Testimonials and Sponsors

Brian Opyrchal

I believe that Global Trade Mission was an overall good experience. I learned more on how businesses operate globally and how global business really works. I was able to discuss different issues with people around the entire world. I also learned a lot about culture and paying respect to other countries in order to do good business with them. I was also able to use advanced technology like videoconferencing in order to complete the tasks I had at hand. Most of all, I had an opportunity to work with different people in order to accomplish one common goal.

Laura Van Hout

The Global Trade Mission 2007 was a fun, educational, and challenging experience. Students across Lower Michigan had the opportunity to work in teams to create solutions to problems that puzzle leaders worldwide. In a constructive environment, the teams practiced research and analyzing while working together under the stress of deadlines. In a group, the teams put together a business presentation that was delivered in front of a panel of judges. Students were able to recognize strengths and improve upon weaknesses. As the weekend progressed, both students and mentors alike were able to participate in video conferences with professionals around the world, and meet delegates from countries as far as Africa. In particular I enjoyed learning that in many nations culture plays a big role in business. Also, I learned the importance of communication, especially when a deadline is lurking in the present future. I believe that every individual who had the opportunity to partake in the Global Trade Mission 2007 had an amazing learning experience…an education away from the text books that can be applied to real life situations, and in an ever-increasing business world.

Josh Frontiera

Global Trade Mission was a great experience for me. It was incredibly interesting listening to representatives from different countries and hearing about their countries and business practices. I think overall it showed me a different perspective on the global marketplace. It was very challenging but felt good once it was all over. We all worked incredibly hard for a few days and learned a lot in the small amount of time given. It was a great experience that should be repeated again next year!

Robert Wright

The experience that I had at the Global Trade Mission was incredible! I learned a lot about the growing global economy, global business, and teamwork. The team that I was put with was amazing! Kai, Kala, and Kalena turn out to be great business partners and grew to become friends. All of our opinions differed, which was a great thing because it forced us to work to find the most effective middle ground. I would suggest the Global Trade Mission to everyone because it gave me great exposure to the daily life of a businessperson working in the global marketplace!

Sumedha Makker

The Global Trade Mission was a very interesting, exciting and valuable experience for me. By working with others I was able build my team working skills. I got to learn about different countries and the impact that their economies have on ours. I began to understand and embrace the idea that "the world is flat." It was interesting having the opportunity to learn about the cultures and values in different countries. The importance of how of how to communicate with different countries was emphasized as well.

Arthur Marques

GTM was an amazing experience for me, in all ways. By getting to know new people from other schools to people from around the globe, I learned that communication skills are more required from the new generation than ever before. And barriers of distance, language, and culture are being broken into smaller pieces making the world flat.

Sam Othman

Global Trade Mission was a very good experience and one I will remember for a long time. Working with different types of people in a business like environment was a realistic work experience. It taught me a lot about the world of business as well as many valuable skills. I really appreciate the opportunity. Global Trade Mission taught me a lot of useful information that will be very helpful for me in the future. If you are into business, entrepreneurship, or other related subjects I suggest you take part in this.

Mike Swain

GTM has improved my team working skills tremendously. They challenge you by giving you a challenge with time constraints which also enhances your time management skills. I had an awesome experience there. You get grouped with intelligent hard working people. There is much more freedom there than at school, which was refreshing. The student and teacher coaches were very helpful and the speeches given by specialist were incredible. GTM is a great program that really challenges you and gives you a lot of respect for the people that do the things you did everyda