International Business Management

During the IBM programme, you will acquire a sound understanding of the different aspects of business management, such as marketing, finance and human resource management. Throughout your studies, these will be supported by and supplemented with intercultural studies as well as with regional and language studies. From the third semester onwards, you can choose those courses best suited to your interests from a number of electives in order to complete your required workload. In addition, you will undertake project studies and, as mandatory integral parts of the programme, an internship semester and a study semester abroad during the fifth and sixth semesters. In addition to some further study modules, the thesis is completed during the seventh semester.

Educational organisation

For the most part, courses are offered as interactive lectures and seminars. Project work enables students to apply the theory learned in a practical context.

Study abroad unit(s)

As a mandatory part of the IBM programme, students will spend one semester studying at one of our partner universities abroad. While they are free to select the country and university of their choice, extensive support and information is available to assist students in choosing and organising their stay abroad. Additionally, German students will spend their internship semester abroad. For international students, Germany is considered a foreign country - but those who so wish can still spend either the internship semester or the study semester abroad in a country other than Germany.
It is possible to obtain a double degree in cooperation with some of our partner universities in France, China, and Latin America.

Internships

A mandatory internship is part of the IBM programme. Students secure their own internship position which best suits their interests; support and detailed information will be given as part of the programme well before the start of the internship semester.

Forms of assessment

ECTS credits are earned through exams and/or term papers and/or presentations and/or practical assignments in all modules.
Students are assessed by final examinations, term papers, and group projects and are expected to demonstrate active participation and contribution to the lectures, seminars and projects. A Bachelor's thesis and an oral exam complete the programme.

Course objectives

We aim to give you the chance to obtain a top professional qualification, enabling you to play a successful part in the global economy of the 21st century.
The aims of the course are to:

• develop a sound understanding of business-related issues, theories and processes
• stimulate intellectual abilities and open minds to new ways of thinking
• build management skills:
  • oral and written communication skills
  • teamwork and negotiation skills in an intercultural environment
  • analytical skills
• develop an awareness of the global business environment
• integrate work experience and bring real-world relevance to the classroom

Language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate sufficient English skills (see below).
Exempt from this are ONLY native English speakers who are also citizens of one of these countries:

• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Republic of Ireland
• United States of America
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand

For ALL other applicants, the university regards the following qualifications as indicative of a minimum level of competence:

• TOEFL, a score of at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 79-80 Internet-based (our TOEFL code number is 8.221)
• British Council IELTS, overall score 6.0 or higher
• GCSE in English, grade B or above
• International GCSE in English as a Second Language, grade B or above
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, grade B or above
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English, grade A
• German Abitur or Fachhochschulreife, English mark of 2.0 (10, 11, 12 points) or above

Academic requirements

Admission to the International Business Management programme is limited. Admission is based both on grades and on an additional process involving a range of selection criteria.
Applicants must submit all the required information stated on the application form, including officially certified copies of original and translated certificates. This certification must be made by the German Embassy in your country and it is important that every certificate submitted carries the official stamp of the German Embassy. Should there be any problems or questions regarding your qualifications, you will be notified.

Enrolment fees

No enrolment fee as such is currently charged. You will, however, have to pay a fee to the student social funds and for administrative costs. Currently, this fee is 120 EUR per semester.

Costs of living

Student organisations estimate that these are approx. 600 to 1,000 EUR per month, depending on individual needs and expectations. About 230-360 EUR per month is included in this amount for accommodation.
Mandatory health insurance in Germany will cost a student approx. 80 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

According to the conditions of your visa and your residence permit, you will primarily be expected to use your time in Germany for your studies. This means that you are normally not allowed to work. There is an exception, however, in that you are allowed to work no more than 120 full/240 half days per year. Therefore, you could take a holiday job if the job market allows for it.
Normally, a limited number of student assistant jobs are available within the faculty or university, which may not be subject to this rule. You should check notice boards for these, especially at the beginning of the semesters.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university has a scholarship programme for excellent students.

Arrival support

The HFU Business School's International Student Support, together with the International Center, organises an orientation programme for international students in the two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. Most of the administrative issues which a student new to Germany faces will be covered in this programme.
International Student Support is also available by phone or e-mail to answer any questions students may have while preparing for their move to Germany.

Services and support for international students

The Business School's own International Student Support Coordinator is available for all international students throughout their studies at Furtwangen University. We aim to help our students with all questions and problems they may face: from accommodation to residence and work permits, assistance with language-related problems, etc.

Accommodation

The HFU Business School offers applicants who have been accepted into the IBM programme support in finding accommodation in Schwenningen. Students will receive detailed information packages once they have received their letters offering them a place on the programme. For student accommodation in Schwenningen, the costs (for a room in a student residence or a one-room apartment) are about 230-360 EUR per month, including charges.