Program Overview

Introduction to International Business

The objective of the international business option is to prepare students for the increasingly competitive and interdependent international business world. There is a great and growing need for American business school graduates to be better informed about how to compete and do business outside the U.S. as well as in the U.S. market, where much of their competition is from foreign firms. Students need to understand how international business practices and customs differ from those in the U.S. They need at least some familiarity with a language other than English, as well as with cultural diversity and world geography.

What is International Business

International business refers to cross-border commerce and other business transactions between governments or companies. Engaging in international business requires an understanding of the legal requirements and business and trade regulations of the country in which you are doing business.

Career Opportunities

Some potential career paths for international business graduates include:

• Financial Analyst
• Stock Broker
• Product Manager
• Economist
• Consultant
• Foreign Exchange Trader
• Foreign Service Officer
• Trade Specialist
• Import/Export Coordinator

Formats of International Business

International business occurs in many different formats, including:

• The movement of goods from one country to another (exporting, importing, trade)
• Contractual agreements that allow foreign firms to use products, services, and processes from other nations (licensing, franchising)
• The formation and operations of sales, manufacturing, research and development, and distribution facilities in foreign markets

Significant Elements of International Business

The prevalence of international business has increased significantly during the last part of the twentieth century, thanks to the liberalization of trade and investment and the development of technology. Some significant elements that have advanced international business include:

• The formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995
• The inception of electronic funds transfers
• The introduction of the euro to the European Union
• Technological innovation that facilitates global communication and transportation
• The dissolution of a number of communist markets, thus opening up many economies to private business

Program Options

The university offers the following international business programs:

• BA International Business Option
• B.S. International Business Minor
• International Business Department

Short-Term Study Abroad

The International Business Program offers short-term study abroad programs to various destinations. These programs typically involve class activities done on campus during the spring or fall semester, plus a week-long overseas trip in winter (for fall program) or summer (for spring program). Students will enroll in the course CBA 494, with letters A indicating Asian destinations, B indicating European destinations, and C indicating Latin American destinations.

Scholarships and Funding

Scholarships are available to support those enrolled in the fall and spring programs. Course credits count as electives for certain majors, such as International Business, Management, and Marketing. The Center for International Education also offers programs exclusively in winter or summer.

Destinations of Past Programs

Destinations of past programs include:

• China
• Germany
• Singapore
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Cuba
• South America

General Education Requirements

Nine units of upper-division GE capstone must be chosen from a list of courses with strong global or international emphasis. This list is available from the Director of the International Business Program.