When will promise of internationalization be fulfilled?

Educators in the U.S.A. have encountered a harsh reality related to discourse - it's hard to talk across political and ideological barriers. The rise in protests in reaction to various U.S.A. governmental moves as well as demonstrations related to campus speakers in some ways is a sign of greater activism. On the other hand, some of the protests have descended into acts of violence or silencing other's voices.

Liz Reisberg proposed that growing internationalization should have resulted in students becoming global citizens who could handle divergent discourse more comfortably. However, she points to the obvious - study abroad is part of few students' experience and international students in the U.S.A. are often isolated from domestic students. Add to this that internationalization on most campuses is not deeply and comprehensively implemented and we see why internationalization may not be resulting in graduates having a tolerant and informed view of the world.

Reisberg asserts, "I think the same attitudes and inclinations that we hope to develop in 'global citizens' are the same attitudes and inclinations we need in 'domestic citizens' in order to live 'civilly' on campus and in the larger society." Add to this the fact that employer priorities for new hires include "intercultural skills and understanding of societies and cultures outside the U.S." and it is easy to see how awareness and respect across domestic and world cultures isn't just a worthy educational goal, it's a business imperative in the 21st century.