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Technology Enables Students to Continue to Connect With Others Around the World

Global Zoom call
By David Lynn, Director of International Studies

On October 15, I had the privilege of joining a panel, hosted by the US State Department and International House, connecting with educational leaders in 11 countries across five continents. While most of the world has had to put physical travel on hold, it is incredible to see how technology enables us to remain connected and share best practice. The Office of International Studies extends our appreciation to all educators at Country Day, staff, and parents in ensuring that our students continue to experience a quality learning environment.  

As the third grade begins its global studies unit and seventh grade prepares for Global Village, there are numerous ways in which global perspectives continue to be nurtured at Country Day:

Partnership with Charlotte Sister Cities 

Virtual Public Forum: October 21

Upper School students Ellie Wilkins and Sam Farnham will participate in a virtual forum on October 21, hosted by Charlotte Sister Cities and the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. The forum will focus on the 58-year sister city partnership between Charlotte and Arequipa, Peru. Country Day has a sister school partnership with the Prescott School in Arequipa and Ellie will share her experience of when she and 11 of her peers traveled to Arequipa last November. Sam will introduce former North Carolina Governor and former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory at the forum.

The forum is open to the public. If you are interested in attending on October 21 at 7 pm, please be sure to register here.

Students with Mayor of Arequipa, Peru

Our Middle School students visit the Mayor of Arequipa, Peru. November 2019

Students from Arequipa Sister School visit Charlotte

Students from our sister school in Arequipa, Peru visit the Charlotte Mayor's office in January 2020.

 
Sam Farnham Designs Charlotte Sister Cities Website

Sam completed an internship with Charlotte Sister Cities over the summer and has since been elected to their Steering Committee. As part of his experience, Sam designed and recently launched their new website, which features Charlotte's seven sister cities. 

Charlotte Sister Cities webpage
 
Other News and Updates
  • In September, Upper School students Angelina Quan, Arjun Anilkumar, and Aaryan Chopra participated in a virtual Student Diplomacy Simulation hosted by the American Museum of Diplomacy.

  • Model United Nations Clubs in both the Middle and Upper School continue to thrive. They are currently preparing for several virtual simulations. Our Upper School Team received top honors within the past year at UNC Chapel Hill and at the University of Virginia.

  • Our Upper School International Studies Board, made up of 20 Upper School students, has continued to meet during the pandemic. Goals have included supporting our international students and promoting global understanding on campus.

  • The www.naturalizecharlotte.org website, created by Class of 2020 grads William Harris and Foster Harris, were honored by Mayor Lyles last spring with the The Richard Vinroot International Achievement Award. In addition, they received the highest national honors from the Global Education Benchmark Group and received one out of four regional student awards by the Charlotte Rotary Club. 

  • Our International Parents Board continue to explore ways to support international families, as well as our students and faculty.  

Thinking Ahead to 2021–22

We have already begun to research global experiences abroad for Middle and Upper School students, which we hope to re-launch during the 2021–22 academic year. We remain in regular contact with our sister schools and are pleased to share that all of our partners are finding creative and innovative ways to navigate this pandemic.  

Questions?

For questions on any of programs, please contact David Lynn, Director of International Studies, david.lynn@charlottecountryday.org.