Each country must prepare an issue to bring to the summit that, if passed by the assembly, would help with their overall strategic plan. Students must present their plans in class, and they are encouraged to use technology such as Powerpoint to make their presentations. On summit day, between 250 and 300 students from various schools represent around 50 countries. They are encouraged, and rewarded, to wear costumes of their country. Flags from each of the countries are flown, tables are established for each country, and an agenda of trade and negotiation to execute the strategic plan is presented.
Students always have a great time and work hard to accomplish their goals.
The economic summit is a method of teaching international trade and exchange between countries in a way that directly involves the students. Since the students themselves have established their strategic plans, they have ownership in the process. They also come to realize that they must have the economic information in order to understand the entire process at the summit. It is a cooperative effort, yet fosters competition when points are given for their success. It is the best method I can envision for getting students to learn about and apply economic concepts in foreign trade.