I still remember vividly the process of researching for a master program in Germany. After extensive research on different offers in international business, my heart spoke clearly and loudly for the Master of International Business Program at Frankfurt School. Why was I so convinced and still am? Here are four reasons why.
A famous Chinese proverb quotes, “traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books”, and this is exactly what MIB offers like no other programs. Unlike most academic programs, which provide only classroom learning about the globe, MIB brings students outside of the classroom every semester to experience the world in person, each time to a more distance part of the world. The program consist of an outdoor-camp in Frankfurt the first semester, an academic excursion to Geneva the second semester, a regional specialization trip to Brazil//China/Kenya the third semester, and an exchange semester to a destination of your choice for the last. These opportunities enable us to explore new cultures, to experience new adventures and to meet people from all walks of life. Most importantly, we have fun and we bond with each other through each world journey.
2. Truly International
Having studied in several countries and lived closely within international communities, diversity is particularly important for me when searching for a master program. The student profile of MIB is extremely diverse from cultural to academic background, which is one of the main attractions for me. Starting from the application process, the program target students with a cross-disciplinary orientation, an international background, or an interest in a multi-cultural learning environment. The actual intake of the students is equally diverse. For the past three years, MIB represented over 20 nationalities. Students have a diverse academic background, from music and linguistics majors to science and business studies. This diversity greatly enhances our learning experience by enabling a collection of different skills, knowledge, and perspectives. It encourages us to approach problems from various angles and to think critically. Interacting with students from different backgrounds and cultures, inside and outside of the classroom, also enhances our interpersonal skills, which is essential later on in our personal and professional life.
MIB offers students a unique opportunity to experience and learn about both the mature and emerging markets. As the emerging countries are on the rise, students get to gain an in-depth insight into the emerging world by specializing in one of the three regions – African, Asian, and Latin America. The model covers information about the regions’ history, economy, culture and business environment. After an intensive month of lectures, this learning experience is followed by a highlight trip to the region: Kenya for the African Business Relations, China for the Asian Business Relations, and Brazil for the Latin American Business Relations. Other than the optional exchange semester, students can live, study, and possibly work in Germany for the other semester of their studies. This affords them the opportunity to experience the European lifestyle and work environment first-hand.
Other than the international emphasis, I find the strategic focus and teamwork oriented learning method a good preparation for my future profession. Having good knowledge and analytical skills are only the first steps to succeeding in the business world; the abilities to communicate and work effective with others are extremely important as well. The MIB learning experience emphasizes the use of knowledge in collective problem solving activities and the ability to process and present information to professional audiences. Other than studying academic theories and models, we also conduct cases studies about real business problems and give frequent presentations showing our progress and results. Much work is done in teams, which helps us to develop teamwork and communication skills.
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
