*the following definition is taken directly from the ACTFL 21st Century Skills Map (p. 5)

Global Awareness. Language education and cultural understanding are at the heart of developing global awareness for students. In order to understand and address global issues, it is important to understand the perspectives on the world that speakers of other languages bring to the table.  By learning other languages, students develop respect and openness to those whose culture, religion and views on the world may be different. Language students are able to interact with students from the target language in order to discuss issues and reach solutions.