What is the culture of the country? How have past events shaped current attitudes and interactions among people in the country? How do different groups of people (professional, working class, rural, urban, rich, poor) live, work, and relax each day? How does being exposed to cultural expressions —by musicians, artists, film directors, writers, architects, and designers— help me better understand people in a particular place, at a particular time? How does understanding culture help me better work with diverse people, in the country and around the world, to get everyone involved in tackling a shared task (in business, not-for-profit work, religious work, personal life)? How can I learn about and keep up with the changing culture of a place I don't live?

 

 

How do I begin to get functionally proficient in a new language? What tools are out there to help me learn, and what is the most effective way to use them? What are the basics I should learn so that I can make a person-to-person connection with individuals I meet? How can I become a lifelong learner of a new language, so that I'm ready to use language skills when the need or opportunity arises?

 

 

How do governmental regulations and practices shape economic opportunity for local, regional, and international firms, as well as for their own citizens? 

 

How does the global supply chain work, why is it important for everyone to understand it, and how does the US position shift with the rise of BRICS?

 

 

How do global, regional, and local banking and financial institutions interact with other players to shape economies?


 

 

What are major social challenges people in the country face? Can addressing social needs in context lead to better operational structures and outcomes? Do those social challenges vary in different regions of the country or among different populations (ethnic groups, social classes, professions)? How do people address the challenges they face? How does understanding social challenges make me better grasp the opportunities and limitations I might face in whatever project or collaboration I undertake in the country?