Our schools cannot safely ignore the increasing interdependence and diversity of the world. Our own economic well-being is inextricably bound up in the well-being of the world. We must educate citizens to cope with the reality that events across vast oceans... significantly influence what happens at home. (NC Standard Course of Study)

What teachers know and can do is the most important influence on what students learn. The Center for International Understanding's professional development for educators is designed for North Carolina K-12 teachers, administrator and other educators. They provide opportunities for teachers and school administrators to immerse themselves in another culture. These firsthand experiences motivate educators to share what they learn about the world, and provide tools they need to increase knowledge and skills about the world and cultural understanding in their classrooms and communities.

Teachers who participate report: 
 >  Increased authenticity and confidence in delivering international aspects of the  Standard Course of Study
  >   Increased ability to view issues and problems from multiple perspectives
  >   Increased commitment to teaching
  >   Improved ability to respond to new immigrant populations
  >   Exposure to best practices and new teaching methodologies

Since 1995, more than 300 North Carolina educators have traveled to England, Germany, Holland, Japan, Spain, China, Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Sweden and New Zealand with the Center for International Understanding. These teachers are in better position to help prepare their students for the global economy and an increasingly interconnected world.