Information on individual educational components (ECTS-Course descriptions) per semester

Participation in all organisational and content-related preparatory events, independent procurement of the necessary visas, flight tickets and transfers in AT/DE/CH (depending on the chosen departure airport).

In the course Intercultural Study Trips, students plan their own intercultural research projects and implement them together with students from the project country.

An elementary characteristic of the International Business Administration degree programme is that all students complete a component abroad:

Study for a complete semester at a partner university in a non-German-speaking country (or as a "free mover" outside the network of the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences).
Completion of the internship provided for in the curriculum in a non-German-speaking foreign country (according to the requirements for creditable internships)
Participation in the two-week study trips offered (especially for students of the extra-occupational form of organisation)

The two-week study trip to India offers students the unique opportunity to deepen their intercultural and language skills. The joint and intensive work in interdisciplinary teams enables students to gain insight into the culture and working methods of the respective host country already during the intensive preparation period in self-defined projects. Together with selected students from partner universities, they work on the implementation of the planned activities on site during the study trip and reflect on what they have experienced and learned after their return to the FH Vorarlberg.

The students understand the significance of the cultural system of values and norms in the respective country and its influence on processes of perception and interaction. They are able to research country-related topics in detail and understand how to use relevant sources and information.

Students learn to cooperate with students and interlocutors in the respective country across cultural boundaries. They understand how to use their foreign language skills and how to carry out and present their own projects in this language. The students are able to use digital platforms effectively and efficiently in order to work collaboratively on projects in an international context.

The students can analyse problem situations typical for the country and work out causes for misunderstandings, conflicts and friction losses. They can compare and critically contrast findings from professional literature and their own experienced case study. Students have the appropriate mindset and tools to start and actively shape intercultural dialogue and are able to initiate their own project and work on it together with students from other cultural backgrounds.

The students are able to reflect on the process of intercultural teamwork and recognise strengths and areas for development in their behaviour in the team.

Interactive course with lecture, case studies, exercises in individual and group work, participation in a two weeks excursion.

Written paper, presentation, talks, discussions

The preparation of the content and organization of the study trip starts in the winter semester. Individual dates for the participants will be announced in the timetable. The trip itself will take place at the beginning of February - exact dates will be announced. There will be costs for the trip to India as well as for hotel accommodation, meals and the social program (in total approx. 2.000,00 €).

Hofstede, Geert; Hofstede Gert Jan (2010): Cultures and Organizations - Software of the Mind: Intercultural Communication and Its Importance for Survival. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company.

Grihault, Nicki (2006): India Culture Smart!: A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette. London: Kuperard Publishers.

Martin, Judith; Nakayama, Thomas (2012): Intercultural Communication in Contexts. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company.

Trompenaars, Fons; Hampten-Turner, Charles (2012): Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Cultural Diversity in Business. London: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.

Varma, Pavan (2006): Being Indian. Inside the Real India. New York: Random House.

Venkatesan, Ravi (2013): Conquering the Chaos: Win in India, Win Everywhere. Watertown, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Review Press.

Classes with compulsory attendance, two weeks excursion