Center for Global Awareness
We are an educational nonprofit dedicated to inspiring lifelong learning for travelers, educators, and students of all ages. Through our travel program, publications, educational resources, workshops, and other initiatives, we foster a holistic approach that deepens cultural understanding, broadens global perspectives, and encourages balanced viewpoints.
See the World with New Eyes
Our mission is to inspire people to see the world with new eyes—to engage with curiosity, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the richness and variety of the human experience.
Latest News!
Welcome to the Center for Global Awareness’ new website!
Please excuse us as we work to finish up 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 informational travel program that helps travelers deepen their global awareness and understanding 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, to see the world with new eyes. In launching globally aware travel for the general public, we aim to go beyond sightseeing—encouraging 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 picture?
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 have on global issues?
How can 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 the understanding of our place and relationships within the wider world—developed through greater familiarity with world history, diverse cultures, global issues, worldviews, and both personal and global well-being.
What is global awareness?
A Village in Iran, photo Denise Ames
Our species stands at a critical juncture in human history, and the Center for Global Awareness provides powerful opportunities to better understand our uncertain and rapidly changing world. As fortunate global citizens, we have a responsibility to remain aware and well-informed about the state of our planet, sharing the wisdom and perspectives we gain with others.
The importance
of global awareness …
Berlin Wall, Germany, photo Denise Ames
Strive to expand your mindset, think holistically, appreciate diverse global perspectives, and maintain balanced views.
This approach enables travelers to develop a deeper understanding of the world—helping them to form thoughtful, informed opinions and to communicate with others with wisdom and compassion.
When practicing global awareness…
"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 integrating personal and global 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 about diverse cultures and their histories. She hopes to share her passion, knowledge, and experiences with fellow engaged travelers.
Denise in front of a mosque in Iran
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Global Awareness Blog
Follow Dr. Denise R. Ames as she weaves engaging stories into her thoughtful blogs about U.S. and world travels, hiking adventures, experiences in nature, and insights on practicing global awareness through travel.
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 related subjects that spark my curiosity.
Botanical Gardens, Honduras, photo D. Ames