Projects, Activities, and Accomplishments
Background
The Global Business Institute (GLOBI) is the College of Business Administration’s response to the tremendous change brought about by the internationalization of business and higher education.
- GLOBI actively strives to encourage the inclusion of international business content in the curricula and in the activities of the college.
- GLOBI functions as an interface among the university and College of Business Administration; other academic disciplines and programs at the university; as well as business, government, and the local community.
- GLOBI searches and promotes international research, teaching, study, and cultural exchange programs.
- GLOBI seeks funding to support the college's international initiatives.
- GLOBI showcases the international activities of the college.
Projects
The Global Business Center
Three lead partnering organizations: the U.S. Department of Commerce, Knoxville U.S. Export Assistance Center, and the International Trade Center/TSBDC along with the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, the University of Tennessee Global Business Institute, and nine other state and regional organizations,have joined as partners to establish the Global Business Center. 
The center's goal is to further the "internationalizing" of East Tennessee. One of the first tasks of the center will be to conduct an international trade survey that will benchmark the region's international involvement as well as identify barriers to competing internationally. Based on the results, the center will implement programs to expand the knowledge of international trade and ways to enter international markets.
Possible international trade education programs will include a Passport to International Trade seminar series, market briefings, and in-depth seminars and workshops dealing with specific international trade issues.
Other areas of focus will be the development of a Global Business Council and the identification of international internship opportunities for college students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
For additional information on the Global Business Center of East Tennessee, call 865-637-4550, or contact George Frank with the U.S. Department of Commerce, george.frank@mail.doc.gov, or Bob Jenkins with the International Trade Center, itc-knoxville@kacp.com.
Grants
Engage in identifying and pursuing public and private funding opportunities for the college's international initiatives.
International Internships/Work-abroad Opportunities
International work and internship opportunities are identified for the college of business students on the college's website. Also identified are other sources of work and internship opportunities through campus departments and outside organizations.
Activities
Speaker and Event Series
GLOBI hosts speakers and events on international topics that are open to the college, the university, and the community. These events are coordinated by GLOBI as well as through the Global Business Center.
Partnership Coordination
GLOBI serves as the point of contact for local and international partners.
Internationalization of Programs and Curricula
The GLOBI Faculty Committee facilitates the internationalization of the college's curricula and promotes opportunities for international professional development.
Accomplishments
- Establishment of the Global Business Center
- Planning and execution of multiple study abroad trips and international residency periods for undergraduate, graduate, and executive students
- Forged partnerships with universities in Asia, Europe, and South America to cooperatively offer programs
- Awarded a U.S. Department of Education Business and International Education (BIE) program grant