International education helps to prepare young people for life and active participation in a global multicultural society, by developing in them a knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland's place in it.
Curriculum for Excellence specifically refers to young people 'developing a knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland's place in it'. International education can play a meaningful role in achieving all of the four capacities.
International education is a broad concept, and it can be exemplified in a variety of forms and experiences. These include school-based experiences, often using ICT, in addition to school links, exchanges and overseas visits.
National support for international education
The Scottish Government recognises that international education can significantly improve the classroom experiences for children and young people.
in order for Scotland and its people to succeed and flourish in the globalised 21st century that we live in, we must all become and live as global citizens.Mike Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Scottish Parliament on 4 March 2010
Read the Scottish Government's agenda for international education.
One of the key principles of Scottish Government's international perspective, has the following terms:
The focus should be on Scotland and Scotland’s place in the world - challenging our ambitions against the achievement of other countries and aiming to have a confident sense of self.
Learning in schools should promote an understanding of Scotland, our culture, heritage and history, our environment and our place in the world.
SCIPD study visits
These study visits are organised through the Scottish Continuing International Professional Development (SCIPD) programme. SCIPD individual and group study visits widen pratitioners' horizons by providing an opportunity for them to look closely at different approaches, reflect on their own practice, develop a global perspective and improve learning and teaching.
Find us on