International Business — Intercultural Studies (IBIS)

Students pursuing a BA in International Business - Intercultural Studies 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 e.g. Business French or Spanish and are introduced to the Arabic language and the cultures of the Islamic or Hispanic World. Student skills development (e.g. presentation and negotiation techniques, team facilitation, international career planning) forms part of the substantial language training in English. It ensures that graduates develop the linguistic proficiency required in the course and in the international business environment for which they have qualified. The course further includes comparative area studies (Area Studies of the Hispanic World or Area Studies of the Arab World) as well as intercultural communication training.

Educational organisation

• First and second semesters: foundation year - introduction to general management issues and the culture of the Arabic World or Hispanic World, increased exposure to foreign business languages such as English and the elective language Arabic/French/Spanish
• Third and fourth semesters: advanced studies in International Business and Intercultural Studies, including two business electives (possible business electives are Accounting & Controlling, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Management, and International Marketing)
• Fifth semester: internship semester
• Sixth and seventh semesters: advanced business electives, intercultural studies, projects such as "International Management Project" ending with the Bachelor's thesis

Heilbronn University has a number of partnerships with universities worldwide, e.g. in Egypt, Syria, England, Spain, France, the USA, Australia, Finland, etc. This cooperation network highlights the international component of the programme and provides the opportunity to complete at least one integrated study semester at one of universities worldwide. There is also the possibility to attain a double degree.

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, e.g. in Europe, the USA and Australia, with the option to also study in Arabic or Hispanic countries. Whether it be an internship abroad or an academic 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 in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

Students are assessed in 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 negotiation and international business approaches.

Language requirements

German (DSH or Test DaF), 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 knowledge of German at the time of application. The subsequent years of study are instructed almost entirely in English. Therefore, the applicants must provide proof of their German language skills. DSH-2 or DSH-3 or TestDaF 4 is required for admission.

In addition, knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish would increase chances of 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.