Center for Cultural Perspectives
Center for Cultural Perspectives
La Salle's Commitment to Cultivating Global Understanding and Inspiring Purposeful Leadership
Lasallian Schools are located in over 80 countries, forming one of the largest school networks in the world. As a member of this worldwide Lasallian education network, La Salle College Preparatory believes that a global education is essential for developing the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a diverse world. This education cultivates an awareness of different cultures, an appreciation for varied perspectives, and an understanding of how culture shapes actions and perceptions.
The Center for Cultural Perspectives is dedicated to providing our students with invaluable opportunities to embrace diversity, develop intercultural understanding, and cultivate empathy and diplomacy. Our programs empower students to become informed, open-minded individuals capable of using critical thinking and diplomacy to navigate global interactions skillfully and effectively. The Center also inspires students to pursue their passion for intercultural relations and global peace while serving others.
Through opportunities to travel globally, host international visitors, study abroad, and participate in service projects or real-life simulations, students develop communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills. These abilities are increasingly recognized as essential for achieving global competence and succeeding in today’s interconnected world. Additionally, students are prepared to address the world’s most pressing issues collaboratively, equitably, and sustainably. Immersed in cultural experiences, they learn to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of global issues, given the complexity of environments and competing needs and interests in our world.
Guided by our Lasallian mission, the Center for Cultural Perspectives nurtures curiosity and creativity, enabling La Salle students to advance the common good through learning, leadership, and service.
Center for Cultural Perspectives
Competency Practices & Skills
In today’s increasingly interconnected and diverse world, developing global and intercultural skills is essential for students to thrive. These crucial skills foster cultural understanding and effective communication, preparing students for both personal and professional success by equipping them to tackle complex global challenges and excel in diverse career environments, ensuring they are ready for the opportunities and demands of the future.
- Understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, beliefs, and practices.
- Developing empathy and respect for differences.
- Learning to adjust to new environments and situations.
- Building resilience in unfamiliar or challenging contexts.
- Learning to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Developing skills in listening, interpreting, and conveying messages across cultural boundaries.
- Understanding one’s role and responsibilities in a globalized world.
- Engaging in actions that promote social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
- Analyzing global issues from multiple perspectives.
- Evaluating the impact of cultural differences on social, political, and economic issues.
- Enhancing teamwork, collaboration, and relationship-building with people from diverse cultures.
- Developing negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
- Acquiring proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
- Enhancing the ability to communicate and engage in different cultural contexts.
- Learning to lead with integrity, respect for diversity, and a commitment to the common good.
- Understanding the ethical implications of decisions in a global context.
- Developing strategies to navigate complex global challenges.
- Learning to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds to find innovative solutions.
- Developing the ability to see the world from multiple viewpoints.
- Understanding how culture shapes perceptions and behaviors.
Programs & Opportunities
Programs and opportunities will cover a variety of topic areas, such as Lasallian Leadership Development and Service, Language Studies, STEM, Art, and Global Studies. Students will explore intercultural relationships, practice cultural awareness, and gain unforgettable insights into diverse perspectives to help develop their own understanding of today’s interconnected world. This process not only develops global competence, creative minds, and courageous new perspectives, but also sparks an enthusiasm for fostering connections and collaboration.
Whether it’s a short global adventure or an extended study abroad, La Salle students will experience studying and interacting with students from other cultures, learning their way of life through a lens of compassion and empathy.
2026–2027 Exchange & Service-Learning Destinations: Submit a student Application.
- 🇪🇸 Zaragoza, Spain (Nov. 19–30, 2026): Annual reciprocal exchange with La Salle Montemolín and La Salle Gran Vía to experience cultural immersion through campus activities and community outreach, gaining insight into Lasallian education and life in Spain. This year, we will also introduce a special student retreat where students will be immersed in the legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
- 🇫🇷 Reims & Paris, France (Nov. 19–30, 2026): Be part of our exchange with Sacré-Cœur La Salle Reims! Students will follow in the footsteps of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, exploring his life, legacy, and the founding of the Lasallian mission—right in his hometown.
- 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires, Argentina (March 25–April 4, 2027): Join the Lancers to explore the vibrant culture and community of Buenos Aires in partnership with Colegio de La Salle. This program offers a rich experience of daily life in a Lasallian school while also uncovering the city’s deep European influences and dynamic history.
- 🇨🇷 San José, Costa Rica (March 25–April 4, 2027): Join us as we launch our very first cultural exchange to Costa Rica! Discover its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, breathtaking natural beauty, and welcoming community while building lasting friendships with our new Lasallian school partner, Colegio La Salle Costa Rica. Pura Vida!
- 🇨🇳 Shanghai, China (May 30–June 6, 2027): Welcome to one of the most fascinating destinations in the world for an eye-opening adventure with Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School. Together, we’ll uncover China’s rich history, vibrant culture and traditions, and witness its incredible rise as a global leader in finance, technology, and innovation.
- 🇮🇹 Florence & Rome, Italy (May 30–June 6, 2027): Experience Italy through total immersion in its rich culture, world-renowned art, and the timeless beauty of the Renaissance at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by extraordinary architecture and artistic masterpieces, students will discover the true spirit of Italy while forming lasting friendships with our newest partner, Educandato Statale SS. Annunziata Firenze, in the beautiful city of Florence.
- Summer Service-Learning in Zaragoza, Spain (July 2027): Selected students will serve as mentors at La Salle Montemolín’s summer camp program. In addition to mentoring, students will enjoy homestays, cultural exchanges, reflective blogging, and daily activities that deepen their understanding of life in Spain and Lasallian values.
Need more details? Please reach out to Ms. Sun at jsun@lasallehs.org or 626-696-4389.
In the new academic year, La Salle will once again welcome students and faculty from China, France, Spain, and Argentina, while welcoming visitors from Costa Rica and Italy for the first time! We are always seeking host families from our Lancer community to open their homes to these visitors during their short-term exchange stays in Pasadena.
- Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School, China: Sept. 28–Oct. 8, 2026 — 10 students and 2 teachers
- Educandato Statale SS. Annunziata Firenze, Italy: Oct. 24–Nov. 1, 2026 — 10 students and 2 teachers
- Colegio La Salle Buenos Aires, Argentina: Feb. 11–20, 2027 — 12 students and 2 teachers
- La Salle Montemolín & Gran Vía, Spain: March 12–22, 2027 — 14 students and 2 teachers
- La Salle Reims, France: April 9–18, 2027 — 12 students and 2 teachers
Hosting is a meaningful way to bring cultural learning into your home while forming genuine friendships through daily interactions, shared experiences, and conversations. Plus, all host families will receive 20 hours of La Salle service credit! We promise—it will be one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of your life!
For hosting information, please contact Ms. Sun at jsun@lasallehs.org or 626-696-4389.
Independent study abroad programs provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, fostering personal growth and enhancing global perspectives. Students gain invaluable experiences that build independence, cultural understanding, and adaptability, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors. Additionally, career-focused programs offer industry-specific insights and practical learning opportunities, equipping students with a deeper understanding of their chosen fields and enhancing their future career prospects.
Find your summer adventure through a three-week or four-week summer study abroad program provided by CIEE! Explore new cultures, meet friends from all over the world, and gain real-world experiences that match your interests or future career goals. Check out the available programs and see which one speaks to you the most!
Partnering with La Salle, CIEE offers immersive topic-based programs in more than 40 global destinations. La Salle students automatically receive a discount, and students who participate in the Center for Cultural Perspectives exchange programs are eligible for an additional scholarship!
What’s more? CIEE has a generous endowment. In summer 2026, CIEE supported 5,408 high school students studying abroad and awarded nearly $7 million in scholarships.
Additional Program Partners
- International House — Valencia, Spain
- Centro MundoLengua — Seville, Spain
- Saint-Denis International School — Loches, France
Career pathways are offered in nearly one-third of all United States school districts, aligning educational skills and concepts under a career theme providing essential elements of Rigorous academic coursework, future applied skills, career-focused thematic design, and Work-based learning.
La Salle College Preparatory introduces our Global Scholars Pathway Certificate, designed to cultivate essential global competency skills and engage students in targeted learning experiences aimed at fostering cultural awareness, cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and empathy. Additionally, students will develop the ability to navigate and interact effectively with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
This Pathway Certificate also enables students to deepen their understanding of pressing global issues through advanced-level studies and immersive experiences. They will have opportunities to sharpen their critical thinking and diplomacy skills, empowering them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world and make positive contributions to the global community.
Student Pathway Certificate Application
Completion Requirements: These requirements cover four major areas of studies and practices: | |
Academic Studies | -Completion of a minimum of two Pasadena City College dual-enrollment Global Studies courses taught at LSCP. -4 years of concurrent studies of the SAME world language, or achieving level 4 or higher |
Intercultural Learning | -Active participation in outbound exchange, hosting of visiting students, and/or Independent Study Abroad. |
Community Engagement | -A minimum of forty hours of an internship or community service project that includes global competence components or is aligned with global competence framework. *Internship or project proposal must be pre-reviewed, approved, and mentored by the Center Director and/or additional advising faculty. |
Critical Reflections | -Share and reflect on global studies and experiences through individual projects or campus activities. |
Additional Capstone Project to Earn a Graduation Stole:
- Student candidates can choose projects or activities that:
*reflect a culmination of academic exploration, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding;
*allow opportunities to investigate complex issues such as cultural identity, globalization, social
justice, or international relations;
*examinate how these factors shape our interconnected world. - Projects or activities may include components such as fieldwork, case studies, interdisciplinary
studies, or other forms.
All capstone projects will be pre-reviewed, approved, and mentored by the Center Director and/or
additional advising faculty.
The Center for Cultural Perspectives offers the following college-level courses through our partnership with Pasadena City College. These courses are offered free of tuition, and enrollment is open to students in all grade levels. Students who successfully complete these courses will earn three college credits that are transferable to institutions within the University of California and California State University systems.
- Global Studies 001: Introduction to Global Studies — Course Description
- Global Studies 002: Issues in Global Studies — Course Description
- Speech 010: Interpersonal Communication — Course Description
Fall 2026 Course Offering: Speech 010 — Interpersonal Communication
- Course time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:00–4:25 p.m. during eighth period
- Course dates: Aug. 24–Dec. 13, 2026
This course is tuition-free. Special tuition terms apply to international student visa holders. The course will be held on La Salle’s campus during the designated class times and dates. Upon successful completion, students will earn three accredited and transferable college credits.
Interested students can contact Ms. Sun at jsun@lasallehs.org for registration assistance.
Harvard Model Congress
Harvard Model Congress (HMC) holds the distinction of being the nation’s oldest government simulation conference, serving as the premier platform for high school students to engage in congressional simulations.
Participation in HMC offers students a rare opportunity to develop essential skills that enhance their critical-thinking abilities, broaden their perspectives, and develop nuanced understandings of contemporary issues. Additionally, students benefit from networking opportunities with peers from diverse backgrounds and engaging in meaningful discussions with Harvard delegates.
The Center continues its fourth year of participation in the 2027 Harvard Model Congress, which will take place in San Francisco from Jan. 15–17, 2027.
HMCSF is a leading civic engagement conference within the Harvard Model Congress network worldwide. It brings together high school students from across the country to engage in real-world government simulations and develop essential skills in leadership, public speaking, collaboration, and critical thinking. Through realistic simulations, students engage in debates, author legislation, and navigate complex political landscapes.
The 2027 program will include returning favorites such as the Presidential Cabinet, House and Senate, and Media, along with four committee offerings: Senate Armed Services, District Courts, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Participating students will also join La Salle’s Global Studies group and have an opportunity to conduct student-led collaborative capstone research with our partner school in China.
Email Ms. Sun at jsun@lasallehs.org for early sign-up.
Model Legislature & Court
The Center is introducing the new Model Legislature & Court through a collaboration with the Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA’s Youth & Government Programs. It is an incredible opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in simulations modeled after California’s legislature and courts while building understanding and awareness of civic service, leadership, and action.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, there will be 15 program committees under the Model Legislature & Court umbrella:
- Appellate Court
- Board of Education
- California Investment Bank
- Campaign Strategy Teams
- Constitutional Convention
- Department of Finance
- Forum — all freshmen will be required to join Forum
- Legislative House
- Legislative Analysts
- Lobbyists
- Media
- Special Interest Committees
- Supreme Court
- Office of the Youth Secretary of State
- International Convention
Please contact Ms. Sun at jsun@lasallehs.org or 626-696-4389 for special-discount and application details.
Summer Harvard Leadership & Communication Workshop
This immersive five-day program equips students with the foundational skills needed to become confident and effective public speakers while developing essential abilities such as leadership, interview techniques, teamwork, and negotiation. Through engaging dialogues, students will also explore the importance of cultural learning and apply critical-thinking skills to analyze and discuss current global issues.
Students will receive mentorship and coaching as they prepare for a capstone presentation. Additionally, the workshop includes a college application information session and a question-and-answer session with Harvard mentors. The program concludes with a Certificate of Completion issued by Harvard Model Congress, recognizing students’ dedication and achievement.
The Center also fosters interdisciplinary growth by collaborating with other programs, such as Speech & Debate and Model UN, to provide students with additional opportunities to refine their practical skills. The Center supports students in actively participating in programs and initiatives that promote international cooperation and diplomacy studies.
Institute for Global Learning Student Dialogues & Global Competence Certificates (IGL)
As an IGL member school, La Salle offers students the opportunity to engage in IGL’s global intercultural conversations, connecting thousands of young learners from schools across North America and more than 37 other countries. These discussions address important global issues and current events, including climate change, gender equality, and various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, all aimed at enhancing students’ intercultural communication and perspective-taking skills.
IGL also offers a Global Competence Certificate Program for students ages 14–17. It is a unique virtual opportunity for teens to cultivate essential global skills, build cultural bridges, and become part of a global community. The program features a secure platform exclusively for minors to connect and interact with peers worldwide.
National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)
The National Student Leadership Conference offers an engaging and immersive pre-college experience designed to prepare students for life after middle and high school. Participants have the opportunity to study in university settings, become familiar with campus life, and explore potential career interests. Additionally, each NSLC program includes a leadership curriculum that teaches valuable skills applicable across various aspects of life.
United Planet Virtual Global Citizen Leader Internship
The Global Citizen Leader Internship Program is an extraordinary opportunity for high school students to engage in virtual internships with social enterprises and nonprofit organizations in more than 20 countries, all from the comfort of their homes. This fully funded program not only provides valuable work experience but also offers comprehensive training in global citizen leadership.
Ms. Jialin Sun is a global education and international exchange specialist with extensive experience in language and cultural studies, intercultural learning, and educational leadership.
As Director of the Center for Cultural Perspectives at La Salle College Preparatory, Ms. Sun oversees the school’s international partnerships, educational exchanges, and global engagement initiatives that connect students and educators with diverse cultures and perspectives. She collaborates with Lasallian schools and educational organizations worldwide to design transformative learning experiences that cultivate global competency, cultural understanding, leadership, and responsible citizenship.
Guided by her cross-cultural background and passion for global education, Ms. Sun is dedicated to fostering empathy, intercultural understanding, and meaningful connections that empower students to engage confidently and thoughtfully in an increasingly interconnected world.
Ms. Sun can be reached at jsun@lasallehs.org or 626-696-4389.
