tied to international trade and requires some level of English proficiency. The classroom is no different and this calls for exploring international cooperation in global educational development to improve the quality of teacher education and teachers language and intercultural competency. Research shows there is a need to expand global learning opportunity communities for newcomer immigrants and others who are affected by teacher education policy and practices affecting inclusivity in education.