International Studies: Exploring Cultures of the World

This course is designed for students who are passionate about world cultures and languages who need help in taking those first steps towards working internationally or studying abroad.  Students will acquire 84 skills considered essential to working and studying internationally, with specific attention given to intercultural communication, international language exploration, project management and collaboration, professionalism, technology, and research. 

Students will then apply those skills through our student-run cultural consulting firm, Global Prep Squad (GPS). GPS works with international partners on six continents providing professionally-implemented international business tools and solutions which help guide our business clients through the challenges of working within a global context.  As a student-run business, GPS has an extensive Corporate Social Responsibility commitment requiring students to work on multiple service projects utilizing international virtual teams based throughout the world. A Rotary Interact club is embedded into the class which helps to facilitate these international projects. Students will also participate in Model United Nations by writing position papers and studying the political/social/economic environments of individual countries. 

Students should be comfortable using technology, presenting in front of groups, and understand the expectations of professionalism.  Students will work extensively in teams both locally and globally. Student grades are determined through a unique system that allows motivated students the flexibility needed in order to personalize their experience. Students in this program are expected to think for themselves, be able to initiate and manage multiple projects on their own, and are expected to display the utmost professional behavior at all times.  Students will leave this program with an extensive Personal International Network of valuable global connections that will provide the path forward for them to realize their dream of working internationally.

Students will need to make arrangements for transportation to off-site presentations, optional internships, and rides home from STA on predetermined dates.   Please speak with the administration if you have any transportation concerns.

Prerequisites:

• Grade: 11 or 12
• Level II Language Course (enrolled or completed)
• 2.5 GPA (Unweighted)
• 90% Attendance
• Student must provide their own transporation to off-site presentations and internships at community locations.
• Outside class Internet access is required.

Recommended:

• Computer Applications
• Business
• Economics World History

High School Credits: 3 units

LSR7 Weighted Credit:  .666

NON Lee’s Summit Schools Weighted Credit: Varies by school

*Upon successful completion of SISA, the requirements will be met for LSR7 Modern Global Issues graduation requirement.  If a student drops out of SISA, he or she must take Modern Global Issues.

College Dual Credit: UCM POLS2535 Model United Nations (3 hrs credit for eligible students)

"My name is Alesha and I was enrolled in your international studies class back in 2011. I wanted to reach out and tell you that I feel that your class played a large role in guiding me through these past few years. Since I graduated, I went on to earn a bachelor's degree in romance languages from Truman State, and have spent the last two years teaching English in a French and then a Spanish high school, respectively. As a matter of fact, I just introduced my students to Barnga, which I'm sure you remember and probably still use. My Spanish students loved it, although my French students last year became indignant and quit halfway through, which I find amusing. I feel that not only did your class reinforce my interest in international relations, but it also helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking and has given me a model of what I would like my teaching style to look like. Although I'm not quite sure where I'll go from here, I would like to continue my studies and eventually start teaching foreign languages either at a high school or postgraduate level.  Anyway, I wanted to say thank you and that I hope you are doing well!" Alesha, SISA Alumni

This program gives high school students the opportunity to earn college international studies credit and more quickly complete their Bachelor of Arts in International Studies through the University of Central Missouri.