Jane Hirons, Head of Department Global Politics at UWC South East Asia Dover, speaks about her teaching experience and how Global Politics allows students to gain international understanding and a sense that change is possible.

​"I am Canadian but have taught overseas for all of my teaching career. I've lived in Hong Kong, Japan, Czech Republic and now Singapore. I've been at UWCSEA for 12 years. In that time I have been Head of Global Perspectives and more recently have been in charge of introducing IB Global Politics ​which is an exciting new course. I have also been in charge of Model United Nations for the past 7 years at the college.

​I share the college values and believe that engaging in global political issues allows students the opportunity to gain international  understanding.  By exploring topics such as Human Rights, Development and Peace and Conflict we are emphasising the importance of working towards a peaceful and a sustainable future.This is particularly crucial in the world at the moment as we see a rise in populism globally.

​I hope students will take with them a sense of idealism in that they feel that change is possible. I hope that they do not see themselves as  passive actors ​on the global political stage, but instead have a sense of responsibility to make the world a better place. Finally, I hope that they feel they have the tools and skills necessary to do so.

The description, ‘UWC schools, colleges and programmes deliver a challenging and transformational educational experience to a diverse cross section of students, inspiring them to create a more peaceful and sustainable future’ is something I truly believe is at the heart of every politics class.”