In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, the need for culturally aware and globally competent students has never been more pressing. Since its inception in 2013, Business is Global (BIG) has provided a unique platform for high school students to explore the dynamic intersection of business, language, and culture.
Over the past decade, this two-week summer program has evolved from a small cohort of students into a highly sought-after experience providing high school students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in international business concepts, language acquisition, and cross-cultural understanding. Designed by the IU Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), BIG aims to develop the skills students need to succeed in the interconnected world of global business.
The 2024 edition of BIG was a testament to the program’s ongoing success. With a cohort of 49 students from 11 states, including a targeted focus on rural Indiana, the program exposed participants to a diverse array of global perspectives. Throughout the two weeks, students engaged in hands-on projects, where they created business strategies for international markets, focusing on cities such as Seoul, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro. The experience culminated in team presentations, where students demonstrated their ability to integrate language skills, cultural understanding, and business knowledge.
BIG is about more than just business—it is about building global citizens. The program emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, helping students develop a mindset open to diverse perspectives and introduces participants to less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) while immersing them in the cultures of the countries where those languages are spoken. Languages offered in 2024 included Korean, Russian, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, and Zulu. Students gain the technical knowledge of business and the interpersonal skills that will help them succeed in any global context.
What sets BIG apart from other programs is its emphasis on real-world application. Students are not just passive learners—they are active participants in a global economy simulation. The feedback from students reflects this. A 2024 participant shared:
“Having knowledge of the international business world isn’t the only important thing in order to succeed. You need to know how to network and genuinely build a relationship with whoever you’re given, no matter either background. If you don’t have this skill, all of your “book-knowledge” of business won’t carry you to the max amount of success you could possibly have.”
With 449 students having participated in BIG since 2013, the program has built a lasting legacy of cultivating globally minded young professionals. Many alumni have gone on to pursue international careers or further their studies in business and foreign languages. As BIG looks ahead, the focus remains on creating inclusive, impactful experiences that prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
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