International Business Specialization

The International Business specialization is an innovative program developed by our Division, introduced in the undergraduate MSG (International Economic Relations) studies during the 2023/2024 academic year. Designed in collaboration with our business partners, the program addresses the evolving needs of companies operating in the global marketplace. This dynamic specialization combines theoretical insights into business planning and management with practical skills essential for navigating complex international environments. Students are equipped to build and maintain professional relationships across cultural and geographical boundaries, preparing them for success in an interconnected world. Key areas of focus include: understanding global markets, developing international negotiation strategies, and crafting effective approaches to succeed in competitive environments. By emphasizing the challenges and opportunities of global trade, the program offers students a comprehensive, forward-looking perspective, making them invaluable to businesses seeking to expand or strengthen their international presence. Continuously updated to reflect shifts in global trade and economic trends, the specialization ensures graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the modern business world.

Our specialization emphasizes internationalizing education and incorporating innovative teaching methods, enabled by longstanding collaborations with universities worldwide. Notably, we have established strong partnerships with Artevelde University of Applied Sciences in Ghent (Belgium) and Hochschule Bremen (Germany), facilitating years of successful student exchange programs. These exchanges offer students valuable experiences through: joint lectures and workshops, including strategic business games centered around a shared theme as well as study visits to companies, providing insights into real-world business practices.

As part of the specialized course Communication in International Business, taught by Prof. Joanna Bednarz and Dr. Monika Grottel, third-year students of the International Business specialization (MSG SS1) participate in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) with first-year IBM students from Artevelde University. In small international groups, students work online and explore the dimensions of cultural values based on Erin Meyer's book The Culture Map. Online team-building sessions precede group collaboration. Subsequently, each group conducts desk and field research (including interviews) on various cultural values and dimensions. The outcome is the preparation of academic posters summarizing findings and conclusions from the joint study, which are presented during online sessions.

For part-time undergraduate students, we offer courses within one-semester modules, which also focus on international business. These modules include:

• Fundamentals of International Entrepreneurship,
• The Enterprise in the International Market,
• Basics of International Transactions,
• Managing Transactions in Foreign Trade.

Through these programs, we equip students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the global business landscape.