Center for Global Awareness
As an educational nonprofit, we inspire curious, lifelong learners to explore the world through our travel program, publications, and thought-provoking resources—fostering cultural understanding, broadening global perspectives, and encouraging open-minded, balanced ways of seeing the world.
See the World with New Eyes
We invite people to see the world with new eyes—approaching it with curiosity, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the richness and diversity of human experience.
Latest News!
Welcome to the Center for Global Awareness’ new website!
Please excuse us as we finish the new site!
Center for Global Awareness Offers Three Programs
1. Global Awareness for Educators – Provides globally focused books and educational resources for educators and students from grade 9 through university.
2. GATHER (Global Awareness Through Engaged Reflection) – A study and discussion program designed for self-organizing groups of lifelong learners who wish to explore global issues through reflection and dialogue.
3. GATE (Global Awareness for Travelers) – An educational travel program that helps travelers deepen their global awareness through meaningful travel experiences.
Our Newest Program: GATE
Global Awareness for Travelers
GATE is an educational travel initiative designed to help travelers explore the world with greater understanding and insight—seeing the world with new eyes. By bringing globally aware travel to a wider audience, we go beyond sightseeing to spark curiosity about the deeper stories that shape people and places.
Through GATE, we explore questions such as:
How does a region’s history fit into the larger global context?
Why do people hold particular values, beliefs, and traditions?
How do culture and geography influence local food, art, and customs?
What perspectives do different communities bring to global issues?
How does our own worldview shape the way we experience travel?
Engaging with these questions—and many more—is the heart of globally aware travel.
Global Awareness is an under-standing of our interconnected place and relationships in the world, informed by knowledge of world history, cultures, global issues, and diverse worldviews, and guided by humility, critical thinking, and a commitment to shared well-being.
What is global awareness?
A Village in Iran, photo Denise Ames
Humanity is living through a remarkable moment of change, and the Center for Global Awareness invites people of all backgrounds to explore and make sense of our evolving world. By staying curious and well‑informed about the state of our planet, we open ourselves to new perspectives—and we enrich our communities by sharing the understanding we gain.
The importance
of global awareness …
Berlin Wall, Germany, photo Denise Ames
…is an open and curious outlook that includes awareness of one’s own perspectives and biases. It supports a holistic understanding of the world, values diverse viewpoints, and seeks balance in interpreting complex issues. This mindset enables individuals to form thoughtful, informed views and to communicate them with wisdom and compassion.
A global awareness mindset …
"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard"
Roman Ruins, Tyre, Lebanon, photo Denise Ames
Meet the Team
Dr. Denise R. Ames and Mia D. Beurskens are delighted to work with you to deepen your global awareness through travel.
Dr. Denise R. Ames
Founder
Veteran educator in world and US history, world cultures and geography, global issues, and global awareness; she is an avid traveler and author of eleven books.
Photo: Dr. Denise R. Ames at the Haigia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
Mia D. Beurskens
Partner
Award winning graphic designer specializing in exhibit design, with a passion for global awareness and travel.
Photo: Mia D. Beurskens at Calder's Flamingo in Chicago, Illinois
Travel with New Eyes:
A Global Awareness Guide for Travelers
by Dr. Denise R. Ames
This thought-provoking book—the latest in our series—advocates for a new approach to travel: globally aware travel. It offers practical ways to deepen our understanding of world history, cultures, worldviews, and global issues, while embracing the broader dimensions of well-being. $12.95 (204 pgs, with illustrations)
Global Awareness Blog and Articles
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Dr. Denise R. Ames, Author
Veteran educator Dr. Denise R. Ames is passionate about exploring the world and learning from diverse cultures and their histories, and she is committed to sharing that passion, knowledge, and experience with engaged individuals.
Denise in front of a mosque in Iran
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Global Awareness Blog
Follow Dr. Denise R. Ames as she shares engaging stories through her thoughtful blogs on contemporary culture, U.S. and global travel, hiking adventures, nature experiences, and more.
Fortress, Tallinn, Estonia, photo Denise Ames -
Global Awareness Articles
Dr. Ames writes compelling longer-form articles about global awareness topics, places she has traveled, and time-honored insights. Explore her inspiring topics.
Coming Soon!!
Tea in South Korea, photo Denise Ames -
About the Blog and Articles
My topics include world affairs and history, worldviews and culture, U.S. and international travel, global awareness, personal reflections, nature and hiking, family experiences, and other subjects that spark my curiosity.
Botanical Gardens, Honduras, photo D. Ames