Program

The IMBS-program has a wide character, because of both the contents as the challenging didactics of the classes. The first 7 terms (blocks) are mainly given at school. An important part of these terms is the (real-life) project which discusses one specific aspect of (international) business. Of course all lessons are given in English. This study offers big opportunities if you are an ambitious student who wants to excel in his study.

First year at IBMS
During the first year you are introduced to the international market from the perspective of the international marketeer, the international manager and the international communication manager, focusing on the client, producer, service industry and trade. Also general management skills and communicative skills (in English) are an important part of the programme. In all blocks (terms) you participate in a project, to which many lessons and trainings will contribute. In these projects you will learn a lot about cooperation in an international environment. The first year is concluded by an orientating training, during which you will be working as a trainee for 6-8 weeks. You are coached by a personal coach from business life. Click here for more information about the first term 'Broaden Your Horizon'.

Introduction trip
Before the ending of the first term, we take an introduction trip abroad. Purpose of this trip is not only to get to know your fellow students and class mates better, but also to get to know YOURSELF better. During this introduction trip Education, Pleasure, Business and Sightseeing (EPBS) will form the guideline of the programme. The programme will be both strenuous as fun and relaxing.

Second year IBMS
During the second year you will be training your operational skills and you will learn to approach business challenges from a strategic perspective. To achieve this, you will approach the international market from the perspective of the Financial Manager, the Export Manager and the Strategic Management Consultant. During three blocks (terms) you also participate in a project regarding the start of a real company. You finish this year working as a trainee for 25 weeks, which partly overlaps the third year. In consultation with your personal coach, you are expected to give an individual interpretation of the programme.

Travel with us to China!
During the block The Export Manager an (optional) trip to one of the growing economies (Brasil, China, India) is part of the programme. Travel with us to China, a fast developing world power. A land of opposites. From the luxurious skyscrapers in Beijing and Hongkong to the primitive farm life of the hinterland. China, with the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army, becomes more and more attractive to internationally working companies. Also the Chinese home market offers more and more interesing opportunities.

From experience we know that working as a trainee is a perfect stepping stone to an international business career. Many of our students are being offered a job while working as a trainee.

Third year IBMS
The third year is focussed on the strategic approach of industry issues. Je will look at the market through the eys of a Communication Manager, Market Researcher and the Management Consultant. Besides that you will spend time on a feasibility survey and an international inernship of 10 weeks.   

Fourth year IMBS
The fourth year starts with a 10 weeks minor, after that you start with a 16 weeks (international) internship followed by the research period. From experience we know that working as a trainee is a perfect stepping stone to an international business career. Many of our students are being offered a job while working as a trainee.     

Dissertation (thesis)
The thesis is the concluding highlight of your 4-year study. You are advising an international organisation on a problem they experience or an opportunity they want to explore. You work within a theoretical framework and carry out research in this organisation in order to provide them with good advice. Using the knowledge, skills and experience you have achieved during the 3,5 years of your study, you are expected to do research, analyse data and doing specific recommendations to solve the business problem.

Accelerated track
EPBS offers ambitious students the opportunity to take part in an accelerated program which makes it possible to complete the IBMS program in three years. If you are enrolled in the accelerated program and your study delays, you will transfer back to the normal track. The normal track (regular IBMS program) finishes in four years.