Global Competence Associates

07/19/2025

Fascinating underwater discovery of an ancient civilization in Indonesia, which creates new understanding of how early humans lived in Southeast Asia using advanced strategies and techniques.

This former lush plain is now buried in an underwater river valley forming today's Madura Strait.

Picture a vast, forgotten world engulfed by tide and time, its secrets hidden under silt and sand. Far beneath the waves between Indonesia's islands lies something remarkable—a lost world and civilization, an old ecosystem, and an enigma that rewrites our understanding of early human ingenuity. Ar...

04/22/2025

We have lost another great world leader who was known for reminding us to "love one another" and to "respect one another."

In his last address on Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025, among other things, Pope Francis shared the following:

"On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas!"

May he Rest in Peace.

Quotation from Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

04/09/2025

Rather than visiting a checklist of tourist sites as efficiently as possible, you may want to consider spending time immersing in the culture using the "slow travel" approach.

Travel experts share the benefits of this mindful approach to trips and how to experience it to the fullest.

04/26/2024

Did you realize that key elements of modern cities around the world were intentionally designed for World's Fairs? The next time you see one of these structures you will have a better idea of its origin and historical significance.

These are some of the most famous and influential World's Fair buildings still standing today, from Paris' Eiffel Tower to Seattle's Space Needle. ambimages/Shutterstock

04/24/2024

It should come as no surprise that language learning is a good idea for anyone in today’s interconnected world. However, did you know that the process of learning a language is one of the vehicles for developing global competence? 🌐

We know this fact as we have been measuring the global competence of people all over the world for the last 15 years using the Global Competence Aptitude Assessment®.

Learning languages offers so many opportunities to develop each of the dimensions of the Global Competence Model™:

1.) Cultural learning when translating passages about the various places where the language may be spoken, including about history, geography, foods, festivals, arts, daily life, folk stories, etc. (Historical Perspective and Global Awareness)

2.) Opening neural pathways to thinking in different ways (Open-Mindedness)

3.) Learning about different ways of life that you may not have been aware of previously so you can detect, appreciate, and respect those differences in others (Attentiveness to Diversity)

4.) Gaining personal perspective about how your culture and nation’s stories, as well as your personal preferences and way of life may be similar to and/or different than others’ perspectives (Self-Awareness)

5.) Increasing understanding of different customs, protocols, personal and professional dynamics, and ways of showing respect through interpersonal interactions (Intercultural Capability and Collaboration Across Cultures)

6.) Gaining confidence and communication skills to interact and speak with people from different cultures, and increasing the likelihood for exploring previously unknown places, foods, and experiences (Risk Taking).

Language proficiency can provide multiple benefits to employees and organizations in today's interconnected world.

03/03/2024

Have you ever wondered why Americans, people from many other nations in continental Europe, and elsewhere around the globe drive on the right? And why, conversely, do Brits and people from other British colonies drive on the left?

Things always make more sense when you are aware of history!

In the case of the USA, driving on the right goes back to the Eastern Pennsylvania town of Conestoga, where all those wagons were built for America's westward expansion. Napolean, social class, and common forms of movement and conveyance affected Europe's driving decisions. Mass produced automobiles (i.e., horseless carriages) later adopted such norms. The rest, as they say, is history.

One challenge Americans face when visiting the United Kingdom is learning to drive on the “wrong” side of the road. The British drive on the left side of the road while we, in America, drive on the right side.

09/08/2022

We mark this day with sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was an exceptional female world leader who visited more than 100 countries during her 70-year reign, adapting and showing respect to people of different generations, races, religions, and nationalities around the world, building rapport with all whom she met. She was a tremendous ambassador for the UK, a person who had a front row seat during tremendous historical change, and a living example of global competence--before anyone even understood what such a competency was. Well done, Ma’am!

07/12/2022

Traditionally, the word “community” has referenced a specific geographic locale. However, in recent years, boundaries have become more flexible, and the word has been used to also reference a specific group of people. The challenge now is to determine which meaning is intended. Respecting diversity means pausing and reflecting before judgement, considering CONTEXT and intent. When First Lady Jill Biden spoke recently in San Antonio, TX, USA she metaphorically used BOTH forms of the word:

"Raul helped build this organization with the understanding that the diversity of this community, as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength.”

In referencing the diversity of Latinos across the USA and their microcultures, she highlighted a few places and an associated positive: convenient corner stores, gorgeous flowers, and delicious food. She did not say that people were markets, or flora, or tacos.

Listen to the clip. Unlike those who wish to pounce, pre-judge, or seek negative publicity, you can clearly hear her intent—and the audience’s reaction to her words. They applauded long enough that the First Lady had to pause her remarks!

Jill Biden says she has "pure admiration and love for the Latino community" after she was criticized for comments during a speech in San Antonio.

07/09/2022

The world is shocked by the assassination of PM Shinzo ABE, and we mourn with Japan. Abe-san was an influential leader who will be sorely missed.

President Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until July 10 following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

10/22/2021

Today is Spirit Day. We are happy to go purple and support LGBTQ youth and bullying prevention.