Topic
FOOTPRINTS. OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS GLOBAL CITIZENS
I am one in seven billion: What impact do I have on the course of the world?
Every three seconds somebody dies of starvation, countless people suffer at wars every year and the
global climate is changing. Each one of us has to deal with such facts in the present world. For you, as
an exchange student, gaining knowledge and experience as well as learning from it is crucial to understand and handle your responsibilities as a young adult.
Being an exchange student is a first step towards becoming an active global citizen. While living in a foreign culture you learn to cope with an unknown environment, to communicate with people from a different culture and to see things from various perspectives.
In order to continue the learning process, you will take a second step by participating in the YES 2010. By participating you are given an opportunity to bridge the gap between your past experiences and future actions. To immerse yourself in the main topic we offer various activities focusing on the three core topic areas:
Socio-cultural Footprints
“The highest result of education is tolerance” (Helen Keller)
How did I change during the exchange year?
To what extent did I become a part of another culture?
What impact do I have on people and people have on me?
For you to share experiences and to become aware of what you have learned during your year abroad, the seminar initiates global understanding as well as the realization of the impact that human behavior has on other humans. This is achieved by dealing with topics like footprints left by leaving the natural family, living in a host family (and foreign culture) and communicating with people from different backgrounds during the exchange year.
Environmental Footprints
“He plants trees to benefit another generation” (Caecilius Statius)
What impact do I have on the environment?
What are the consequences of my actions?
What can I do about it?
To find answers to these questions and what lies beyond them, you will discuss a variety of topics such as the principle of the ecological footprint, climate change and its consequences, the increasing water shortage, environmental disasters and further issues of sustainable development.
Historical Footprints
“The one who walks in another’s tracks leaves no footprints” (Italian proverb)
What can we discover by analyzing footprints left in the past?
What is the importance of leaving one’s own footprints?
Which traces do I want to leave behind?
During the YES 2010 you will reflect on the importance of every person’s input on human history and discuss whether historical events go full circles. Consequently, you will improve your ability to act as responsible global citizens.