Introduction

There are many windows through which we can look out into the world. It has much to offer all of us, but there are many different ways to view it - and students, in particular, often have narrow perspectives, having peered through but one of these windows. With that in mind, the students in Cameron Height's International Studies Program are encouraged to broaden their horizons and to consider things from many points of view because this is what adds to the richness of life. It is our feeling that they need to learn about different cultures and their beliefs, values, customs, and traditions as all nations move closer together. In so doing, they gain perspective by viewing themselves as only one part of a much larger human experience, and we believe that they will arrive at a deeper understanding of the world around them. The International Studies Program at Cameron Heights provides windows on the world through which to gaze in order to help students discover their own place in the nature of things, and to help them better understand the many aspects of the human experience.

The international focus of this program is appropriate, we believe, for many reasons. First, Canada has long been a country of immigrants. In 1971 when Prime Minister Trudeau committed the government to a policy of multiculturalism, he firmly established Canada as a Mosaic, rather than the Melting Pot of our southern neighbours. It is important, then, that all students understand and celebrate who they are and how they fit into this Mosaic. This is especially true in our own community. Kitchener is the fourth largest centre for immigration in the country, and it is interesting to note that over seventy-five different first languages are spoken in the homes of our own Cameron Heights' students.

The "Global Village" is in fact becoming a reality for all of us. Rapid developments in communication, travel, technology, economics and politics have brought world issues to our doorstep. We must all now learn how to become more responsible global citizens. Indeed, Canada's future may depend on it. Our trade policies necessitate that we prepare students to compete in a global marketplace. This is particularly true in the service sector where Canada has a competitive advantage and multi-national corporations are constantly seeking employees who are sensitive to the nuances of culture and who are committed to a global vision.

Not to be overlooked is the fact that students have come to value a curriculum infused with global thinking. For students, an international curriculum provides an invaluable opportunity to engage a broad range of human experience that respects all peoples and that values the richness of cultural distinctiveness. At Cameron Heights, emphasis on the CultureSmart process helps students to understand cultural similarities and to celebrate cultural differences. The CultureSmart classroom has an atmosphere that respects all peoples and embraces social justice, and it has a decidedly positive impact on student attitudes and better prepares them for life in a diverse society.

Finally, teaching from a cross-cultural perspective encourages teachers to develop new ideas about how to integrate international themes into the curriculum. It excites the imagination and increases the potential to promote an awareness and appreciation of other cultures by considering different points of view. It also encourages interdisciplinary curricular planning, team building among staff, and it provides a strong sense of direction for the school.

It is for these reasons that we believe students will benefit enormously from having been provided with relevant and interesting windows on the world.

R. Derksen, R. Payette