International Business

For many students, this may be the first time they have taken an international business course. Some students may be concerned that they will not have the expertise or knowledge to do well in this course. This is not the case! 

Before you allow yourself to feel overwhelmed, pause and think about the fact that you do know some things about international business. For example, if you check the country of origin for some common items you possess, such as computers, electronic equipment and clothing, you will notice that most of these are made in countries other than your home country.  As such, you have been purchasing products from other countries and engaging in international business. If you've traveled outside your home country to a foreign country, you have likely learned something about its economics and culture -- giving you hands on experience and at least some familiarity with international business.

As every student knows, the use of the Internet is no longer just for academicians. Global shopping websites like Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Groupon, etc. operate in scores of countries. If you order products on the Internet, as most of us do, then perhaps you have ordered something from a country other than your home country. Social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Renren, Yammer, etc. connect people, consumers, and producers in a process known as globalization.

Whether you know it or not, every student who is taking this course is, by definition, conducting international business! You are paying tuition to Penn State World Campus that operates globally on an international platform made possible through international operations.