Linking values and behavior: Shaping Active Global Citizens through Pupils’ Mobility

Venue

Conference Centre of Fondazione Intercultura, Via Gracco del Secco 100 - Colle di Val d’Elsa (Italy)

Scope of the Forum

The Forum of 2023 continued the discussion started in the Fora of 2019 and 2021 on value education in individual pupils’ exchange of at least 3 months. The aim was to assess the changes in values with regard to global citizenship that we hope occur in exchange pupils towards valuing human dignity and human rights, respecting differences, and participating actively in the life of multicultural democratic societies. 

Ultimately the end goal was to assess whether pupils’ mobility is indeed a tool to shape better world citizens and to nourish intercultural solidarity and respect for differences among young people, leading to active participation in society.

General topics

• What changes occur in cognitive, socio-emotional, intercultural and behavioral domains through pupil exchange?

• In what ways can participation in an international exchange make students more active participants in society? 

• How can exchange participation help build intercultural solidarity and community, both locally and globally? 

Subthemes

• The development of universal values in global citizenship education vs. local cultural traditions and differences

• Value and development of identity during adolescence - Value change as a result of life change: is a pupil mobility program such a "life change"? does it promote self esteem and courage? Is time a factor?

• Value changes during and after an AFS experience

• Agency: linking value changes to changes of behavior