4-22 The Complexity of the European Union

Watch the YouTube video “The European Union Explained.” Can you describe the differences between the EU, the Eurozone, and the European Economic Area (EEA)? Why would there be the need for these different agreements? How do these tie to past history of EU member countries?

4-23 Same Company, Different Products

Go to the website of the Swedish furniture maker IKEA (www.ikea.com). Under the “select a location” option, choose the United States. Review the site and note the products and the design of the page. Then go back to the home page and choose a different country. Look for differences in the appearance of the website and the products offered. Why do you think these sites are different for each county?

4-24 Go State!

Have you ever considered a career with the U.S. State Department? At www.state.gov, under “Youth and Education,” select “Student Career Programs.” What aspects of these careers appeal to you? Visit the Fulbright Scholar program. What information in the Fulbright Fellow Orientation Handbook is new to you?

4-25 Cultural Guidelines

Knowing how to behave in a variety of countries is critical with increased globalization. Go to www.kwintessential.co.uk to find business etiquette materials on the site. Select three different countries from different regions of the world. Review the “Etiquette, Customs and Protocol” guides for each country. Create a pamphlet for business travelers on the business dos and don’ts for each country.

4-26 You’re the Trader

Imagine you’re in charge of trading goods for a country. Would you focus on building wealth by selling commodities or on developing an industry by purchasing raw materials? Type “IMF trading around the world” into your Internet browser. This should pull up a link to the page of the International Monetary Fund where you can play a game in which you become an international trader. Measure your success on the global economics conditions scale.