Center for Cultural Perspectives
Center for Cultural Perspectives
La Salle's Commitment to Global Understanding and Navigating Diverse Perspectives
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 communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
-Developing skills in listening, interpreting, and conveying messages across cultural boundaries.
-Analyzing global issues from multiple perspectives.
-Evaluating the impact of cultural differences on social, political, and economic issues.
-Acquiring proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
-Enhancing ability to communicate and engage in different cultural contexts.
-Developing strategies to navigate complex global challenges.
-Learning to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds to find innovative solutions.
-Learning to adjust to new environments and situations.
-Building resilience in unfamiliar or challenging contexts.
-Understanding one’s role and responsibilities in a globalized world.
-Engaging in actions that promote social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
-Enhancing teamwork, collaboration, and relationship-building with people from diverse cultures.
-Developing negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
-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 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 focused 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 it also sparks an enthusiasm for fostering connections and collaboration.
Whether it’s a short global adventure or an extended study abroad, La Salle student will experience studying and interacting with other students from other cultures, learning their way of life through a lens of compassion and empathy.
2025-2026 Exchange & Service-Learning Destinations: (submit a student application)
La Salle Montemolín & La Salle Gran Vía, Spain (Zaragoza & Madrid), 11/20 to 12/1, 2025
Sacre-Coeur La Salle & La Croix Rouge La Salle, France (Reims, Brest & Paris), 11/20 to 12/1, 2025
Colegio De La Salle, Argentina (Buenos Aires), 4/2 to 4/12, 2026
Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School, China (Shanghai), 4/2 to 4/12, 2026
Summer service-learning in Zaragoza, Spain (7/30 to 8/30, 2026)
Summer service-learning, Italy (various locations; 6/13 to 7/15, 2026)
Interested in hosting a visiting student from one of our partner schools? Please sign up here and join us for the fun adventure!
Want more details? You can always find them here via the Center newsletter.
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.
Current program partners —
- Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE)
- International House, Valencia, Spain
- Centro Mundolengua, Serville, 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. |
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. |
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 all grades. Students who successfully complete these courses will earn three college credits that are transferrable to institutions within the UC and CSU system.
Global Studies 001: introduction to Global Studies (course description)
Global Studies 002: issues in Global Studies (course description)
Speech 010: Interpersonal Communication (course description)
Interested students can contact the Center Director for Cultural Perspectives at jsun@lasallehs.org for additional information and registration assistance.
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.
The Center for Cultural Perspectives provides the opportunity through two distinguished programs –
- San Francisco-based Conference (HMCSF):
HMCSF is a leading civic engagement conference within the Harvard Model Congress network worldwide. At the annual HMCSF, student participants collaborate directly with Harvard delegates to hone critical skills such as speech, debate, and in-depth analysis of pressing political issues. Through realistic simulations, students engage in debates, author legislation, and navigate complex political landscapes.
Participation in HMCSF offers students a rare opportunity to develop essential skills that enhance their critical-thinking abilities, broaden their perspectives, and grasp nuanced understandings of contemporary issues. Additionally, students benefit from networking opportunities with peers from diverse backgrounds and engaging in meaningful discussions with Harvard delegates.
- 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 skills 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. They will receive mentorship and coaching as they prepare for a capstone presentation. Additionally, the workshop includes a college application information session and a Q&A with Harvard mentors. The program concludes with a Certificate of Completion issued by the Harvard Model Congress, recognizing students’ dedication and achievement.
The Center also fosters interdisciplinary growth by collaborating with other programs, such as Speech & Debate or Model UN, to provide students additional opportunities to further refine their practical skills, and supporting students to actively participate in programs and initiatives promoting international cooperation and diplomacy studies.
- Global Education Benchmark Group Student Dialogue & Global Competency Certificates (GEBG)
As a GEBG member school, La Salle offers students the opportunity to engage in GEBG’s global intercultural conversations, connecting thousands of young learners from schools across North America and over 37 other countries. These discussions tackle important global issues and current events, including climate change, gender equality, and various UN Sustainable Development Goals, all aimed at enhancing students’ intercultural communication and perspective-taking skills.
GEBG also introduces a Global Competence Certificate Program for students aged 14-17. It is a unique virtual opportunity for teens to cultivate essential global skills and build cultural bridges while becoming part of a global community. It 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 chance to study in university settings, become familiar with campus life, and explore potential career interests. Additionally, each NSLC program includes a leadership curriculum that imparts 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 nonprofits in over 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.
Sunny is a long-time language & cultural studies and international exchange program specialist, and her area of expertise is in outreach programs that promote global education. With a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management, complemented by a unique cross-cultural background, Ms. Sun channels her passion and vast knowledge to create opportunities that enable all members of La Salle’s community to connect with people and cultures through global studies and intercultural exchange. As the Center for Global Initiatives & Cultural Perspectives director, Ms. Sun organizes and oversees all exchange and collaborative programs with Lasallian schools and other partners worldwide. Ms. Sun can be reached at jsun@lasallehs.org.
