How to teach students to be global citizens

Jeanne Perrett
Children working together outdoors picking up litter
Reading time: 4.5 minutes

As teachers, weÌýallÌýwant ourÌýstudents toÌýwork toward making the world a better place. Through focusing onÌýglobal citizenship,Ìýthis drive to change the world is something we can help foster every day in the classroom.ÌýIn this post, we’ll explore how.

What are global citizens?

ÌýA global citizen is someone who knows that they are part of a worldwide community. They understand that there are people who have completely different lifestyles, appearances, cultures and routines but with whom we share common values and responsibilities. Global citizenship encourages tolerance and understanding, and learning about it helps children become open-minded adults.ÌýÌý

In a primary English classroom, helping students become aware of themselves as citizens of the world will introduce them to a global way of thinking. We can do this while also helping them become familiar with, and proficient in, English.ÌýÌý

How can we introduce the concept?

BeforeÌýstudents put themselves in a global context, they should get to know themselves as individuals. But they should also get to know themselves as people whoÌýare part ofÌýtheir immediate communities.ÌýÌý

In the classroom, this can be done by encouraging students to think about something personal, such as their likes and dislikes. We can then encourage students to look a little further: What kinds of homes do they see in their communities? What makes a house a home to them? What about people working in their communities — what important jobs do they do, and how do they make an impact?Ìý

For language teachers,Ìýthe idea is toÌýcombine vocabulary and grammar structures with a slowly widening view of our world.ÌýSimply by introducing the conceptÌýthat we are part of a worldwide communityÌýcanÌýtake the children out of their own experiences and help them start to consider others.

Tips and activities

Social media makes it possibleÌýforÌýteachers to contact each other across borders and to collaborate between their schools. Something simple, like organizing a class video call for students after lunchtime and encouraging students in different countries to discuss what they ate in English,ÌýcanÌýhelp learners become more globally aware.Ìý

Get in touch and learn about how ɫèAV can help your language teaching

How can we teach students to be proactive?

Once students know something, they can progress to putting their knowledge into action. Teachers can foster thisÌýby encouraging good habits –Ìýa simple example isÌýhow weÌýteachÌývery youngÌýchildren to throw their litter in a bin. As they grow older, we canÌý‘unpack’ these habits. That is,Ìýwe can helpÌýchildrenÌýlook deeper into whyÌýthey're so important.ÌýUsing the example of litter again,ÌýthisÌýcould meanÌýmaking students aware about how their civic responsibility has a real environmental impact.Ìý

Let’s look at how we canÌýgo from knowing to doing, in simple stages, with a range of topicsÌýthat are common in theÌýlanguageÌýclassroom:Ìý

Food

  • Ask students to think about what they like and dislike.Ìý
  • Ask students to name foods that are good for us and what we should eat more of.Ìý
  • Teach about school lunches in other countries.Ìý
  • Teach about dishes eaten on special occasions around the world.Ìý
  • HaveÌýaÌýfood festivalÌýor ‘munch day’ where students make snacks from around the world.

Buildings

  • Ask students to talk about their own homes.Ìý
  • Teach about types of homes in other countries.Ìý
  • Discuss eco-architecture – such as solar panels, living walls, wind turbines on roofs, and local materials that might be used in building processes.ÌýÌý
  • Venture outside as a class to plantÌýpottedÌýflowers and improve the school yard or make a container to collect rainwater for the school garden.Ìý

Jobs

  • Teach about the jobs people do at school – such as cleaning, cooking, or driving.Ìý
  • Think about jobs withinÌýthe communityÌýand why they are necessary.Ìý
  • Think about what skills each child and their parents have and how these skills are needed for different jobs.Ìý
  • Have a skill-sharing day whereÌýstudentsÌýteachÌýeach otherÌýsomething new.ÌýÌý
  • HostÌýaÌý‘kids take over day’Ìýwhere studentsÌýget toÌýdo an important jobÌýatÌýschool (such asÌýcleaning the classroomsÌýorÌýserving lunch).Ìý

Technology

  • Discuss the different types of technology used at home and school.Ìý
  • Think about how to use this technology responsibly.ÌýÌý
  • Talk about different householdsÌýand find outÌýhow and whenÌýtablets, laptops and phones are used. For example, who is allowed to watch videos while eating?ÌýWho can read on their tablet in bed?Ìý
  • Make your own set of technology rules for the classroom and discuss why they’re important.Ìý

Holidays

  • Ask students what they like to do on holiday.
  • Teach about how to stay safe at the ocean or in the countryside.
  • Talk about other countries students have travelled to or would like to travel to and learn about interesting landmarks in those countries.
  • Discuss eco-tourism efforts and why they are important.
  • Have aÌý‘Let’s go toÌý[name of a city or country)Ìýday.’ÌýMake posters about famous sights, learn some phrases of the language spoken thereÌýandÌýhave studentsÌýimagineÌýtheyÌýhave gone abroad for the day.

Sharing the messageÌý

The United NationsÌýhas set out a collection ofÌý17Ìýglobal goals, called theÌýÌý(SDGs), which aim to create a better future by 2030. They address issues like gender equality, hunger and poverty and can be an excellent resource for teachers to use in the classroom when discussing how global citizenship can help to improve our world. Ìý

Teachers can encourage students to spread the message aboutÌýSDGs inÌývariousÌýways. For example, students can:ÌýÌý

  • Give speechesÌý– at school or in the local community.Ìý
  • Begin a fundraisingÌýcampaign.Ìý
  • Write letters to politicians.

Teaching students to be global citizens may sound like a big task. However, through weaving these ideas through language lessons, teachers have the opportunity to plant an important seed in students. Because who knows, they may really grow up to change the world.Ìý

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • uni students stood in a hallway together looking over books and notes

    Rethinking access: How at-home English testing Is reshaping global admissions

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When I think about the students we serve, those dreaming of studying in the U.S., sometimes from places far from test centers or perhaps with limited resources, I’m reminded why we do what we do and why, as a company, we evolve. Access to education shouldn’t depend on geography, cost, or circumstance. However, for some international students, proving their English proficiency has long been an extra hurdle to jump.

    That is changing. And it is changing fast.

    A new kind of test for a new kind of student

    The ɫèAV English Express Test was built with flexibility and accessibility at its foundations. It is available 24/7, can be taken from anywhere quiet and secure with a stable internet connection, and delivers results in minutes, with certification in under 48 hours.

    That means no more waiting weeks for a test date or traveling hours across land (and sometimes sea!) to a test center. For students juggling work, family, or unpredictable schedules, this is a game-changer.

    And it is not just about convenience. It is about equity.

    Fairness, built in

    One of the most exciting things about ɫèAV English Express Test is how it levels the playing field. The test uses AI scoring that has been rigorously developed and validated by human experts. This reduces bias and ensures that every student is assessed consistently, no matter where they are from or what accent they have.

    We’ve also built in overÌý90 security features including dual-camera proctoring, ID and speaker verification. So, institutions can trust the results, and students can trust the process.Ìý

    Meeting students where they are

    Today’s learners are digital experts. They expect speed, flexibility, and transparency. ɫèAV English Express Test meets them where they are, both literally and figuratively! It is a test that fits into their lives, not the other way around.

    And institutions are taking notice, with universities and institutions joining the list to accept the test for their future admissions windows. At NAFSA, we heard again and again how refreshing it was to see a trusted name like ɫèAV offering a modern, student-friendly alternative.

    This is just the beginning

    At-home testing is not a trend. It is a transformation. It is about removing barriers and opening doors. And while ɫèAV English Express Test is still new, to be launched to test takers in certain markets later in 2025, it is already moving towards helping students take that first step toward their academic dreams.

  • A university teacher stood in front of a class, responding to a student thats sat with their hand up

    Choosing the right English test is like hiring the perfect tour guide

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Imagine planning a trip to a new city. Sure, you could wander around on your own, relying on internet reviews and vague directions, or you could hire a tour guide... someone who knows the streets, understands the landmarks, and can give you a genuine and knowledge-filled experience.Ìý

    Now, would you pick a tour guide who just started last week, or would you look to one who has been showing people around for decades, refining their approach and knowing all the ins and outs of the landscape?Ìý

    That’s the difference experience makes.Ìý

    Why experience in testing matters

    Just like an expert guide ensures you experience the best parts of a city because they’ve explored every corner before, a test backed by years of research and constant refinement delivers reliable, accurate results for international admissions teams. ɫèAV has spent years perfecting its approach to language assessment, not only through research but also by learning from every test taken.

    Each test provides valuable data, feeding into ongoing improvements, ensuring that assessments remain fair, precise, and aligned with real-world English proficiency needs.Ìý

    The result? Universities can trust they’re admitting students based on a system that gets smarter with every exam, reducing unpredictability and reinforcing reliability.

    English Tests designed by experts

    Both PTE Academic and ɫèAV English Express Test benefit from ɫèAV’s expertise:Ìý

    • PTE Academic: A globally trusted exam designed to measure real-world English proficiency with precision.Ìý
    • ɫèAV English Express Test: Fast and convenient skills assessment, backed by the same deep research ensuring fairness and accuracy.

    Final thought: Choose experience

    When you pick the right guide who is backed with expertise, it can transform your experience from ordinary to unforgettable. Likewise, choosing a well-established proficiency test, refined through years of experience, gives universities the confidence to make informed admissions decisions.Ìý

    ɫèAV has spent decades perfecting the science of language assessment—so why leave such a critical choice to uncertainty?

  • Students studying outside at a table

    Why accepting ɫèAV English Express Test is a great opportunity for US Institutions

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    By being early adopters of the ɫèAV English Express Test, US universities and institutions can ensure they remain competitive and attractive to a global pool of students. Students seeking to study in the US may prefer institutions that recognize this flexible and convenient testing option, which can enhance their overall application experience. This proactive approach can help universities stand out and draw in top international talent.

    Whilst the ɫèAV English Express Test can open doors to a wealth of opportunities for students eager to study in the US, early acceptance also provides significant advantages for the institutions themselves.

    The ɫèAV English Express Test is designed to be a convenient and accessible option for students worldwide. Unlike traditional tests that may require extensive travel, this test can be taken online, offering students the flexibility to complete it from their own homes. This is particularly beneficial for students in remote areas, far from a test centre or those juggling multiple commitments. By accepting the ɫèAV English Express Test, US universities can cater to a broader range of applicants, ensuring they don't miss out on talented individuals who might otherwise be deterred by logistical challenges.

    While tests like PTE Academic provide a comprehensive assessment of English proficiency, the ɫèAV English Express Test serves as a valuable complement. It offers a quicker, more streamlined option for students who need to demonstrate their language skills promptly. By accepting both tests, US universities can offer a more flexible and inclusive admissions process.

    For admissions teams, the inclusion of the ɫèAV English Express Test can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The streamlined nature of the test means quick turnaround times for results, allowing admissions teams to make faster decisions. This agility can be a competitive advantage, positioning the university as a forward-thinking institution that prioritizes student needs. Additionally, by offering a convenient testing option, universities can attract a broader pool of applicants, leading to a more diverse and inclusive student body.

    US universities should consider being among the first to accept the ɫèAV English Express Test. This strategic move addresses diverse student needs, complements existing testing options, enhances the admissions process, and boosts institutional reputation.Ìý

    Adopting the ɫèAV English Express Test is a forward-thinking decision that benefits both students and institutions, ensuring that US universities remain competitive in the global education landscape.