Global Citizenship 101: Teaching Empathy Through Travel
Travel changes the way students see the world—and their place in it. Stepping outside their comfort zones, meeting people from different walks of life, and experiencing unfamiliar cultures firsthand can spark empathy in ways a textbook never could.
But here’s the thing: global citizenship isn’t automatic. It takes intention. As educators, we can help students go beyond sightseeing to truly see—with open hearts, curious minds, and a growing awareness of their role in a global community.
Set the Stage Before You Go
Before students ever pack their bags, plant the seeds for thoughtful travel.
Introduce the idea of “traveling with purpose.” Why are we going? What can we learn—not just about a place, but from the people who live there?
Facilitate cultural prep sessions. Share articles, host guest speakers, or have students research local customs and current events in your destination.
Ask reflective questions early. “What do you think you’ll learn about yourself on this trip?” or “What does it mean to be a respectful guest in another culture?”
These conversations help shift students’ mindsets from passive tourists to active learners.
Encourage Curiosity, Not Comparison
While traveling, it’s natural for students to notice how things are different from home. The key is guiding those observations with empathy instead of judgment.
Try prompts like:
“What’s something new you experienced today? How did it make you feel?”
“What values seem important in this community?”
“Did anything challenge the way you usually think about the world?”
Encourage students to ask questions, listen more than they talk, and approach every moment with a “learn-first” mindset.
Create Space for Reflection
Experiences become learning when students have time to process them.
Build in quiet time during the trip for journaling, group discussions, or personal check-ins. Reflection doesn’t have to be formal—it can happen on the bus, over dinner, or while walking through a museum.
Pro tip: give students small daily reflection prompts. Simple questions like “What surprised you today?” or “Who did you connect with?” can spark powerful insights over time.
Keep the Conversation Going Post-Trip
The return home doesn’t mean the learning ends. In fact, some of the biggest growth happens after the trip.
Host a debrief circle where students share key takeaways.
Have them create “letters to future travelers” or presentations for younger students.
Encourage service projects or classroom initiatives inspired by what they experienced abroad.
Helping students connect what they learned to their lives at home deepens the impact—and turns a trip into a lifelong perspective.
