Glocal (adjective), pronounced /ˈɡlōk(ə)l/, is defined as “reflecting or characterized by both local and global considerations” (definition from: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/glocal).

Field experiences, internships, volunteer opportunities which occur abroad I think at times encroaches upon this word: glocal. This is because in some cases, individuals are contributing to efforts taking place locally for a global cause.  One example could be the programs which deal with sustainability. Currently, the various efforts which encourage sustainable practices may differ from one city to the next and are likely to be structured in a way as to accommodate how the city functions. Yet, what good would it do if sustainability initiatives remain a localized effort? Unfortunately, environmental issues such as climate change is not limited to nor contained within any boundaries. Similar is the case for food security. Food security was defined during the 1996 World Food Summit as “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life” (WHO, 2014, http://www.who.int/trade/glossary/story028/en/). Thus, while practices to enhance food security at different localities may strive for cultural appropriateness and be tailored to fit the needs of the community, the ultimate goal of these efforts then, in relation to the definition as outlined in the World Food Summit of 1996, is to achieve food security for “all”.

After having listened to guest lectures pertaining to field studies and internship opportunities as well as having been provided an opportunity to speak to fellow GRS students who have already experienced studying and working abroad, I was left with an odd feeling of realizing how small the world seemed to be. While cities and countries may be an ocean away, technological advancements over time has enabled us to be able to reach those places within a matter of hours. More than ever, it is looking as though local efforts have greater potential to contribute to global efforts by having these physical connections between places around the world. This is further aided by the various methods of communication available at our disposal, as evidenced by video calls to GRS alumni around the globe. From a political perspective, in a TED Talk by Benjamin Barber (2013) on “Why mayors should rule the world” (http://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_barber_why_mayors_should_rule_the_world), it explained a potential for global democracy to be achieved through cities which would provide an avenue for tackling global problems across borders, where citizens of such cities become “citizen without borders” (Barber, 2013). It seems that there is a growing trend of connecting local to global, which sounds logical as the problems faced around the world are becoming increasingly complex to solve as the origins of these problems are found to be much more interconnected involving numerous key players.

Overall, though I have yet to embark on a field study as part of my degree, whether it be within Canada or abroad, one aspect I will be sure to remember is to learn about how the local community is affected by the efforts I may be contributing to and, understanding what kind of connections these local efforts have with issues raised on the global platform.