International Business — Eastern Europe (IBO)

Students pursuing a BA in International Business - Eastern Europe will receive a sound grounding in the major corporate functions which are of relevance to the management of internationally operating organisations. Moreover, students learn to employ the essential instruments and approaches of business administration to address complex organisational issues. In addition, they receive intensive training in the Russian language and the culture of Eastern Europe. Student skill development (e.g. presentation and negotiation techniques, team facilitation, international career planning) forms part of the substantial language training in English. It ensures that the graduates develop the linguistic proficiency required in the course and in the international business environment for which they have qualified. The course further includes special lectures and exercises, for example the course "Doing Business in Eastern Europe" as well as intercultural communication training.

Educational organisation

• First and second semesters: Foundation Year - introduction to general business issues and the culture of Eastern Europe, increased exposure to foreign languages such as English and Russian
• Third and fourth semesters: Advanced studies in International Business and Intercultural Studies in Eastern Europe, including two business electives (possible business electives are Accounting & Controlling, Finance, International Management, Human Resource Management, and International Marketing)
• Fifth semester: Internship semester
• Sixth and seventh semesters: Advanced business electives, further advanced business projects such as "International Management Projects" ending with the Bachelor's thesis.

Heilbronn University has a number of partnerships with universities worldwide, e.g. in Russia, England, Latvia, Poland, Spain, France, USA, Australia, Finland, etc. This cooperation network highlights the international component of the programme and provides the opportunity to complete an integrated study semester at one of the partner universities, which are located all over the world. There is also the possibility to attain a double degree (with Kajaani University, Finnland, or the State University Syktyvkar, Russia).

Study abroad unit(s)

Students are encouraged to spend a semester or year abroad during their study programme. Heilbronn University has a worldwide network of partner universities, with the option to also study in Eastern European countries. Whether it be an internship abroad or a study semester at a foreign university, going abroad for at least one semester is strongly recommended.

Internships

An internship semester at least of 26 weeks is to be completed in the fifth semester. The internship office will assist students with finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

Students are assessed at the middle and at the end of each semester on the basis of graded assignments, oral and written examinations.

Course objectives

Studies and practical exercises in international business transactions, regional features and intercultural communication allow students to develop skills in cross-cultural negotiations and international business approaches, especially in Eastern Europe.

Language requirements

German (DSH or TestDaF), English (without a test)
Important to note: the first year of study is held entirely in German. For this reason, it is important to have German knowledge at the time of application. The following years of study are instructed almost entirely in English. Applicants must provide proof of their German skills. DSH 2 or 3 or TestDaF 4 is required for admission.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Abitur or secondary school leaving certificate

Enrolment fees

All students have to pay an enrolment fee of approx. 130 EUR per semester. This includes an administration fee of 60 EUR, a social contribution for the student services of 54 EUR (a contribution to cover the costs for the student facilities like the "Mensa", cafeteria, student halls of residence, and a contribution towards the "Semesterticket"/transport pass) and a contribution to the "constituted student union" of 14 EUR.

Costs of living

The cost of living for a student is about 800 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Tutorials at Heilbronn University
Employment in companies in the Heilbronn region

Funding opportunities within the university

Applicants and enrolled students of Heilbronn University can apply for the "Deutschlandstipendium". "Deutschlandstipendium" students are awarded 300 EUR per month.
http://www.hs-heilbronn.de/germany-scholarship

Arrival support

Arrival support on request

Services and support for international students

Student mentors, introduction programmes, additional German classes, guided tours to sites of particular interest

Accommodation

There are several halls of residence in Heilbronn. A room database provided by the Office of Student Services of Heilbronn University helps students to find accommodation. For further information, see: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/accommodation.