Aaron Blaakman: Foreign Language Education Crucial for Future Global Professionals

New York, New York (PRWEB) June 27, 2012

Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy has discussed producing globally competitive students in the “STEM” fields, which covers science, technology, engineering and math, but has not yet shown how the plan will prepare students to find a job in the global marketplace, according to a Huffington Post article by Stacie Nevadomski Berdan. The columnist supports Malloy’s concept, but questions whether it will really work, based upon her experience as a global business executive and writer and consultant on international careers. Aaron Blaakman, an international professional, commended the Huffington Post for shedding some light on a subject that has drawn criticism from around the world.

Nevadomski Berdan pointed out that knowing a foreign language is becoming more crucial for students in today’s times, but the education system does want to revamp itself to create graduates able to compete with multilingual and multicultural peers. Congress has cut funds from the Foreign Language Assistance Program and even Connecticut does not have a foreign language requirement. However, many Connecticut school districts include a foreign language, even if it means taking a big budget cut. Aaron Blaakman said it is important Americans develop a solid language foundation to work in an increasingly internationalized world.

“An important and critical step beyond language development for Americans is cultural understanding and ultimate immersion for working in the global environment,” Aaron Blaakman said.

Nevadomski Berdan explained that many of today’s high school graduates are not prepared to work in an intercultural, global economy. She has witnessed this epidemic for many years through conversations with college professors who are unable to convince their students to take a broader look at the world. Many professors worry about not being able to enforce foreign language requirements because students arrive on campus with not enough proficiency to build towards fluency in four years. Business leaders have also told Nevadomski Berdan that they are not finding a globally competent workforce so jobs are being given to foreign nationals.

“To truly internationalize students and prepare them for the globalized work environment, American educators need to think out of the box beyond the ‘junior year abroad’ towards a fully engaged globalized curriculum,” Aaron Blaakman said.

ABOUT:

Aaron Blaakman, a health financing and health costing professional, has worked in countries around the globe, including the United States, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Lao PDR, Iraq, and more. Aaron Blaakman, who is fluent in the both English and French languages, has the tools necessary to successfully interact with people from various cultures, countries and backgrounds. Additionally, his work has allowed him to partner with international organizations, local governments, and other entities to produce health costing solutions.

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