Globalization and international trade are key drivers of our national and state economies. South Carolina already ranks second in the nation in the percentage of workers employed by foreign-owned companies and ninth in terms of jobs created by international trade; the state exports to 188 countries. With more than 80 percent of trade taking place outside U.S. borders, however, continued economic development depends upon improving international skills in the business community and in creating an awareness of the internationalization of our economy.

The School of Business and Economics offers one of only a handful of undergraduate degrees in international business in the Southeast, the degree most commonly held by entry level managers. Indeed, the College of Charleston is the largest provider of undergraduate international business and foreign language degrees in South Carolina. Its graduates, many of whom stay in the region after matriculating, are key to the development of an internationally skilled workforce.

A key role of the GTI is the continued development of international education opportunities so that students gain the necessary international business skills, cross-cultural experience and foreign language proficiency needed to compete effectively in today's globalized economy. To ensure that the international business knowledge conveyed is up-to-date and relevant, the GTI also supports faculty development and international business research.

The GTI is housed in the Global Trade and Resource Center of the College of Charleston's School of Business and Economics. Its port-city location, in the beautiful historic city center, places the GTI in the heart of the international trade community. Top-notch facilities at the Beatty and Tate Centers make the GTI the ideal venue for international trade seminars, workshops and lectures.

The GTI continues to build upon longstanding relationships with the S.C. World Trade Center, the State Ports Authority and other international trade organizations to expand international trade education to mid-career professionals. In conjunction with the S.C. World Trade Center, for example, it is now the first organization in the state to offer the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional program. The GTI partners with Charleston Women in International Trade in a mentoring program that matches students and global trade and logistics professionals in mutually beneficial relationships.