Business Administration International Business Consulting

The International Business Consulting program at the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg offers students a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in the field of international business and consulting. Designed for aspiring professionals who aim to excel in the global marketplace, this program provides a deep understanding of international corporate strategies, intercultural communication, and innovative consulting methodologies. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse curriculum covering key areas such as international marketing, finance, management, and digital transformation, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle complex business challenges worldwide. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through case studies, project work with real clients, and collaboration with industry partners, enabling students to develop practical solutions and build a strong professional network. Furthermore, students gain intercultural competence and linguistic skills, preparing them to work effectively in multicultural environments. The program fosters entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strategic decision-making, critical for success in international consulting roles. With opportunities for internships and international exchange semesters, students can broaden their global perspective and gain invaluable international experience. Graduates of the International Business Consulting program are highly sought after by multinational corporations, consulting firms, and startups seeking innovative and adaptable professionals. The program is taught in English, ensuring that students are ready to operate in the international business arena. Overall, this program aims to produce graduates who are globally minded, analytically skilled, and practically experienced, prepared to excel in diverse consulting and management roles around the world.

Educational organisation

The first two semesters are classroom semesters that involve project work, written/oral examinations, lab projects and presentations. In the third semester, students are required to write a Master's thesis, which is usually completed as an in-company project.

Study abroad unit(s)

Due to the short duration of the IBC programme and its focus on consulting, undertaking an exchange semester at another university is challenging and may potentially conflict with the course content. However, it is recommended - especially for German students - that the third semester be spent completing an internship abroad.

Internships

The Master's thesis is to be completed as an in-company project. Your coordinator will provide you with a list of companies to which you can apply, and will help you with writing German applications. Furthermore, interview training is provided by one of our renowned lecturers.

Forms of assessment

Reflecting the on-the-job requirements of consultants and managers, most assessments are based on project work, done both in groups and individually, which is presented in class. In addition, there are written exams, oral exams and lab projects.

Course objectives

The IBC programme prepares you for a career as an external or in-house consultant. All areas in which consulting takes place are covered - IT, logistics, finance, and marketing, among others. Teaching focuses on consultants' tools of the trade, analytical skills, intercultural competences, and presentation skills.

Language requirements

TOEFL (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 87 Internet-based)
or IELTS (minimum score of 6.5)
or APIEL (minimum 3.0)

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent (BA, BSc, etc.)
• TOEFL iBT (minimum 87), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or APIEL (minimum 3.0) or equivalent
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Minimum of two years of professional experience
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose (letter of motivation)
• Two passport-sized photographs

Enrolment fees

Service contribution and administration fee: 274 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses. This includes accommodation at a cost of 250-350 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

On-campus: A limited number of student assistant positions and tutoring jobs are available. Knowledge of English is usually sufficient for these positions.
Off-campus: Students are allowed to hold off-campus jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period and to work a maximum of 240 half days per year (according to regulations for foreign students requiring a visa). At least a basic knowledge of German is usually required for off-campus positions.

Funding opportunities within the university

Partial scholarships from various sources (DAAD, STIBET, among others) are available. Proposals and decisions will be made individually, depending on students' performance within the curriculum and social engagement outside of classes.

Arrival support

In the International Student Barometer 2011, the largest survey of international students worldwide, Offenburg University was rated number one among German universities for its arrival assistance for international students.

Before your arrival, we can arrange accommodation for you and put you in contact with a mentor ("Senior Buddy"). He/she will assist you in making preparations before you leave your home country, pick you up at the railway station, show you around, and help you on an individual basis during the first few weeks so that you can familiarise yourself with important aspects of life in Germany.

Each Master's degree programme of the Graduate School has a dedicated coordinator who will provide you with all necessary information for your studies in Offenburg. A preparatory German language course is offered in September. At the beginning of October, a special introduction day for international students is organised. Additionally, each programme has its own orientation weekend.

Offenburg is located about 200 km south of Frankfurt, Germany's main airport. There are hourly train connections to Offenburg throughout the day from the airport railway station; some are direct, and others involve one simple change of train.

Services and support for international students

The Graduate School's staff offers ongoing support throughout the programme:

• extensive assistance in finding accommodation
• Senior Buddy system (personal mentor for the first few weeks)
• assistance with immigration services and authorities
• guided tours of Offenburg and Gengenbach
• individual support and advice by the coordinators of each programme
• individual academic advising
• German language course in September and ongoing language courses during the lecture period
• cultural and social programme (excursions, get-togethers, company visits, etc.)
• Senior Service (an initiative bringing together local senior citizens and international students)

Accommodation

The Graduate School team can arrange accommodation for new students (student residence hall or private accommodation). Rent usually ranges from 250-350 EUR per month.