People Impacted: 37
SIFE Students Involved: 8
Audience: La Grande High School, EOU Students

A lesson that taught high school and college students how free markets work in a global economy. Consisted of curriculum for a sixty-five minute lesson called "International Auto, Inc." that gave students the opportunity to participate in a business simulation, which considered business, finance, as well as cultural and ethical issues affecting international business today. Students took notes on a presentation, covering the above topics. Then they assumed the role of a US auto manufacturer that purchases parts from the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, China, and Germany. Representatives for each country were actual citizens from the EOU International Relations Club. Students completed a vehicle from a provided parts list by meeting or exceeding their customer's needs and wants. They completed transactions with foreign countries by using current exchange rates, and being sensitive to cultural differences.

Results: Students realized a 62% increase in knowledge of the global marketplace from a pre- and post-test. In addition, student groups successfully assembled an automobile for a customer within a budget, and varying cultural environments.