K-12 Student Opportunities

International Marketing Competition

Learn about global marketing by competing in the CCA International Marketing Competition!

In partnership with the Cultural Communications Alliance--a business-to-education community outreach non-profit organization--the Global Studies Center runs the International Marketing Competition, an annual event where local high school students research and pitch a business plan for marketing a real-world product to a specific international audience.  The goal is to prepare tomorrow's workforce to meet the requirements of an expanding global marketplace through programs that simulate international business and to promote the acquisition of world language skills and cultural understanding.

The product for the 2026 competition is Mars, Inc's STARBURST® Sour and the target market is Türkiye. We are grateful for our corporate sponsor, Duolingo, and our collaboration with Mars, Inc.'s STARBURST® Sour, for this year's competition. 

2026 INTERNATIONAL MARKETING COMPETITION INFORMATION

Target Market:  Türkiye

Product: Mars, Inc. STARBURST® Sour

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Additional Info

Information for Teachers
Information for Students
About CCA

Sponsored By

 

PittGlobal-Global Studies Center

PittBusiness

 

Duolingo Logo

Logo for the Cultural Communications Alliance
Contact

Catherine Fratto
Assistant Director for Outreach, Global Studies Center
University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh
412-648-7426
caf166@pitt.edu

“This is such a real-life, valuable experience for students to research and present about cultural nuances and dynamics of business relations internationally. This opportunity for students builds relationships and memories that last a lifetime and has such an impact on students and their future college and career choices.”

-- Kristin Szarell Hough, Spanish Teacher, Pine-Richland High School

Frequently Asked Questions

Students develop real-world skills and learn about issues in various areas, including international business, marketing, cultural diversity, law, technology, and world languages. Students are thus able to make the connection between their language and culture studies and decision areas they will encounter in the workplace. Participation in the competition should also be mentioned on college applications and during college interviews - it is a unique experience for high school students and helps them distinguish themselves.

Teachers need to help with the work schedule by establishing deadlines for various components of the project. Also, if schools produce more than one team, the projects will take on a more competitive nature, motivating students to continue. Multiple teams within one school also allows for an in-school competition, which helps ensure that the winning team is ready for the final competition.

No, but the students must be enrolled in a world language course. In the past, CCA has had success with teachers from subjects such as social studies, business, and gifted education.

Each school may only submit one team of at least 5 students for the annual competition on Pitt's campus.  In cases where a school has enthusiastic interest that would exceed the allowed team size, we encourage an intra-school competition to decide who will represent the institution. 

It is wise to have a variety of judges. Possibilities could include teachers from various subjects (business, social studies, languages, etc.), a guidance counselor, an administrator, a parent, a Board member, and business people from the community.