Requirement 7 (A)
Requirement
Citizenship in the World
Explore Global Perspectives
Do TWO of the following (with your parent or guardian’s permission) and share with your counselor what you have learned:
Requirement
Visit the website of the U.S. State Department. Learn more about an issue you find interesting that is discussed on this website.
The U.S. Department of State
The State Department is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, providing direct advice to the president through the Secretary of State and supporting foreign policy programs in other U.S. government organizations. It develops, conducts, and communicates foreign policy, and coordinates U.S. representation abroad through Foreign Service employees at our embassies and consulates in foreign countries. The Bureau of Consular Affairs protects and assists U.S. citizens overseas.
Exploring the Work of the U.S. State Department
Capture What You Learned
When exploring issues from another country on the U.S. State Department website, organizing your thoughts is essential. The website for the State Department provides information about foreign policy and world events, as well as descriptions of every bureau and office, from Counterterrorism to Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. Organized notes make it easier to explain the issue to others and connect it to what you already know, which is an important skill for informed global citizenship.
Step 1
LEARN (Facts & Observations)
Students browse the website and choose one issue they find interesting.
What did you see, hear, or learn?
- Name of site/event/person:
- Country or culture represented:
- Date & location:
- 3–5 factual notes:
- Traditions observed
- Language, music, clothing, or food
- Purpose of the event or role of the person
Suggested sections to explore:
Step 2
REFLECT (Understanding & Meaning)
What did this mean? Why is it important?
- Why is this site/event/person important to that country?
- What values or beliefs were shown?
- How is this alike or different from life in the U.S.?
Step 3
CONNECT (Personal Learning)
What did I learn, and how did it affect me?
- One new thing I learned about another country or culture
- One stereotype or assumption that changed
- How this experience helped me understand global citizenship
Did You Know:
The U.S. Department of State provides online applications for internships, fellowships, and career opportunities.
Now that you have learned more about the U.S. State Department website,
let’s explore websites that focus on international news or foreign governments.
