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Report from Amor Kok, Former Global Achievers Coordinator and Georgia
Economics Teacher of the Year in Georgia
8/12/02

I was honored to have been invited to George Washington University to attend the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs Fellowship program June 20-22, 2002.

Our Georgia delegation of eight, comprised of educators, business leaders, local and state governments were joined by sixty delegates from Alabama, Connecticut, Maine, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.

I joined Dr. Richard Sutton, Director, Council for International Education of the University System of Georgia, for sessions for the education track. We focused on the challenge of education citizens in an era of globalization. The program focused on the influences of globalization in states and localities in every corner of the nation. With one in six jobs linked to international trade and investment, not jurisdiction can ignore the global economy. We discussed good practices in state and local policies and programs to confreont challenges and opportunities of globalization. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office and Coandian Embassy were gracious hosts to receptions and dinner.

The Elliott School of International Affairs were wonderful hosts, and I know they were all inspired to try and make a difference in our communities.

Coming back to my opportunity to participate, it is without any reservation that I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Fayette County Schools and Achievers International-Georgia (now Global Achievers) for allowing me to experiment and teach the International Business class at Sandy Creek High School. This program allowed me to open the eyes of my students to the world around them. I have had many contacts over the years from these students pursuing various careers in the global arena. Although Commissioner Carlos Martel of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism invited me and said that I was recommended to him, I only know it must have been someone that I had met while teaching this class. This program enabled local businesses and the schools to embark on a mutually rewarding partnership. This is a program to be proud of, and during my visit in Washington, Global Achievers was a program that sold itself. I can only hope that the people to whom I gave out information will have the opportunity to teach this innovating and stimulating program.