Academic Focus
This program is designed for a select group of students who are interested in the European Union’s position in and approach to globalization. The program will provide a truly international setting with 25-30 students from Asia, Australia, and Europe all in class together, providing many different viewpoints on the topics of study. Weekly modules will give you the opportunity to explore the challenges faced by EU businesses, the EU’s role in international trade and in dealing with environmental problems and, lastly, implications of globalization on the European workforce.
In addition to the business and economics coursework, you will take one German language course focusing on introductory language skills. You will be in class with a maximum of 15 students to ensure the greatest amount of personal attention possible.
The European Union in a Global World Program was uniquely designed by the Berlin School of Economics and the DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, for students who are interested in both globalization and International Business and also want to develop basic knowledge of the German language. Lectures and seminars are held by professors with advanced degrees in business & economics and considerable experience in their area of expertise.
As a complement to classroom studies, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in visits to companies and institutions such as the German Parliament (Reichstag), the European Bank, a Science and Technology Park, etc. Your classes combined with these focused visits will present numerous opportunities to see the European Union’s position as a global player and the implications of globalization in a number of areas relevant to business and global studies.
This 4-week summer course meets for a total of 120 contact hours and is generally worth 6-7 credits in the US semester system. However, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded.
Schedule Summary
Your Business classes will meet 4 hours a day Monday through Friday, in the morning and early afternoon. Your German language course will meet three times a week for approximately 3 hours in the afternoon. Company and institution visits will generally be scheduled in the afternoon on days when no German language classes are taking place.
Course Registration
All courses offered as part of the program, including the German language course, are mandatory. A decision not to take part in any course of the program will result in a failing grade for that course. Students who have a German proficiency level at or above high beginner/low intermediate may choose to test out of the German language course only through successful completion of a language test.
To ensure proper placement into German language classes, you will be required to take a placement exam upon arrival. Students without any prior study of German will not be required to take the exam. You will be placed in classes with other students of your own language level. The university generally offers German language courses at two different levels, beginner and high beginner/low intermediate, but may make additional levels available if there is a large enough group of students. Students who are at a more advanced proficiency level already, have the possibility to test out of the German language course.
To learn more about course requirements for your particular session as well as information regarding your host institution, you may click on the appropriate links above.
