Even though I have not decided if am studying abroad next spring, this class was a great eye opener to the different economies around the world. With our focus on a specific country for the entire quarter, it really helped me see how a market other than the US's works. Besides our individual focus on a country, the class delved into how markets work together around the world. Some specific things we learned about that i think have been most directly applicable to understanding how the world works are supply and demand, arbitrage, GDP, and transportation.
After this class, I am more interested in learning about tourism and its immense effect on economies, developed or undeveloped. The reading about tourism's effect on Pomegranate in Turkey really stuck with me. I don't think very many tourists think much about how their spending abroad is affecting the country's tourist industry and economy as a whole. In many places, such as Mexico, tourism is a huge source of national income.
I think the most challenging thing for me next year will first be deciding if I am going to study abroad. If I do, I will be participating in the three month program in Madrid, Spain. If I end up studying abroad, I think the most challenging thing for me will be coping with the distance from home and lack of immediate contact with my friends and family. I think I also will be a bit overwhelmed with the change in currency, scenery, and social etiquette: the expected culture shock of arriving in a new country.
