In today’s interconnected world, empowering high schoolers to be global citizens is more important than ever and ASU Prep Digital believes in providing students with opportunities to broaden their horizons and experience different cultures. A new pen pal-type program, created by ASU Prep Digital German teacher Ashley Crane, is doing just that.
The program, still in its development stage and an optional part of the curriculum, aims to promote cultural exploration and diversity in high school education.
Sister City pen pals
Ms. Crane’s Level 2-4 German students connect with students in Emmingen, Germany, which is Glendale, Arizona’s sister city. Sister Cities International’s goal is to promote friendship and goodwill throughout the world, which the students are accomplishing through the unique pen pal program.
Ms. Crane collaborated with the Emmingen teacher to set up the program to encourage students to communicate and engage with one another, and as she describes it, “Work together to promote exchange, global leadership, and digital citizenship.”
High school initiative for global engagement
Being a new initiative, the program is still working around different time zones and contrasting schedules but are finding ways to use technology to interact.
Enthusiastic and curious students interact through Canvas, where they communicate in both German and English. They upload pictures and discuss topics that interest teenagers universally, like food, trends, and social norms. Ms. Cranes explains, “It gives our students an opportunity to learn about German culture, but also reflect on their own American culture.”
The future of the German pen pal program
Ms. Crane shares that she hopes to see the program grow: “My ultimate goal would be to establish a partnership exchange program where a German student comes here one summer and then the next summer, an American student travels to Germany. That’s the absolute best cultural immersion opportunity for students.”
While still in the early stages, ASU Prep Digital’s German pen pal program is already cultivating cultural awareness and understanding, equipping students to confidently navigate an increasingly global world.
Keep up to date with more cool happenings on ASU Prep Digital’s blog.
