Educational Media Reviews Online

This Australian Broadcasting Corporation film looks at a new phenomenon developing as part of the global economy. Western companies are basing their call centers in India. A group of Indian university graduates, 30% of whom are unemployed, are followed through a rigorous cross-cultural training course which will prepare them to work in a call center. In three weeks, they learn to improve their English, learn about other cultures, and improve their customer service skills plus change their names and put aside their own cultural identities. Viewers get to know Gungan, Neeti, and Vineet as they attempt to become part of India’s fastest growing industry. Over 200 of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies from American Express to Amazon.com are using Indian call centers. For business, the technology is instantaneous; labor and set-up costs are low while the employees are eager, highly educated, and available around the clock. The impact on Western economies of jobs moving offshore is examined as well as the impact on Indian workers. Economists predict $17 billion per year by 2008 could be involved. A human face is put on this evolving trend.

This fascinating video is very well done – sound, cinematography, and editing are all excellent. The shots of Delhi contrast with those of the classrooms and call centers and highlight the two worlds these young adults move between daily. Adults of all ages will be intrigued to examine the global economy with new eyes. A highly recommended purchase for academic and large public libraries.