What is International Business?

Today's business world is no longer limited by national boundaries. Changes in communication, transportation and information technology have propelled businesses into a new environment, with blurred borders and new interdependencies. For business professionals to thrive or even survive in this environment, they need a broader education grounded in a more global perspective.

Many US firms are concerned with their international environment as much as they are with their local environment. Many firms carry out international operations, increasing their opportunities (diversification of their markets, supplies at lower cost) but also increasing their risks (foreign exchange risk, political risk). Whether it is the exporting of their products or finding foreign sources of supply in goods and raw materials or making foreign investments, more and more US companies are engaged in international operations. In addition, many leading US firms are also multinational corporations operating in different foreign markets simultaneously.

Today firms are also concerned with their international environment because of the increased opportunities given by the development of free-trade areas like NAFTA between the US, Canada, and Mexico. More South American countries are expected to join a larger free-trade area with North America in the near future through the Free-Trade Area of the Americas, which is expected to be established in 2006.

Major trends in the international business environment including a major policy to increase U.S. exports and create U.S. jobs makes the development of skills in international business and trade a necessity.

The Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University has taken on the challenge of globalizing business education with its new Bachelor of Science in Business degree in International Business. This new major meets the critical need in Ohio for professionals who can assume leadership roles as the state's and nation's economies continue to grow from international trade. This major adds applied experience in language, culture and international business operations to a core of traditional business courses. An international trade internship further develops students into professionals whose hands-on experience distinguishes them from their peers.

• To understand the interdependency of business, culture and language competencies for global economic effectiveness.
• To gain valuable and practical work experience through the degree's internship program.
• To develop decision-making skills in planning, organizing, leading and controlling international business dynamics in everyday business.
• To cultivate sustained and structured awareness of the international dimensions of multiple business functions

Admission Requirements

Students must comply with general Raj Soin College of Business requirements:

45 hours earned (including the following)

• Completion of ENG 101 and 102 with "C" or better.
• Completion of MTH 128 or 129 (or higher level math class), with "C" or better.
• 2.5 minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Program Structure

The program is structured to emphasize three areas of study, as well as pracical work experience :

• Business: Students will attain an understanding of all functional areas of international business: finance, accountancy, marketing, management, economics and trade principles.
• Culture: Students will select a concentration area for the liberal arts classes from a predetermined list. The goal is to enrich their knowledge of one specific geographic region.
• Foreign Language: Students will acquire a busines level competency. Language choice should correspond to the student's culture concentration area.
• Internship: As a part of the program, students are required to complete an international internship using the skills acquired in the degree program. This may take place domestically or abroad. (Most students will complete their internships during their junior or senior year.)

This interdisciplinary blend or language, business and culture components typifies the most reputable programs of international business domestically and globally. More Information...

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