Sing it with us, “I’m the map, I’m the map, I’m the map!” Dora the Explorer has been a cultural staple across the world since her television debut 25 years ago. Although a little bit younger than our Global Classroom program, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, both share the vision of “establish[ing] the importance of creating images and telling stories that depict the rich heritage of the global community.” Just like how Dora, with her bright pink backpack and, critical to the comparison here, her trusty map, empowers youth through her adventures, Global Classroom has the power to foster greater understanding, curiosity, connection, and community (and we even have a pretty cool map of our own, see above image).
 

 

During the 2024-2025 school year, Global Classroom transported NYC youth to 49 countries across 6 continents (Antarctica is a toughie), all without ever having to leave their classroom. 3rd graders learned Bhutanese scout yells, made paper Russian stacking dolls, and celebrated holidays like Holi and the Day of the Dead. Middle schoolers were exposed to global challenges like smog, rising sea levels, access to safe drinking water, and national sovereignty, all while participating in real-life advocacy activities! When asked what they learned from the program, one 8-year-old said “I learn[ed] about many countries – there is more countries and many cultures! I learn cultures and tell people about it – it make[s] my culture bigger!” 

 

This clear increase in intercultural appreciation, curiosity, and understanding wasn’t just at the youth level. Our international student volunteers (Global Guides) also provide feedback on their experiences in the program, and it is just as heartwarming to read, especially in today’s tense political climate (let’s be real, we’re all feeling the vibes here). Hikari from Japan commented after her workshop that “the most rewarding part of being a Global Guide could be that I could think about my country deeply. I felt it was precious for me not only to make a fun class but also to find my identity in the US as a multi-cultural society.” Every human involved in this program can feel how valuable these face-to-face interactions are in challenging pre-conceived notions and helping to build a more inclusive society.

 

So, to make a few changes to the beloved Dora song for our Global Classroom audience:

If there’s a place you’ve yet to know

I’m the one to help you go

I’m the Map
 

Stay tuned for future spotlight posts highlighting some of the 49 destinations we adventured to this school year!