Semester Reflection

Chris Monsour
Chuck Stull
Economics of Global Travelers
6 June 2014

a. What did I learn in this class that I believe will be most directly applicable to understanding how the world works?

I can confidently say that overall, this class showed me how the world and its many cultures function and participate in humanity's constant innovation. We looked at how civilizations, people, globalization, and more evolved from the very beginnings of time until the present. We also often looked towards the future and tried to predict where our modern innovations were heading. Cultures are always learning from the past to better prepare for the future when it comes to innovation, communication, and more. This class truly showed me how far we've come and how far we have yet to go in humanity.

b. What topics are you interested in learning more about, after this class ends?

Globalization, economic systems, and economic geography are topics that I am more interested in delving into after this class. I plan on being in fields of business that require knowing every single angle of the desired investment. (Real estate development, PE, etc..) Whether it's buying real estate or investing in companies to increase growth, it is important to note the laws involved, local demographics, financial markets, cultures of the company and or region, and much more. The topics I'd like to further study from this class aid me in developing the tools I need to gain as much knowledge as possible in the business world.

c. What do you think will be most challenging for you next year, whether you're studying abroad, studying away, or studying at K?

Me and a few roommates and friends recently signed a lease on our first house in Kalamazoo. I believe getting used to living off campus in a home with five others will be pretty difficult at first, however I couldn't be more excited. I am also wary of balancing work and school next year. I plan on interning at a large commercial real estate management company in Kalamazoo while still going to school full-time. Balancing school work, free time, and work all together will be tough, however I'm up for the challenge. In the end, it's all about building experience.