In a world of shrinking borders and constant discussion of global economies and international interdependence, there is increasing economic opportunity as well as necessity for international trade.
Students are especially interested in exploring careers which seem both glamorous and lucrative.
They will earn their commissions based on how well they facilitate the match between countries that want American made goods and American providers. Employing telecommunications to access trade related documents prepared by U.S. embassies abroad, small groups of students acting as international trade brokers use this information to select one or more American products to sell to a given foreign country. Further on-line research provides students with information about companies that could supply the desired goods. Students prepare brief marketing plans to address both the foreign country's and the American producer's needs. Finally students make telephone, mail, or fax contact with a selected company, explain their class project, and inquire about the possibility of the company's doing business with the chosen foreign country.