An online learning community brings together diverse groups of students from different states, countries, and cultures. National borders fade away at these global gatherings because they don’t matter. Technology frees students to attend online courses worldwide and participate in dynamic online learning experiences. Though diverse in their backgrounds, online students are drawn together by a shared interest in an area of study and a desire to better themselves by gaining new skills to advance and remain competitive in their careers or fulfill a personal goal. The combination fuels a high-energy learning environment.

Is Diversity a Good Thing for an Online Learning Community?

Absolutely, and especially in these seven ways:

1. Interact With International Students

   Online courses provide many opportunities to interact with students of all ages with different backgrounds, skills, experiences, and cultures. You can exchange ideas in online discussion forums and chat rooms, post announcements, study together, and attend real-time seminars.

2. Collaborate Internationally on Group Projects

   Coursework at an online training platform like The Learn Tourism or college often includes group projects, deliberately bringing together classmates to work toward a common goal. Being part of a cross-cultural team teaches critical skills in great demand in today’s workplace. Employers seek professionals who can step outside their comfort zone and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

3. Gain a Global Perspective

   It happens constantly in the global marketplace: companies traditionally selling their products domestically are now identifying and reaching international markets. As a student in an accredited online certificate program at a globally recognized tourism training leader based in the U.S., you become more comfortable thinking internationally as you communicate and collaborate with students worldwide via e-mail, chat rooms, and online collaboration programs.

4. Promote Social Change

   Your online learning community can provide valuable insights into other cultures and the wide-ranging effects different societies have on their citizens. A broader worldview can make you more passionate and committed to improving the lives of others in your community.

5. Networking on a Global Scale

   When you have discussions and participate in projects with international students, you are naturally exposed to fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and ways of doing business in different cultures. As part of a global learning community, you also have the chance to build strong bonds with students in other parts of the world. Networking that begins in online classes can develop into long-lasting professional friendships.

6. Acceptance of Other Viewpoints

   The faculty at The Learn Tourism often give assignments to stimulate lively discussions and differing points of view. For example, you may be assigned to defend gun ownership without background checks when you support gun control. These intellectual exercises can help you become more accepting and understanding of those with opposing points of view.

7. Global Experience on Your Résumé

   As an online student in a diverse, global tourism learning community, you’ve had many opportunities to learn digital and otherwise skills that can help advance your career in your present company or give you a competitive edge in your job-hunting efforts.

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