Global International Studies (GIS)

What is International Education?

International Education provides students with knowledge of world regions, cultures, and global/international issues. Students participating in international studies develop skills in communicating in languages other than English, working in global or cross-cultural environments, and using information from different sources around the world. An international studies program provides opportunities for students to develop a respect and concern for other cultures and people. The Academy of Global and International Studies (GIS) at Leonardtown High School provides a rigorous, engaging education that prepares today's graduates to meet the challenges of life in a global age. Students participating in the GIS program have an opportunity to learn about world cultures, current affairs, history, and languages, while participating in a regular high school program.

Why do we need International Education?

Across the United States, schools are grappling with the question of how to produce workers who can be competitive in the twenty-first century global economy. A converging set of powerful economic, technological, demographic, and national security developments requires a citizenry and workforce that are far more internationally knowledgeable, competent, and adept in world languages and cultures---able both to compete and to collaborate internationally. Education is at the core of our response to globalization.

To compete successfully in the global marketplace, both U.S.-based multinational corporations, as well as small businesses, increasingly need employees with knowledge of foreign languages and cultures to market products to customers around the globe and to work effectively with employees and partners in other countries (Committee for Economic Development).