International Business Management East Asia

With the China specialization, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society launched the “East Asian Marketing” degree program in 1988—a program that was unique in Germany at the time—combining economics and Chinese language instruction with regional studies focused on China. Prof. Dr. Siegfried Englert, a sinologist and founder of the East Asian Institute, recognized as early as thirty years ago the German business sector’s demand for graduates with Chinese language skills and specialized knowledge, and designed the degree program—which was still unusual at the time—with a curriculum and structure tailored to meet that need. Success was not long in coming, and just four years later, the program’s second pillar—the Japan specialization—was introduced, followed by the Korea specialization beginning in the winter semester of 2016.

Today, the China specialization not only has numerous partnerships with universities and other institutions in China but also maintains a particularly close relationship with Rhineland-Palatinate’s partner province, Fujian. Students at the OAI who spend their study abroad year during their third year at Fuzhou University in the provincial capital of the same name have a good chance of receiving financial support from the provincial government. At the university level as well, there is a vibrant exchange between faculty and research staff of Chinese and German origin.

Why China?

The People’s Republic of China has now risen to become the world’s second-largest economy after the United States and thus has a significant influence on developments in many sectors and industries, as well as on international economic relations.

The People’s Republic is also the EU’s largest foreign trade partner and is of paramount importance to Germany as an exporting nation. At the same time, the structure of the Chinese economy is undergoing constant change; what was once the “world’s extended workbench” with many labor-intensive mass-produced goods has since given rise to globally leading technology companies such as the telecommunications equipment manufacturer Huawei and the computer manufacturer Lenovo. China has also been a leader in wind energy for several years.

The Global Dimension of the China Program

In addition to the economy, the East Asian Institute also examines the political and cultural dimensions of China. The coexistence of a market economy and ongoing political leadership by the Communist Party in the People’s Republic raises just as many questions as the role and status of Taiwan or that of the “Overseas Chinese.” Overseas Chinese are people of Chinese descent who exert significant influence in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Successful entrepreneurship in these regions is largely in the hands of the population of Chinese descent. But Overseas Chinese communities are also making their presence felt worldwide, for example in Canada, the United States, and Latin America.

The China concentration thus also has a regional and even global dimension. As a result, students can spend their study abroad year not only at universities in the People’s Republic but also in Taiwan. Graduates can look forward to excellent career opportunities in internationally active companies and other institutions.

Since 1992, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society has offered a Japan specialization at the East Asia Institute (OAI) as part of its highly successful International Business Management (East Asia) degree program, which is virtually unique in Germany. As with the other specializations, our students receive a solid education in business administration, covering all relevant subjects (e.g., marketing, accounting, finance, economics, etc.), supplemented by courses in regional studies focused on Japan and intensive Japanese language training. In the third year of study, students are also required to spend a semester studying in Japan. To this end, the OAI has established a broad network of partner universities in Japan that has few equivalents in the German higher education landscape. Currently, 12 Japanese universities are partnered with the Institute of East Asian Studies, including leading Japanese universities such as Sophia University in Tokyo. Students also have the option of spending the second semester in Japan as an internship. Our partners in this area include Mitsubishi Fuso and Bosch, among others. Graduates of the degree programs have excellent career opportunities in international companies and other institutions, as well as the chance to pursue top-tier master’s programs.

Why Japan?

Japan has the world’s third-largest economy in terms of gross domestic product. The country is home to some of the largest and most advanced companies in the automotive, electronics, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in many other industries. Japan also holds numerous top positions in research: 24 Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine impressively demonstrate Japan’s leadership in basic research. Not to mention robotics—around 20% of the world’s industrially deployed robots operate in Japan.

Japan has been inspiring the world for over 150 years

Japan has the world’s third-largest economy in terms of gross domestic product. The country is home to some of the largest and most advanced companies in the automotive, electronics, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in many other industries. Japan also holds numerous top positions in research: 24 Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine impressively demonstrate Japan’s leadership in basic research. Not to mention robotics—about 20% of the world’s industrially deployed robots are in operation in Japan.

For 30 years, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society has offered the highly successful International Business Management (East Asia) degree program through its East Asia Institute (OAI)—a program that is virtually unique in Germany. In 2016, the program was expanded to include a focus on Korea. This makes our degree program currently the only one of its kind in Germany, combining business administration, Korean language, and Korean studies. For the first time, students can combine their passion for Korea with an undergraduate degree in business administration and acquire skills that are in high demand on the international job market. The introduction of the third specialization, Korea, is driven not only by high demand in Germany but also by the Korean economy’s need for highly qualified professionals in the international arena. Our degree program is therefore actively supported by the renowned Korea Foundation. This foundation operates under the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For our students’ mandatory year abroad, we have signed agreements with six partner universities in Korea, including Korea University, one of the top three universities in the country. Graduates of the degree program have excellent career opportunities in international companies and other institutions, and they are also well-prepared for admission to top-tier master’s programs.

Why Korea?

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is Asia’s third-largest economy after China and Japan and is active in all major industries. Companies such as Samsung and Hyundai have built globally successful brands and possess cutting-edge technology in the fields of semiconductor technology, mobile communications, battery systems, and more. South Korea is also one of the world’s largest exporters of goods. As an industrialized nation, South Korea faces challenges similar to those of Germany, for example, regarding demographic change and energy policy. From a Korean perspective, the experience of German reunification serves as an important unifying element with regard to a possible reunification of North and South Korea.

Korea as a Key Nation in East Asia

Korea shares deep cultural, historical, economic, and political ties with China and Japan. Throughout their eventful history, these countries have exerted significant influence on one another. Strong interdependencies persist to this day through trade, direct investment, technology transfer, tourism, and immigration and emigration.

North Korea poses a challenge for China, Japan, and South Korea alike. Future developments there have the potential not only to fundamentally transform the situation throughout Asia but also to significantly influence the geopolitical landscape.

Our program—unique in Germany—combines business administration modules with regional studies focused on Korea and practice-oriented Korean language instruction, optimally preparing our graduates for the challenges of the Asian and international job markets, as well as the German job market.

Is the East Asia Institute a private college?

No. The East Asia Institute is part of the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society; the International Business Management (East Asia) degree program is based at the East Asia Institute and is part of the university’s Department of Marketing and Human Resource Management. We are an educational institution of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Does the East Asia Institute charge tuition?

No.
Since the East Asia Institute is part of a state university in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, no tuition fees are charged. However, a semester fee is required. This does not include the semester ticket.

Do applicants need prior knowledge of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean?

No.
Some applicants have prior knowledge, but this is not a requirement. The courses (see module handbook) Chinese I, Japanese I, and Korean I are designed for students with no prior knowledge.

Can I work as an interpreter after completing my degree?

No, that is not our goal. Our graduates are business administrators with strong language skills that enable them to navigate their professional and personal lives in China, Japan, or Korea. Depending on your academic performance, you can achieve a high level of language proficiency here.

Can I focus my studies on my native language?

Please contact us if this applies to you. We’ll provide you with personalized advice at the Student Advising Office.

Are there ways to finance my year abroad in Asia?

Yes, even if you do not receive BAFöG, you can apply for and receive BAFöG for studying abroad. Of course, anyone can also apply for scholarships from the DAAD or other foundations. Our university’s International Office also offers additional forms of financial support.

I got a D in math—can I still study at the East Asian Institute?

Mathematics is an important component of Business Studies. Be aware that you will have exams in this subject. If you’d like to brush up on your math skills before starting your studies, the university offers free online math courses.

For all first-semester students who prefer to learn in a group setting and get to know their new classmates at the same time, the university offers a preparatory math course, which generally takes place before the orientation week in September. With this program, the university aims to make the transition into college easier. Participation is, of course, voluntary.

Can I have my previous academic achievements recognized?

Yes. In addition to your transcript, we’ll need the course descriptions for the courses you’d like to have credited. These must be submitted to the respective instructor for review at the beginning of the semester. If you have any questions, please contact the Academic Advising Office.

I have completed vocational training. Can I study at the Institute of East Asian Studies?

Yes, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate allows professionally qualified individuals to study at universities of applied sciences. The requirement is a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 or higher.

Is there a student dormitory in Ludwigshafen?

Yes, a large proportion of our students live in the university’s student residence hall . You can apply for a room there. Please note: The application deadline is August 1. The Institute of East Asian Studies is about a 15-minute walk away.

Can’t find your question here? Our Admissions Office will be happy to assist you.