First year
The modules that are offered within the first year of the program include a selection of all essential introductory courses on international economics, marketing and finance (together with students from the regular three-year IBMS program) as well as specialized projects that focus on entrepreneurship and business administration in developing areas and emerging markets, the strategy known as the ‘Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid’, and microfinance.
The theoretical component of the lectures will look at the general role emerging markets and developing economies within the global economy, while the workshops include case studies drawn directly from business practice.
HU Honoursprogramme: Topclass
The Faculty of Economics and Management rewards students that want to put more work into their bachelor course. From the second year a limited number of ambitious students can take part in the FEM Topclass programme. Giving them an extra study programme that differentiates them for the other bachelor students
Taking part in the FEM Topclass means an extra challenge and an extra effort. The programme is an addition to and intensifying of the regular bachelor programme. Students will work on their business skills with extra attention for consultancy, project management, internationalisation and research. This extra programme of 30 ECTS is divided over the second, third and fourth year. Students get a letter of recommendation from the HU Board of Directors for successfully participating in this programme.
The FEM Topclass is intended for a maximum of 30 students. They have an above average result of 7 or higher in their first year, are highly motivated and are recommended by their programme advisor.
Second year
In the second year, the degree of specialization gradually increases and you will develop your practical skills. Important themes during the first three modules include international business, globalization and corporate social responsibility. The last module of the second year is assigned for an internship that requires you to put the theoretical knowledge and other skills that you have acquired so far into practice.
Students from EU countries are stimulated to do their internship in an emerging market or developing area, whereas students from non-EU countries can also opt to do their internship in the Utrecht region.
Third (and fourth) year
The third (and fourth) year involves yet further specialization to elaborate your plans in such a way that the results become immediately applicable in practice. A deepening minor ‘International business for emerging markets’ is offered during the first semester of the third year.
Students from EU countries can also choose to go on an exchange program for a semester and follow courses at selected partner universities in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Indonesia or Nicaragua.
After having completed your minor or exchange, students in the 3-year track program IBEM can also do their second internship and graduation project at one of these partner universities and obtain a Double Bachelor Degree after successful completion.
Internships
The specialization ‘International Business for Emerging Markets’ involves two internships, at least one of which has to be done abroad, in an emerging market or developing area. This will enable you to form a good idea of the situation ‘on the ground’ and the challenges that many businesses in these markets have to face.
The internships will strengthen the relation between (entrepreneurial) individuals, institutions and companies in Europe and in the South for the general societal benefit.
Double Degree
Students who do the ‘International Businss for Emerging Markets’ specialization have the option to obtain a second bachelor degree from one of our partner universities in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Indonesia or Nicaragua, next to the bachelor degree from the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht.
These Double Degree agreements are arranged in such a way that it does not result in a delay of your studies. In order to obtain a Double Degree, you will go on exchange in your third year and follow a selected program of courses at one of these partner universities and do your second internship in that same country, instead of the program that is being offered in the third year of the specialization ‘International Business for Emerging Markets’.
At the same time, students from these partner universities can come to Utrecht on a one-year exchange, with the support of a fellowship from the Kofi Annan Business Schools Foundation, and do the minor ‘International business for emerging markets’ and an internship in the Utrecht region. In addition to the degree of their home university, upon graduation these students will also receive a Bachelor Degree from the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht.