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Duration:
3 Weeks
Academic Program hours
65
contact hours of a cultural program
20
Location
Vallendar
Language
English
Credits
5-7 US Credits or 10-14 ECTS
The Business, Political, and Cultural Environment in Europe

Interactive lectures and discussions – Gaining in-depth learning experiences

The WHU Bachelor European Summer Program offers a three-week course on 'The Business, Political, and Cultural Environment in Europe’ for Bachelor students of WHU's partner schools on the attractive campus in Vallendar, located just outside of Koblenz in the valley of the Rhine River. As an alternative to an exchange semester, the program offers a targeted and compact insight into international business in Europe, focusing on the political and economic environment in Europe as well as on the impact on business relations in this region.

The next program will take place from May 25 to June 13, 2025

The academic modules of the program typically include:

  1. Trade Integration in Europe and the European Union
  2. Monetary Integration in Europe: The Euro as Europe’s Common Currency
  3. Competing in European Markets
  4. Operations Management in Europe: Embracing Sustainability
  5. Business Environment and Strategies of Foreign Direct Investors in Central and Eastern Europe
  6. European Aspects of Marketing
  7. Aspects of Cultural Competence in Europe
  8. German History
  9. The Relevance of Family Businesses in Europe

Additionally there will be several visits to international companies and financial institutions.

The program is taught entirely in English and comprises 65 academic hours (equivalent to four - five US credits) plus around 20 contact hours of a cultural program (equivalent to one - two US credits). In general, there is no tuition for students enrolled at and nominated by WHU's partner schools (to be confirmed individually). Check if your university is part of our Global Partner Network and find out more about the program costs below.

Providing academic excellence – WHU’s top-notch international faculty

Our expert faculty is all actively engaged in research, allowing us to incorporate the latest relevant findings for the European business world into our curriculum. We also complement our outstanding faculty with relevant international faculty members from our partner schools, as well as lectures, real-life cases, and workshops from top practitioners and subject-matter experts.

Take a look at the faculty profiles of the Bachelor European Summer Program:

Professor Michael Frenkel
Professor Michael Frenkel
Apl. Professor Tim Brexendorf
Apl. Professor Tim Brexendorf
Professor Sonia Ferencikova
Professor Sonia Ferencikova
Assistant Professor Julia de Groote
Assistant Professor Julia de Groote
Professor Nic Schaub
Professor Nic Schaub
Professor Stefan Spinler
Professor Stefan Spinler
Assistant Professor Barbara Stage
Assistant Professor Barbara Stage

Take the next step – Find out more about registration and payment

Apply before March 28, 2025 in order to reserve a place, as seats are limited. Find out more about the registration process and the reduced fees for students nominated by partner universities

In their own words – Testimonials from program participants

The Bachelor European Summer Program offers Bachelor students from around the world the opportunity to enjoy tailor-made and in-depth learning experiences in a European business environment. By cooperating with various educational institutions and companies across the continent, it was possible to create a program which greatly benefits the students’ professional futures.

Find out why the Bachelor European Summer Program is the best choice for you!

Program participants

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David Mockabee
Indiana University
USA
"The Bachelor European Summer Program at WHU was one of the best experiences I’ve ever been a part of. The ability to learn about such a broad range of topics and then getting to see them in action during company visits, sightseeing trips, or historical excursions was invaluable. The faculty here at WHU are equally as impressive as the curriculum; their commitment to teaching program participants so much in such a short amount of time is remarkable. These factors, along with the wonderful people I have met and amazing places I’ve seen, have made this program unforgettable. I feel truly fortunate to have gotten this opportunity and would strongly encourage others to apply!"
Alya Allista Arjuna
Nanyang Technological University
Singapore
"The WHU bachelor summer program gave me great insight to the European environment. The company visits were truly well planned out and we got to connect with high level individuals from the respective companies. The friends I made along the way was the best part of my journey. It provided me a sense of safety and peace knowing that all of us came to this program from different parts of the world. I am so grateful to be part of this incredible experience."
Quang Hy Vu
UEH-International School of Business
Vietnam
"Participating in WHU's Bachelor European Summer Program was unequivocally the highlight of my summer. The program was exceptionally well-organized and encompassed a diverse range of
educational opportunities, broadening my understanding of European business and culture. Additionally, I had the opportunity to form meaningful friendships with individuals from around
the globe, which encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. The classes, company visits, and local tours provided me with valuable skills and fostered a deep appreciation for German culture and history. I feel very fortunate to have been part of this wonderful program."
Chu Cheuk Yiu, Matthew
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
"The WHU’s Bachelor European Summer Program has literally everything I wanted: business knowledge, company visits, German history and culture; all fit neatly into a 3-week schedule, and you’ll also have the weekends to travel to other cities or even nearby countries. It might have been a bit tiring, but it’s all worth it.
Our classmates were friendly, and our professors were very keen on answering our questions. I’m sure we’ve had a better understanding about the big picture of Europe’s market, and Germany in general. Overall, it’s a very enjoyable program, and I had an excellent time in Vallendar."
Jersey Dean
University of Saskatchewan
Canada
"Thank you WHU for the once in a lifetime experience! Between the class trips, the company visits, to the study groups, memories were made at every turn. I have made some good friends this trip I wouldn’t have ever crossed paths with if it were not for this program. I have never been to Europe before, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience it for the first time!"
Minhaal Khalid
University of Strathclyde
UK
"Being a part of WHU's Bachelor European Summer Program was a transformative experience and opened my eyes to new academic and cultural possibilities. This program gave me a special chance to travel to a different country, see the world from new angles, and form connections that will last a lifetime. Taking part in this exchange allowed me to immerse myself into German culture through insightful company visits and tours around different cities. The program managers were especially helpful in making certain that everyone had access to the support and instructions required for a successful exchange. I would highly recommend to all students looking for global perspective in todays interconnected world."
Eric Xu
Ivey Business School at Western University
Canada
"The Bachelor Exchange Summer Program at WHU was a highlight of my time at university! The program offers a comprehensive view into European business through engaging lectures, firm visits, and well-planned day trips to German cultural and historical landmarks. Above all, the people I met from all around the world, and the memories we made exploring Vallendar and the rest of Germany make this a truly memorable experience. I would recommend the Bachelor European Summer Program to anyone who is looking for a immersive foreign exchange experience!"
Le Vinh Mai Khanh
UEH-International School of Business
Vietnam
"These past three weeks as a summer exchange student at WHU have been an unforgettable journey. The opportunity to explore and understand the rich history and vibrant life in Germany has been incredible. At WHU, I understand deeply into the German economy, gaining insights and knowledge that are invaluable. One of the highlights of this experience was participating in business tours to companies like Vanguard, Deutsche Bank, Amazon. These visits opened my eyes to new perspectives and practices in the business world.
But beyond academics and business, the most cherished part of this journey has been the people I've met. Meeting new friends from across the globe has been a heartwarming experience. Despite our different cultures and backgrounds, we quickly bonded and formed meaningful friendships. We shared laughter, stories as well as explored Germany together. I will always cherish these moments and am so thankful for the support and connections that made it all possible.
"
1/8

Frequently Asked Questions –
Quick facts about the program

Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to be able to enter Germany. You have to apply for the visa in your home country (or country of residence) - visas are never issued in Germany!  Please contact or visit the website of your local German Consulate/Embassy to determine if a visa is required, making sure you make the appropriate visa arrangements well in advance of the program start. Some nationalities, such as Americans, Canadians, and Australians, in possession of a valid passport, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. The passport must not expire before the end of the scheduled trip. You can find further information regarding visas here.

Sample schedules are available online and will be updated on a regular basis. Please note that the online schedules are preliminary and subject to change. You will receive the final schedule shortly before the start of the program.

An airport pick-up is organized for you on Sunday, May 25, 2025:

Where:  Frankfurt Airport, Meeting Point Terminal 1
When:   Sunday between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Please book your flights accordingly and inform the program coordinator Kristina Schwanitz about your arrival schedule as soon as possible. Please note that if you are unable to schedule a flight to arrive in time for the pick-up, or your arrival is delayed, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to WHU.

Additionally, an airport drop-off is also organized for you in the morning of Saturday June 14, 2025 after the end of the program. The exact time and meeting point will be announced in due time.

The general rule is smart casual for classes and business casual for company visits and events.

You will have full access to our computer facilities. However, we strongly recommend that you also bring your own laptop.

Before your arrival, you will be asked to prepare for the program using pre-readings which you will find on the online platform. Please make sure to check your email account regularly in order not to miss any updates.

The deadline for payment is March 15, 2025. The base fee cannot be refunded.

If you have a legitimate reason for cancelling your participation we can, under certain circumstances, offer a 75% refund if you inform us of your withdrawal by May 15, 2025.  If you inform us after this date but before the program start, we may reimburse up to 50% of the tuition fee. Once the program has started, no refunds are possible.

Get in touch -

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

We are happy to answer all questions you might have about the program in general, or regarding its content or organization. Please also contact us if you wish to get in touch with previous participants in order to receive insight into their experiences.

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