Katz European Summer Program - WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management

 

Overview: 

The summer program in Germany is divided among a series of modules under the theme of “The Changing Environment for International Business in Europe".

Modules will take place along the following topics:

  • European Trade Integration and the Euro
  • Competing in European Markets
  • European Aspects of Family Business
  • The Business Tax Environment in Europe
  • Business Environment and Strategies of FDI Investors in Central and Eastern Europe
  • Entrepreneurship from a European Perspective
  • The Relevance of Family Business in Europe
  • Raising Capital in European Capital Markets.

 

Cultural Program - Included as part of the two-week program are several cultural and social activities:

  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Visit to a medieval castle
  • Guided city tour of Koblenz
  • Boat tour along the Rhine
  • Winery tour and tasting

 

There are two (2) in-person sessions offered:

  1. May 7 - May 21, 2024
  2. May 12 - May 24, 2024

There will be one (1) online session offered:

  1. May 5/6 - May 17/18, 2024

In their applications, students should specify which program (on-line or in-person) and session they are applying for.

Up to three (3) MBA or MS* students may be nominated by the Graduate Programs Office for the summer 2024 program. Final selection may be determined by the host institution based on program requirements and available slots. *For interested MS students, please note that approval is pending for this program.*

Please click the link HERE to view the pre-recorded information session.

Please see the "Application Instructions" section for more information on how to apply.

 

Learning Objectives: 

As an engaged and active participant on the program, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Deepen your analytical and critical thinking skills through coursework at a high-quality European business school
  • Explore business ideas and themes through a new perspective
  • Advance your communication and interpersonal skills through interaction with faculty, fellow students and European business executives
  • Improve your global awareness and acumen through immersion in a foreign country
  • Broaden and enhance your personal and professional network

Partner Information: 

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management is a leading German business school with an exceptional national and international reputation. Founded in 1984 on the initiative of the Koblenz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, WHU has become a model for future-oriented research and teaching in business economics. The WHU network consists of 1,549 students, 54 faculty members, and 200 partner schools. According to the Financial Times’ on European Business School, Global MBA, and Masters-in-Management program rankings, WHU ranks 1st (in Germany), 71st (worldwide), and 16th (worldwide), respectively.

Location Description: 

Vallendar: A residential community with tourism, farms and part-time businesses, several service companies, and small industries. In the middle of the Rhine, opposite of Vallendar, lies the island Niederwerth, the only river island in Germany with a village community. Today Vallendar's appearance is influenced mostly by the internationally renowned Schönstatt and the WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management and its students.

 

Koblenz: This historic city celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 1992. After Mainz and Ludwigshafen am Rhein, it is the third-largest city in Rhineland-Palatinate, with a population of around 112,000 (2015). Koblenz is a principal seat of the Mosel and Rhenish wine trade and does a large amount of business in the export of mineral waters. Local manufacturers include automotive parts (braking systems – TRW Automotive, gas springs and hydraulic vibration dampers – Stabilus), aluminum coils (Aleris Aluminum), pianos, paper, cardboard, machinery, boats, and barges.

Housing Description: 

Students attending the summer program at WHU have a number of options for accommodations. A complete list can be found on the WHU website and will be communicated to accepted students. Below is a snap-shot of opportunities:

  • Vallendar, Höhrerstraße 34: 5 min. walking distance to WHU. New and modern furnished with single bed, kitchenette and private bathroom, different sizes: single room apartments or shared apartments for 2, 4 or 5 students (with single room). Costs for two weeks:
    • 450 € for a single room apartment
    • 430 € for a single room in a shared apartment (2 students)
    • 380 € for a single room in a shared apartment (4 students)
    • 400 € for a single room in a shared apartment (5 students)

 

  • Vallendar, SmartFlats Goethestraße (SFG): 5-8 min walking distance to WHU. Newly built apartment house, single room with own bathroom and kitchenette.
    • Costs for two weeks 450 €

 

  • Vallendar, Gilgenborn 31a: 10 min. walking distance to WHU. The house at Gilgenborn 31a was newly built in 2022. It consists of 9 fully furnished shared apartments with a total of 27 rooms; 2- person, 3-person and 4-person shared apartments with balconies. All shared flats/rooms are fully furnished and fully equipped with dishes, bed linen, towels, etc. The flats are between 72m² and 106 m², the individual rooms between 13m² and 16 m². The rent per room is including all utilities and Wi-Fi. Washing machines and dryers are available in a laundry room and can be booked and paid via an app. New and modern furnished with single bed, kitchenette and private bathroom, different sizes: single room apartments or shared apartments for 2, 4 or 5 students (with single room).
    • Cost for two weeks: approx. 425 €
Academic Description: 

The WHU MBA European Summer Program comprises a two-week course on “The Changing Environment for International Business in Europe” on the attractive campus in Vallendar, located just outside of Koblenz in the valley of the Rhine River.

The program is designed for MBA students of WHU's partner schools in their second year who are interested in International Business, Finance, and Corporate Strategy.

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to transfer back three (3) credits.
 
Since 2020, an online summer program has also been offered for students unable to travel abroad.
 
Up to three (3) MBA students may be nominated by the Graduate Programs Office for the summer 2024 program. Final selection may be determined by the host institution based on program requirements and available slots. *For interested MS students, please note that approval is pending for this program.*
 

Grading: 
WHU Grading System Description
1.0 - 1.5 (sehr gut) Very Good
1.6 - 2.5 (gut) Good
2.6 - 3.5 (befriedigend) Satisfactory
3.6-4.0 (ausreichend) Sufficient
5.0 (nicht ausreichend) Fail

Students who receive a grade of "B" or better will be able to transfer the credits back to Katz. Only the credits transfer back NOT the grade.

Experiential Learning Description: 

Integrated into the program are several company visits including a visit to the European Central Bank or another large financial institution, as well as visits to several international companies in the area.

Program Fees: 

Items Billed by Pitt

  In-State/Out of State
Tuition 3-credits Katz tuition
Mandatory Fees Varies by program
Study Abroad Fee $300
Total Billed by Pitt 3-credits Katz tuition + fees

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

  In-Person Virtual
WHU Program Fee 495 euros 125 euros
Airfare $1,500 N/A
Housing $400 - $460 N/A
Visa (if applicable) $150 N/A
Meals $100-$200 N/A
Personal Expenses $300-$400 N/A

Total Estimated Cost of Program (Includes items billed by Pitt and additional expenses).

 

Total Estimated Program Cost

  In-State/Out of State

 

In-Person

 

Items billed by Pitt + Program Fee + Housing + Airfare + Additional In-country expenses

Virtual

Items billed by Pitt + Program Fee

 

Bill McShane

I am the Associate Director for Integrated Learning at the Katz Graduate School of Business. Part of my responsibilities includes expanding and enhancing global programing for graduate business students. Originally from South Central Pennsylvania, I studied abroad in Berlin, Germany during my undergrad in Philadelphia and taught English on a Fulbright grant in Hanover, Germany for a year following graduation. During my time as a grad student at Pitt, I interned in Brussels, Belgium at the US Mission to NATO. After working for four years in international education in Washington, DC, I returned to Pittsburgh in 2016 and am thrilled to be back working on study abroad programming. Outside of the office, you can probably find me somewhere outdoors in the region running, biking, hiking or camping.

 

Application Instructions: 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, students must complete the following information in the Global Experiences Office system:

  • Application form
  • Copy of Passport

Additional materials are required by WHU following your acceptance into the program. These must be completed by March 1.
 
Applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Programs Office.

Selected students will then be nominated by the Graduate Programs Office.

Additional Information: 

Up to three (3) MBA students may be nominated by the Graduate Programs Office for the summer 2024 program. Final selection may be determined by the host institution based on program requirements and available slots. *For interested MS students, please note that approval is pending for this program.*

 

Selected students are required to meet with Bill McShane prior to the end of the Spring semester. This meeting will cover ground rules and expectations for Pitt Global Experiential Learning.

Insurance Requirements: 

Students studying abroad through the Pitt Global Experiences Office are automatically provided health insurance coverage during the official program dates.

Visa Requirements: 

Some nationalities, such as Americans, Canadians, and Australians, in possession of a valid passport, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

The Global Experiences Office (and most foreign governments) requires that your passport be valid for at least six months after you plan on leaving your host country.