Global Competence

Global Competence is the knowledge of international issues and the ability to cooperate with people from different backgrounds. In order to gain global competence we need to be educated on tolerance, global responsibility, and have appreciation for other cultures. It is important to study world history and read the news to be knowledgeable of global issues. It is important to have global awareness so we can understand that events can have affects on the entire world. In order to gain global competence we also have be able to accept cultural differences and be able to work in harmony with diversity. While abroad, I learned many of these aspects of global competence. I learned the importance of being patient and tolerant of other cultures, the incentive of learning new languages, and the significance of studying global issues and events.

Global Citizenship:Thinking Globally Acting Locally

     While abroad, I learned a lot about thinking globally. It's interesting to be around different cultures and realize there's more to the world than just the United States. Sometimes in the United States we get too caught up on ourselves and do not take the time to accept diversity and other cultures. In everyday thoughts and actions we need to think globally, especially in the business world. It is important to take other cultures into consideration when speaking and making decisions. It would be easy to offend other cultures and ruin business deals if business professionals do not think globally.

     The phrase "thinking globally and acting locally" could also refer to our environment. This encourages people to think of the consequences of everyday actions that could be harmful to our environment. This is important for businesses to realize the environmental damage their company could provide.

Osborne Winery

On May 31st we went to the Osborne Winery. We started the visit by touring the facilities. We learned how they age their wine and the difference between each wine. Our guide told us that the bottom row of barrels are the oldest wines and each row above it gets younger. He also told us that the barrels will go bad if the entire barrel of wine is ever completely empty. So when they remove wine from the barrels, they replace it with the next generation of wine from the row above. He also told us each barrel lasts 100 years. It was interesting to me that whiskey companies buy Osborne's wine barrels after 100 years of use. After the tour we got to taste the wine. Since the wine was sherry wine, it was not what I was use to. It tasted very bitter but I still enjoyed the trip!