Sponsored by the Center for International Education (CIE) at UW-Milwaukee and The University of Wisconsin System Institute for Global Studies (IGS), the Summer Institute is an annual three-day program intended to provide K-16 educators with an opportunity to learn about and discuss contemporary international issues and their practical applications for the classroom.

The 2003 Global Studies Summer Institute, entitled “Youth Culture and Commerce in a Globalized World,” explored whether there is such a thing as “global youth” bound together through globalized commerce. Do young people around the world who purchase similar fashion, music, movies, and maybe even food, also hold similar views on culture, family, education, and religion? Do similarities in youth culture around the world outweigh traditional ways of thinking and living? And does globalization for young people necessarily mean Americanization?

This program explored globalization and youth culture, and examined the role of children as producers and consumers in the global economy. For online resources related to"Youth Culture and Commerce in a Globalized World," please see our Teaching Resource Guide.