International Business - Intercultural Management

A weekend concert in London, a backpacking trip with friends through France and Spain, a school exchange in the United States, three months voluntary work in India, a language course in Colombia; no wonder it seems as if I get around a bit.

Even if I wasn't a great world explorer before, one thing is crystal clear to me. The faster globalisation takes over, the more important local cultures become and the more they will be networked. This may sound unusual to some, but it also applies to companies and organisations. That's why I'm interested in a degree programme that considers this view in terms of management theory, because tomorrow, international companies will simply be different.

To fully appreciate these changing circumstances, Karlshochschule expanded their Intercultural Management and Communication degree course of classical economic theory modules, to include events, cultural theory, corporate culture, international partnerships and intercultural competence.

Additionally I can actually put my intercultural skills in international business projects to the test and refine them during my semester abroad and internship. At the end of my studies, I will be able mediate between different cultures to generate worthwhile synergies. And that's because I haven't just been learning a new language at Karlshochschule; I have understood how to communicate in a variety of international and intercultural contexts.

Educational organisation

The intercultural modules have been designed to teach students to work and communicate successfully in foreign cultures and take on responsibility. They are capable of understanding people from different cultures, assessing their characters, communicating appropriately with them and leading transnational teams. In times of globalisation and internationalisation, these abilities are very often vital to making a business enterprise successful. The intercultural modules are Cultural Studies, Organisational Culture, Intercultural Marketing, Area Studies, Intercultural Business Communication, International Collaboration Management, Intercultural Communicative Competence, International Business Management, Contemporary Society and Elective.

Study abroad unit(s)

In the fifth semester, the future intercultural business managers go abroad for one semester, in order to test and apply the knowledge they have acquired in a foreign culture. This experience makes them even more appealing to employers.

The university has established cooperation agreements with partner universities so that all the modules can be completed at a university abroad without any loss of time. During the semester abroad, students have the opportunity to discover another country, benefit from cross-cultural exchanges and broaden their horizons, therefore greatly increasing their chances of succeeding in finding a job after graduation.

Internships

At the end of your Bachelor's studies, you will have to pass a practical phase. During these three to six months, you will prove your knowledge and enthusiasm under real circumstances - and you might develop your Bachelor's thesis. We will help you to find your internship with great contacts in the business world.

Forms of assessment

Exams, presentations, term papers

Language requirements

English proficiency:
Level C1 or above according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or IELTS of 6.5 or above or internet-based TOEFL score of at least 100 points unless English is your native language

Academic requirements

To study as an international student at Karlshochschule International University, you need to hold a qualification for university entrance that allows you to study in Germany. Furthermore, we emphasise your English language skills and something very special: you! Here we focus on your experiences, your character and your personal qualifications.

Enrolment fees

All students pay 68 EUR per semester to the Karlsruhe Student Union.

Costs of living

Rent at a hall of residence or shared flat: 260-350 EUR
Health insurance: 65 EUR
Food: 160 EUR
Miscellaneous (books, computer, leisure, etc.): at least 120 EUR

Arrival support

• Advice on accommodation for students
• Assistance with student visas and residence permits
• Introduction days at the beginning of the study programme
• Pick-up service from Karlsruhe train station

Services and support for international students

Integrating and supporting our students is our top priority. This involves close contact with professors as well as a service-oriented, accessible administration and academic offices.

We offer:

• Programmes instructed in English
• German and English language courses at different levels
• German culture classes
• Academic counselling
• Open-door policy of professors
• Assistance with application procedure
• Advice on accommodation for students
• Assistance with student visas and residence permits
• Counselling on financing and scholarship programmes
• Counselling on internship applications
• Assistance with practical matters and organisation of leisure activities by the International Office and student advisers
• Introduction days at the beginning of the study programme
• Excursions and extra activities with professors
• Specific events and excursions for international students, e.g. to Heidelberg, Strasbourg or Berlin
• Pick-up service from Karlsruhe train station
• Online platform for international students