Utrecht (Utrecht University) & Milan, Italy, Netherlands

Europe in the World of Business

when 3 July 2017 - 4 August 2017
language English
duration 5 weeks
credits 10 EC
fee EUR 2720

This course offers two different complementing approaches to diving into the world of business from a European perspective. From a rigorous theoretical framework offering the basic knowledge on Europe and its historical, social, societal and economic developments, to an international focus on the European Union as a business network.

The first two weeks of this course focus on Europe as a political and economic entity on the global stage. Through a series of lectures by key experts in their field students will deepen their understanding of this very interesting assembly of nations that has played such an important role in shaping the world but seems to be struggling with its position both internally and externally. Students will study Europe’s history, developments in societal aspects and focus on the impact these have had economically.

The next three weeks focus on Europe as a place to do business. During the third week students will look at the European Union as a business network and ecosystem. Next to lectures, students will work on several case studies and also do a two-day simulation. In this simulation students act as representatives of the European Parliament and they need to work on the economic future of Europe.

In the fourth week students will work on trends and business in the fashion and design industry. This part of the course takes students to Italy, where they are immersed in the Italian culture and economy to work on a case study.

The fifth week students are back in Utrecht, The Netherlands where they will focus on trends and business in the media industry. What are the challenges traditional media face and what business models emerge from new technologies like virtual reality?

Course leader

Drs. Peter O. van der Meer

Target group

This course is aimed at students from outside and inside the European Union, who are interested in further developing their understanding of the European business world. The course is open to bachelor students in the field of business, marketing and finance, and to (bachelor and master) students who have some background and/or a strong interest in these fields and economic trends and topics in the EU. A good command of English is necessary. Participants will increase their knowledge of and the skills needed to understand the challenges of operating in a European business setting, develop an overview of current trends and hot topics, and will experience their own strengths and weaknesses in assignments and case studies where they analyse and solve problems, and focus on the implications of theory for real-life business.

Fee info

EUR 2720: course fees + materials + housing + travel Utrecht-Milan