The mission of the International Program at Cannon School is to promote global competency by broadening the experiences of students through travel, summer exchange, study, and service; to provide an avenue for thinking globally and acting locally; to develop a culture that encourages individual summer exchange and group travel.

The purposes of trips and exchanges include:

• Develop global competency
• Cultural exchange
• Practice a foreign language
• Student exchange immersion
• Historical perspectives
• Scientific inquiry
• Personal growth
• Service opportunity
• Earn the Global Studies Certificate
• Global Studies competitions

Current families may contact Jady Arriaga-Arango, Upper School information contact for Global Studies, for details on how to receive the US Global Studies Certificate.

The Global Studies Certificate at Cannon School is designed to recognize students who demonstrate a global mindset and embody the qualities of a global citizen. To earn this certificate, students must complete core academic courses, meet three specific program requirements, and commit to global awareness. The certificate is awarded during Senior Night, signifying the student's achievement in global education.

1. Students have completed World History I and II, World Language I and II and  III 
    
2. During their Senior year, students have enrolled in the Glocal Perspectives Class, which includes completing a Capstone Essay and delivering a presentation on a global topic of their choice.
    
3. Students must complete AT LEAST two of the following global education experiences to fulfill this requirement:

• International Exposure: Participate in a Cannon School-sponsored spring or summer international educational trip, live in a foreign country for at least one month, or host an international student.
   
• Winterm Courses: Complete a second Winterm course, such as an international trip, service learning within local international communities, or a global issues course offered by any department.
   
• Global Education Events: Attend two approved global education events, such as the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, World Quest, SDLC, Chapel Hill, and Lenoir-Rhyne Foreign Language Competition, or participate in Model UN, among others.
   

IMPORTANT:
Starting with the Class of 2024, please refer to the Global Studies Mastery Credits requirements.