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Why enroll in the GEC?

Waterman globe in lobby of Mitchell Center.

Are you globally and culturally competent? 

The US Department of Education suggests that globally and culturally competent individuals are

  • proficient in at least two languages;

  • aware of differences that exist between cultures, open to diverse perspectives, and appreciative of insight gained through open cultural exchange;

  • critical and creative thinkers, who can apply understanding of diverse cultures, beliefs, economies, technology and forms of government in order to work effectively in cross-cultural settings to address societal, environmental or entrepreneurial challenges;

  • able to operate at a professional level in intercultural and international contexts and to continue to develop new skills and harness technology to support continued growth.

Did you know that between 2015 and 2020, foreign investment surged 12% while overall employment growth was just 1%. About 60% of those jobs are in the manufacturing sector. 

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, 700 international companies have offices and factories in Alabama including: ABB Inc., Airbus Group, BAE Systems, BASF Corporation, BOSCH, BP, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Daimler, Ericsson, Evonik, Hanson North America, Honda North America, Hyundai Motor America, InterContinental Hotels Group, John Hancock Life Insurance, Maersk Inc., Michelin North America, Nokia, Pearson Inc., Randstad North America, Rolls-Royce North America, Sanofi US, Shell, Siemens, Sumitomo Corp. of America, Toyota Motor North America, Transamerica, Tyco, UBS, Zurich Insurance Group.

Several of these, including Airbus Group, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp. (AM/NS Calvert), BASF Corporation, Evonik, and iSAM North America Corporation are in or near Mobile. 

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the US produces 12 million jobs nationally according to the Department of Commerce. 

6.6 million Americans are employed by foreign-owned firms; 2.4 million Americans are employed due to economic activity attributable to foreign-owned firms, such as in their supply chains; 3.5 million Americans are employed in positions attributable to gains in the manufacturing sector. 

 

The US government estimates that about 9 million citizens live overseas.