International Internship
This course implements "learning-centered" business teaching where students have a more active role in their learning process. It complements classroom teaching by providing students with real-world experience, thus equipping students with necessary competences such adaptation to new organizations and cultures, as well as teamwork. Students gain practical experience through an international internship at the business school’s hosting partner organizations from abroad. Through the pedagogical principles of problem-based learning, the intern will first define a problem area to tackle within the context of the internship, thus grasping an in-depth sense of either organizational strategy, new product development, marketing or internationalization. The purpose of this is to align the proposed solution of the problem the intern’s theoretical background from the first year of the master’s program.
Hosting organizations vary in their size and characteristics, from start-ups located at university business incubators, social-oriented businesses to large multinational companies. The internship is organized in collaboration between partner universities in the host country, the business school and the hosting organizations, with supervision and coaching being an integral part of the learning process.
Throughout the course, participants will also learn to communicate and interact in intercultural settings. Thus, they gain the necessary skills to unlock intercultural adaptation in international business settings, with special emphasis on the underlying skills needed for global citizenship and responsible leadership.
Participation in international internships, as in this course, also provides the participants with a number of potential outcomes for career development. Participants gain a sense of business culture and how to fit in at the workplace. Future employers also value international experience, thus increasing the attractiveness of the student’s CV and expanding their professional network upon graduation.
Knowledge
- To have advanced knowledge about problem-based learning, key steps for identifying organizational and/or entrepreneurial problem areas and systematically structuring an action plan during the internship.
- To have advanced insight about practice-oriented concerning the problem to be investigated in terms of either organizational strategy, new product development, marketing or entrepreneurship.
- To have knowledge of intercultural communication in business settings abroad.
- To have an introductory knowledge of the key geopolitical and international trade aspects of the host country, key for business and activities.
Skills
- Can assess and apply relevant tools for studying a phenomenon as well as master general skills linked to solving practical problems and issues.
- Can establish new analytical and problem solving models.
- Can conduct an independent research project in cooperation with a real company, by complying with ethical standards.
- Can analyze and make critical connections with the phenomenon studied with the theoretical elements of the master’s program.
Competences
- Is able to handle practical situations that are complex, unpredictable and acquire new problem-solving methods.
- Is able to independently start and carry out interdisciplinary cooperation and assume professional responsibility.
- Is able to adapt to the business etiquette and workplace culture.
- Is able to develop communication, interaction, teamwork and cultural adjustments, which will facilitate networking and the increase of professional contacts overseas.
- Is able to apply the principles of global citizenship and responsible leadership of cultural differences.
Portfolio, grading scale A-F. The portfolio must contain a practical training agreement, midway report and a final report.
Practical training (pass/fail)
