World Guidelines for the Study of International Business and Commercial Language at Wooster

Introduction: A liberal arts background already gives you an advantage in seeking international careers. Our integrated course of study helps you learn to think in ways that will help you to handle the special requirements of adapting to a foreign environment. These recommendations have been prepared by members of the Departments of Business Economics, French, German, and Spanish who would be happy to speak with you about your plans.

The choice of major should emphasize either business or language skills and supporting courses will complement the choice of major.

Option I: Language Emphasis: International Business Economics Minor

Students who choose to emphasize language will complete all courses required for the major in their language of choice (including three courses of Independent Study) and must include the language course most relevant to the language of business and an IS in a business-related area.

Supporting courses build toward competence in economic and business fundamentals and include at least:

Option II: Business Emphasis

Students who choose to emphasize business will complete all courses for the Business Economics major (including three courses of Independent Study) and must include at least one of the following: Economics 251, 252, 254.

Supporting courses build toward competence in the language of choice and include at least:

               French     German     Spanish
Intermediate  201, 203   201, 202    201, 202
Advanced        216         250         310
Culture         224         260     203 or 204

Foreign Study: Foreign study in a country consistent with your language of choice is strongly recommended under either option. This would normally involve the internship discussed below.

Commercial Language Certification: The Chambers of Commerce of France, Germany, and Spain offer language examinations providing certification in commercial language competence. Such certification is recognized by business firms in these countries and substantially enhances internship opportunities. The examinations are offered on a regular basis at various locations in Ohio. Students are encouraged to obtain this certification prior to their internship.

French: Certificat Pratique de Français Commercial et Economique; Diplôme Supérieur de Français des Affaires
German: Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch International; Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache
Spanish: Certificado de Español Comercial Básico; Diploma de Español Comercial

Internships: For students with the appropriate language and Business training, the College of Wooster has internship connections with firms located in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Internships in Latin America are offered through the GLCA Bogotá Program. For more information, contact Professor Sell.

Faculty Contacts: Contact any of the following program participants to discuss these options further.

Business Economics: Professor J. Sell
French: Professor C. Durham
German: Professor M. Herrmann or Professor J. Sell
Spanish: Professor D. Uber
In all cases, the Center for Diversity and Global Engagement is an excellent source of additional information.

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Last updated: 11 August 2009 by Jws