Graduate Summer Management Programs

About the Program

WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management is one of the most prestigious business schools in Germany. Its European Summer Institute serves as an alternative to a full semester abroad and offers targeted insight on international business in Europe. Students spend two weeks immersed in classroom presentations, company visits, readings, and case analysis to learn about the changing face of business in Europe, culminating in a final report and presentation at the end of the program. The program is designed for MBA or MS students interested in international business, corporate strategy, and/or finance.

WHU's home, Vallendar, is located directly on the famed Rhine River, one of the most beautiful and ancient cultural landscapes in Europe. The program also includes cultural visits to give participants an opportunity to experience multiple dimensions of Europe; activities in previous years have included visits to historical sites, city tours, and Rhine River cruises. WHU is located less than an hour from both Frankfurt and Cologne, making it an excellent home base for travel in Europe before or after the program.

The WHU European Summer Institute is a three-credit hour Summer course (KSB-749). There are two available sessions of the Institute; students may register for either depending on their final exam schedule:

Session I: May 6 - 18, 2012

Session II: May 20 - June 1, 2012

More detailed information about the European Summer Institute can also be found on WHU's website.

Curriculum

The theme for the 2012 Institute is "The Changing Environment for International Business in Europe". Modules of the course are presented by leading faculty at WHU, and specific topics of the program include:

• European Integration: The Single European Market of the EU and European Monetary Union

• Doing Business in Eastern Europe

• Restructuring Companies in Transition Economies

• Innovation Strategies of European Companies

• European Marketing

• The Environment of Mergers and Acquisitions: European Competition Policies

• European Financial Markets

On-campus coursework is augmented by company site visits; companies visited in previous years include the European Central Bank, Zwilling/J.A. Henckels, Deutsche Bundesbank, Bayer, and Fiege.

The summer institute is taught entirely in English.

Housing

WHU offers visiting students a variety of housing options, all within walking distance to the campus. Students can opt for a private apartment or one of the dormitories or guesthouses on or near campus, in single or shared accommodations. Campus housing prices range from 190 - 300 Euro for the length of the program, and rent is paid in cash upon arrival. Housing requests are part of the overall application, and housing assignments will be distributed by WHU on a first come, first served basis. More information about housing during the program can be found on WHU's website.

Passport & Visa

Once accepted into the program, students are solely responsible for obtaining a passport and any visas or other immigration documents required for their stay in Germany, including any related fees. The Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs will support students in this endeavor with any required letters from the school. Students should visit the German Embassy website as well as the Embassy website for their home country to validate entry and exit requirements. Details for US citizens regarding these requirements and other pertinent information can be found on the US State Department website. US citizens are required to hold a valid passport, but do not need a visa for a stay of this duration.

Cost

Students are responsible for the following costs of the program:

• Tuition: Standard Summer tuition for three credits, calculated per the Summer tuition and fee schedule posted on the Student Accounts website, will be billed by and paid directly to AU. This also covers mandatory supplemental emergency travel insurance through AU.
• Program Fee: In addition to tuition, there is a program fee of 369 Euros paid directly to WHU as part of the application process (see below). The program fee includes course pack material, airport shuttle, welcome & farewell receptions, lunches, various cultural events & company visits, and bus ticket.
• Housing: Housing is arranged through WHU and the cost of housing is paid directly to them (or your off-campus landlord if you choose a private apartment).
• Travel: Students are responsible for the reservation and payment of travel to and from Germany.
• Passport & Visa: Students are responsible for obtaining a passport, visa (if required), or other required immigration documents, including related fees. 
• Incidentals: Meals and local transportation not included in the Program Fee, laundry, cell phone service, toiletries, shopping & souvenirs, etc. are the student's responsibility. 
• Financial Aid: Students planning to use financial aid should consult with the Financial Aid office to determine coverage and eligibility.
  

Application

Application deadline for the 2012 Institute is Monday, February 20, 2012. 

Please complete all of the following application steps and submit all required materials electronically or dropped off in KSB 106 no later than 5:00 p.m. on the application deadline: 

1. Discuss and confirm with you Graduate Academic Advisor how the course will fit into your degree program.
2. Download and complete WHU's Registration Form electronically, then print, sign, and submit with other materials to KSB 106 (NOT directly to WHU).
3. Download and complete the Consent & Release/Emergency Contact Form.
   
4. Photocopy the photo/biographical page of your passport.
5. Submit all required materials to KSB 106 (NOT WHU) by 5:00 p.m. on the application deadline.

Once all of your application materials have been received:

• Your application will be reviewed and forwarded to the WHU.
  

• You will need to complete a number of additional forms for both AU and WHU, including payment of the 369 Euro program fee directly to WHU, as well as a passport-size photo in .jpg format.
  

• You will be registered for KSB-749 and your student account will be charged the applicable tuition. You do not register yourself.

• You will attend a mandatory pre-departure session at AU covering key logistical, administrative, and safety & health information.

Space is limited, so complete your application today!

Questions?

Please contact the Kogod Office of Global Learning Programs at 202-885-1940 or ksbabroad@american.edu with any questions about the program, or your Graduate Academic Advisor for any questions about how the course fits into your degree requirements.