MBA European Summer Program

Duration:

2 Weeks

Academic Program hours:

Contact hours of a cultural program

Location

Vallendar

Language

English

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The Changing Environment for International Business in Europe

About the program Faculty Registration and fee Testimonials FAQs Downloads

Interactive lectures and discussions – Gaining in-depth learning experiences

The WHU MBA European Summer Program comprises a two-week course on 'The Changing Environment for International Business in Europe' on the attractive campus in Vallendar, located just outside of Koblenz in the valley of the Rhine River. The program is designed for MBA students of WHU's partner schools in their second year who are interested in International Business, Finance, and Corporate Strategy. As an alternative to an exchange semester, the program offers a targeted and compact insight into international business in Europe. It offers a well-balanced combination of lectures, group work, company visits, and cultural experiences.

The next program will take place in May 2025, and students may participate in one of two available sessions:
Session 1: May 06 to May 20, 2025 or Session 2: May 11 to May 23, 2025.

The program, directed by Professor Dr. Michael Frenkel, focuses on the following topics:

European Trade Integration and the Euro
Competing in European Markets
European Aspects of Family Business
The Business Tax Environment in Europe
Business Environment and Stratgies of FDI Investors in Central and Eastern Europe
Entrepreneurship from a European Perspective
The Relevance of Family Businesses in Europe
Raising Capital in European Capital Markets

The program is taught in English and comprises 48 academic hours (equivalent to three credits) plus around 22 contact hours of a cultural program (equivalent to two credits). In general, there is no tuition for students enrolled at and nominated by WHU's partner schools (to be confirmed individually). Check if your university is part of our Global Partner Network and find out more about the program costs below.

Faculty Providing academic excellence – WHU’s top-notch international faculty

Our expert faculty is actively engaged in research, allowing us to incorporate the latest relevant findings for the European business world into our curriculum. We also complement our outstanding faculty with relevant international faculty members from our partner schools, as well as lectures, real-life cases, and workshops from top practitioners and subject-matter experts.

Take a look at the faculty profiles of the MBA European Summer Program:

Professor Michael Frenkel

Assistant Professor Julia de Groote

Assistant Professor Lisa Hillmann

Professor Sonia Ferencikova

Professor Nadine Kammerlander

Professor Nic Schaub

Professor Jürgen Weigand

Take the next step – Find out more about registration and payment

Apply by March 1, 2025 to save yourself one of just 47 seats per session. Find out more about the registration process, the program fees and included services.

More information on the registration and payment processes

In their own words – Testimonials from program participants

The MBA European Summer Program offers MBA students from around the world the opportunity to enjoy a tailor-made and in-depth learning experiences in a European business environment. By cooperating with various educational institutions and companies across the continent, we have created a program which greatly benefits the students’ professional futures.

Find out why the MBA European Summer Program is the best choice for you!

Program participants

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Efiza Vanniasinghe

Queensland University of Technology

Australia

"The experience and knowledge I have acquired during the MBA ESP has been invaluable. I learnt so much about the European businesses, culture and traditions in just two weeks – I even picked up some of the language and mastered the train system! The program was enjoyable and interesting, both academically and socially. The lecturers are highly knowledgeable and passionate whilst the program managers are attentive and super organised. I get to meet a lot of like-minded people from all over the world and I am sure the connections will go a long way. I am very grateful for the experience and highly recommend others to participate next summer!"

James Stanitz

University of Pittsburgh, Katz Business School

USA

"The two week program was a fantastic opportunity to expand my knowledge on how business works in Europe and more specifically how it works in Germany. Throughout the program, we had very high quality professors who taught unique topics that would not necessarily have been stressed in an American Business school environment. However, this program was not all work all of the time despite the Germans’ reputation for being very hard workers. WHU took us to see amazing sites throughout the Rhineland-Pfalz region of Germany. Among the most memorable was seeing Burg Eltz, an iconic castle that is plastered on many “Visit Germany” brochures. Seeing it in person has been a lifetime goal of mine, and it was even more magnificent in person than it seemed on Instagram."

Arman Rasekh

University of Toronto

Canada

"I had a fantastic time at WHU. I think the program is planned and managed well in terms of accommodation as well as the curriculum. It is a great opportunity to learn about business in Germany and Europe and get a practical perspective of how the history, culture and world events shape the economy there. Meeting people and making friends from universities all around the world was very positive and a fun experience.

The residence was about an 8-minute walk from the building where we had our classes. Upon arrival I enjoyed meeting some of my classmates from other parts of Canada and the United States. WHU had many plans for the duration of our stay which was fun and taught us a lot about the history of the region as well giving us chances to visit many places nearby."

Nick Rojas

University of Michigan

USA

"This program was absolutely exceptional and one of the best academic decisions I've made in business school. The staff is organized and on top of things so you feel supported constantly. The professors are exceptional with a clear passion for teaching and do a fantastic job of bringing the topics to life for a non-German audience. I had an amazing time working with classmates from across the globe, bringing our varying experiences to group projects and venturing throughout Europe together on the weekends. If you want an opportunity to learn about European markets and business while soaking in the wonderful culture and natural beauty of Germany, this is the program to do."

Megan Santoro

Northwestern University

USA

"Studying at WHU was the best decision I have made during my MBA experience. The program was beautifully coordinated and organized with amazing speakers throughout. From start to finish the hospitality and kindness at WHU was unparalleled. I would recommend the program to any MBA student."

Nir Zalts

Tel-Aviv University, Coller School of Management

Israel

"This program at WHU exceeded all my expectations! It was a perfect combination of insightful lectures, interactive group work on case studies, enriching company visits and cultural experiences.
It was an experience that has significantly broadened my understanding of international business in Europe, and I gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the European market. I also had the honor to met professionals MBA candidates from all around the world, in various industries and backgrounds.
I highly recommend this program to anyone who looking to enhance their global business wisdom and immerse themselves in a dynamic learning environment.
That was by far the best part of my MBA journey!"

Alyssa Van Auker

University of Florida

USA

"When the pandemic made it impossible to study abroad at the end of my undergraduate studies, I did not think I would ever have the opportunity to study abroad again. Fast forward a couple of years and I joined the Master's of International Business program at Florida where I was presented with the opportunity to travel to Germany to attend the Summer MBA program at WHU and I could not be happier with my decision to take it. Spending two weeks at WHU has allowed me to meet and work with students from around the world to share experiences and knowledge that will help me in my career. The blend of classroom work, company visits, and social activities made this an amazing experience that I would recommend to any MBA or MIB student looking to expand their European business knowledge, and explore the continent a bit too."

Pramod Venkataramanan

National University of Singapore

Singapore

"Participating in WHU's summer exchange program was one of the best decisions of my MBA. This immersive and cross-cultural experience covered diverse topics on European markets and business practices. The knowledgeable faculty greatly enhanced my learning. Vallendar provided a serene escape from my busy work life, allowing me to make friendships with peers from around the globe. The peaceful environment and the opportunity to explore various places in Germany and neighboring countries made the experience truly unforgettable. I highly recommend this short yet enriching program to any MBA or master’s student. Thank you for the opportunity."

Ryuhei Ikeda

National University of Singapore

Singapore

"Participating in the MBA European Summer Program at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management was an incredibly enriching experience. The program's curriculum, focused on the European business environment, was both challenging and insightful. The faculty's expertise and practical knowledge were instrumental in deepening my understanding of critical business aspects. Courses like Business Taxation, Competing in European Markets, and Entrepreneurship and Innovation provided me with the analytical skills and strategic thinking necessary for navigating complex business scenarios.
The program included company visits and tourist events, which added a practical dimension to our learning. Visiting leading companies allowed us to see theoretical concepts in action, while tourist events helped us appreciate the cultural and historical context of the European market.

Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds enriched the learning experience, offering multiple viewpoints and fostering a global outlook on business practices. The international perspective provided by the program was invaluable.The support and resources at WHU were exceptional, ensuring a seamless learning journey. Overall, my experience at WHU has been transformative, significantly enhancing my professional capabilities. Thank you, WHU, for this unforgettable and empowering journey.
"

Theo Grimm

Université Laval

Canada

"A great experience in a university with great teachers who are invested and passionate. I met people from all over the world and was able to visit key European places from an economic and historical point of view. Beyond the professional and educational aspects, it was a great human experience that I'd recommend to anyone."

Francis Martin

Université Laval

Canada

"In terms of content and length, the MBA European Summer Program is definitely well designed and allows us to master all EU particularities. This program is more than a learning opportunity but also a real cultural experience. I strongly recommend it to anyone that has interest in doing business in this part of the world."

Ke Joe Zhu

The University of North Carolina

USA

"The WHU Summer Program at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany, was an outstanding experience. Over two weeks, I gained deep insights into European business and economics. The curriculum covered critical topics such as the EU's regulatory environment, family business dynamics, FDI strategies in Central and Eastern Europe, and European capital markets.
The lectures, led by distinguished professors, offered both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Highlights included understanding the complexities of the EU market, the nuances of CSR in family firms, and the strategic advantages of the CEE region. The program also emphasized the importance of business model innovation, using the St.Gallen Business Model Navigator as a framework.
This program exceeded my expectations, blending academic rigor with practical insights. The expertise of the faculty and the engaging learning environment made this experience transformative. I highly recommend the WHU Summer Program to anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of European business."

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Frequently Asked Questions –
Quick facts about the program.

1 Do I need to apply for a visa to join the program?

Some nationalities, such as Americans, Canadians, and Australians, in possession of a valid passport, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. The passport must not expire before the end of the scheduled trip.

Please contact your local German Consulate or Embassy to determine whether a visa is required. Please note that WHU cannot issue visas. You will find further information via the Federal Foreign Office.

2 When do I receive the schedule?

Sample schedules are available online and will be updated on a regular basis. Please note that the online schedules are preliminary and subject to change. You will receive the final schedule shortly before the start of the program.

3 Is there an airport pick-up organized for my arrival?

An airport pick-up is organized for you on the first day of each session from Frankfurt Airport.

Where: Frankfurt Airport, Meeting Point Terminal 1
When: Between 10:00 and 11:00 am

Additionally, an airport drop-off is organized for you in the morning after the end of each session.

Where: Vallendar Mitte
When: TBA

Please inform Alyssa Scherer (alyssa.scherer@whu.edu) about your arrival schedule as soon as possible to make sure that you can profit from the airport pick-up. Please note that if you are unable to schedule a flight to arrive in time for the pick-up, or your arrival is delayed, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to WHU.

4 is there a dress code for the program?

The general rule is smart casual for classes and business casual for company visits and events.

5 Should I bring my laptop?

You will have full access to our computer facilities. However, we strongly recommend that you also bring your own laptop.

6 When will I get the course material?

Before your arrival, you will be asked to prepare for the program using pre-readings which you will find on our online platform. You will receive the login via email, therefore we ask you to please make sure that you check your email account regularly.

7 Can I get a refund of the program fee if I drop out?

The deadline for paying the base and tuition fees is March 1, 2025. A refund is not possible.

Get in touch -

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

We are happy to answer all questions you might have about the program in general, or regarding its content or organization. Please also contact us if you wish to get in touch with previous participants in order to gain insight into their experiences.

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