Celia Rose waited for her plane at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on March 7 at the start of spring break.

By about 8 p.m., she would land in Guanajuato, a mountainous colonial city in central Mexico. She’d visit the Wong family, who lodged the senior from Columbia, Tenn., during her first study abroad excursion in fall of 2005.

For Rose, who is a near-fluent Spanish major, the trip would be for fun – a chance to chat with old friends and return to the culturally rich city.

International experts at Western say international exposure, such as that of Rose, is key for students preparing for a job market that is becoming more global.

Business practices and education around the world are becoming more standardized, which means jobs are becoming more competitive, International Marketing Professor Douglas Fugate said.

“Countries and companies trying to be competitive in the global market need global talent, and if they don’t have it domestically, they’ll go get it,” said Fugate, who has taught in three countries and visited or researched in nearly three dozen others.

Rapid advancement in transportation and communication creates a need for people who can communicate effectively, said Becky Bennett, director of the Career Services Center, in an e-mail. Students should also read publications that report on international topics.

Bowling Green isn’t close to any embassies, ports or any international borders, but it is home to many people of different nationalities and foreign investment.

“You’re going to be faced with other cultural groups and interact with other cultures no matter if you are in the global community, or at home,” said Reed Vesey, director of Western’s study abroad program.

Western has about 550 international students from 50 countries, and five languages are taught here. Students can visit any continent but Antarctica through Western’s study abroad programs. Students can adopt an international business minor, which includes six international courses.

All can help equip a student for the global job market if taken advantage of, Bennett said.

Aside from assisting graduates in getting hired, a global mind contributes to better workplaces, products and services, Bennett said.

Most important to Rose have been the more than 360 million people she can now communicate with – people such as friends she made while studying abroad in Chile, Spain and Mexico. And her host families, including the Wongs.

“Everybody wants to be heard and understood,” Rose said.

Rose said she probably won’t go into business.

She already has a job teaching English in Spain after she graduates in May and said she hopes to eventually teach in Mexico.

But knowing another language would help a hopeful for any job, Rose said.

“You can be qualified in many aspects, but being able to touch a whole other group of people is something else,” Rose said.

Reach Corey Paul at features@wkuherald.com.