The EWC’s AsiaPacificEd Program for Schools launched the AsiaPacificEd Crossings Website and educational initiative. This online resource, established just prior to the APEC Summit in Honolulu, has already enabled more than 1,400 K-12 students and educators from 48 schools in eight APEC economies (Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and United States) to explore and connect with the Asia Pacific region.
“The Crossings initiative draws upon the assets of the East-West Center and its extensive global network,” noted Namji Steinemann, director of the AsiaPacificEd Program. “It brings the world into the classroom and serves as a vehicle for building mutual knowledge and understanding among learners and educators from across the United States and the Asi
a Pacific.”
“Global collaboration stimulates curiosity and builds cross-cultural, communication, and problem-solving skills,” explained Steinemann. “At the same time, learners are exposed directly to new cultures. As they interact and build trust and friendships, misperceptions are dispelled, and misunderstandings can be addressed.”
In the inaugural “Open Channels” online classroom exchange, students explored how international trade connects people across the Asia Pacific region and impacts their local communities. The exchange, featured on the AsiaPacificEd Crossings Website, showcases student projects as a series of exhibitions to facilitate web visitor browsing and the posting of questions and comments. “Open Channels” is ongoing and will continue to facilitate youth exchanges across the Asia Pacific.