Global mindset builds career readiness.

Global education is a must-have for leading secondary schools nationwide, and for good reason. ASCD, a global leader in learning resources for educators, reports that today’s employers seek graduates with cross-cultural skills prepared to work collaboratively on diverse teams worldwide. Research indicates that future career success for today's middle and high school students will depend on global competencies. Educators know that students who develop a worldview are best suited to enter the workforce with strong global competencies.

The Ursuline School pairs global education and experiential learning with the in-demand job skills needed for future career success. The all-girls independent Catholic school prepares young women to become wise, active, globally-minded leaders with a multi-tiered approach that provides an empowering mix of skills, including critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and career readiness.

Critical thinking

Strengthening critical thinking skills allows students to analyze information and make educated decisions. Ursuline’s Global Concerns Seminar hones critical thinking skills while students explore global issues with a historical context. Senior Maddie Bohan learned to apply fact-based analysis while actively participating in team projects. “It’s my favorite class,” says Bohan. “We have open discussions about real issues, bounce ideas off each other, and talk about culture and its impact on people.”
 

Bohan spearheaded a school supplies drive at Ursuline to benefit underprivileged children in Guatemala, her birthplace. She traveled back last summer to hand-deliver 150 lbs of supplies to rural schoolchildren. “It was life-changing for me,” she confides. “To see a little girl get so excited about a pencil and eraser. I will never forget that moment.” 

It was life-changing for me."

- Maddie, senior

Bohan, who also participates in Ursuline’s Global Scholars Program, advises, “If you want to make a change in the world, you should start here.” The independent study program, part of the Ursuline Education Network (UEN), allows students to delve into global issues and receive one-on-one faculty mentorship, combining academics, advocacy, and direct service. As Bohan puts it, “It’s an opportunity to problem-solve in an area that you truly care about.” 

Collaborative problem-solving

Students who learn to appreciate the world around them are more willing to work together on problems that affect our planet. Ursuline’s Model UN program takes problem-solving outside the classroom by participating in the North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) event in Washington, D.C., where participants simulate roles as UN delegates.

The annual NAIMUN event attracts more than 3,000 high school students worldwide who investigate world issues and promote peace through collaboration and diplomacy. “It gets me out of my comfort zone,” says junior Theresa Montana. “I’ve learned to stand up for myself, work with others, resolve conflicts, and keep an open mind.” 

Students explore world issues like the migrant crisis and climate change from multiple perspectives. “It helps with problem-solving because you need to juggle so much information at once and then collectively come up with a solution,” Montana explains. She quickly points out that Model UN is a welcoming group where “you can gain many important skills and learn so much about yourself.”

I've learned to stand up for myself, work with others, resolve conflicts, and keep an open mind."

- Theresa, senior

Ursuline’s Global Symposium accomplishes a similar mission for the entire school community, focusing on team-building and service with a global lens. Each year, the school rallies around a pertinent world problem and challenges all students to become part of its solution. It is a hands-on lesson in collaborative problem-solving that unites and motivates the student body. 

The annual symposium kicks off with a presentation by a prominent keynote speaker who introduces a global issue of concern and invites students to explore it together. The experience emphasizes that global concerns are shared concerns, putting students on the path to becoming capable, active global citizens. 

Career readiness

The Institute for the Future predicts that 85 percent of the jobs that today’s students will do in 2030 don’t exist yet, leaving some parents and educators to feel that preparing students for future careers requires a crystal ball. Soft skills, including communication, leadership, and adaptability, are building blocks to workplace success. In fact, the May 2023 World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report confirms that soft skills are among the most essential projected needs for workers and employers alike. Indeed.com concurs, adding that soft skills help job seekers build relationships, solve problems, and make positive contributions in the workplace. 

Ursuline’s Global Exchange Program gives students select travel opportunities to develop these sought-after skills on a global stage. Students learn about different cultures while experiencing school life in another part of the world. These cultural exchanges are distinctly Ursuline, as students develop strong bonds with “sisters” from Ursuline schools worldwide. 

I don't want to learn about culture from TikTok."

- Aileen Mary, senior

In February 2024, Ursuline students visited Brescia House, a sister school in South Africa, to live and learn among fellow Ursuline students. The experience was transformative for senior Aileen Mary Farrelly. “I don’t want to learn about culture from TikTok,” she says. “This program opened my eyes. You can’t really understand the challenges others face unless you’re with them in person.”  

Farrelly, who will study nursing in the fall, feels grateful for the experience. ”As one of the older girls on the trip, it really built up my communication skills and made me feel more confident.” 

Service leadership is such a driving force in our school community."

- Nora, sophomore

For fellow traveler and sophomore Nora Cronin, the South African safari was an eye-opener that inspired her to explore service leadership back home. “I want to work with other students to help prevent poaching.” She plans to start a new club that centers on wildlife issues and includes a service component. “Service leadership is such a driving force in our community,” says Cronin. “I’d like to help raise awareness about poaching and conservation.”

These diverse learning experiences capitalize on the career readiness skills girls need to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Ursuline students gain multicultural perspectives, develop new friendships, and build self-confidence, Ursuline style.