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School of Business

International Business

Take your love for travel and complement it with the right degree

Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business

Teach-Out Information & Resources for Students

LEARN HOW TO TAKE ANY SIZED BUSINESS ABROAD

With a focus on small- and medium-sized companies, the courses required for a bachelor’s degree in international business will provide you with the needed background to assist firms facing business and cultural challenges of an increasingly global marketplace.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Studying abroad is a highlight of many students’ time at college. At Finlandia we are proud to offer study abroad opportunities to business students who can gain an international perspective on management and entrepreneurship topics.

You can choose from eight international partners throughout Finland:

  • Hagga-Helia (all campuses – Vierumäki, Helsinki and Porvoo, Finland)
  • Business College Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland)
  • JAMK University of Applied Sciences (Jyväskylä, Finland)
  • VAMK University of Applied Sciences (Vaasa, Finland)
  • KAMK University of Applied Sciences (Kajaani, Finland)
  • Perho Culinary, Tourism and Business College (Helsinki, Finland)
  • Lapin AMK (Rovaniemi, Finland)

To learn more about gaining an international edge visit our study abroad page.

Sara Martin with the owner of Ponsse and fellow employees during her internship

Alumni Spotlight: Diana Olkowski

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

Experiential learning is what our International School of Business is all about. All students are required to complete an internship before graduation. In addition, there are a number of opportunities for you to put their knowledge to the test in real-world applications. These include:

  • XES Helsinki Entrepreneurial Community: Join in this “Shark Tank-style” international event that brings together entrepreneurs from Finland and the United States to pitch their idea to a panel of judges, including FinnU ISB faculty. See how international businesses function, or pitch your own endeavor to the group.
  • 1 Million Cups: Similar to XES Helsinki, but local. 1M Cups serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas in front of a group of people who can provide valuable feedback on business models.
  • Assisting local businesses: Part of your coursework will include working with local businesses who are looking to expand their market. Students have the opportunity to do market research and develop an expansion plan for the companies.

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Finlandia’s International School of Business has several business partners who provide unique opportunities for our students. One of the highlighted opportunities is the exclusive Ponsse Einari Vidgrén Foundation Internship. This paid internship enables the selected student to learn firsthand about Ponsse, its operations, and the forest industry both here in the USA and in Finland. The internship is open to all business students, but provides an especially unique opportunity for international business majors.

Another opportunity that is available to International Business major/minor students is a paid summer internship through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s new International Trade and Development Internship program. The program matches students with small to medium-sized Michigan companies seeking assistance in developing their export sales.

MEDC Logo

TAKE CLASSES THAT SPARK YOUR INTEREST

As an international business major, you are exposed to  hands-on skills that will enable you to work in an international enterprise. Two of the classes highlighted in the curriculum include:

Global Entrepreneurship (BUS 388)

You will study the challenges and opportunities of international business from the viewpoint of the small entrepreneurial venture. Topics include understanding the level of readiness to internationalize, finding and analyzing markets, methods of entry, finding international distributors and partners, exporting and importing, and operations.

Cross-Cultural Business Communication (BUS 310)

Empowers you to work and communicate effectively in the cross-cultural business environment. Focuses on developing the awareness, knowledge and skills needed to operate effectively in cross-cultural situations.

Advice from an alumni

Get an internship. That was one of the most beneficial things I did when I was at FinnU. Also take classes you think may not align directly with what you want to do. It will broaden your horizons and help better shape your idea of what you want to do in the future.

Walker Enstad (’17)

District Sales Manager at Freud America

San Francisco, CA

BECOME A CERTIFIED GLOBAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

As a National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) collaborating educational partner school, Finlandia is a member of the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) student pathway program which allows students majoring in international business the opportunity to become a CGBP member. The membership allows you to gain valuable knowledge and expertise in the field and members receive a number of great benefits. A full list of the Student Pathway membership benefits can be found here.

The Degree

Progress Sheet

The Minors

Minor Offerings

The Classes

Course Descriptions

Best Value School

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS IN THE NEWS

Teach-Out Institutions
Finlandia University Teach-Out Institutions

May 16, 2023

Updated May 16, 2023

On Thursday, March 2, Finlandia University’s Board of Trustees announced that FinnU will not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year. Announced Tuesday, March 14, the University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to dissolve the institution and wind up affairs in an orderly manner.

Finlandia has finalized eight Teach-Out Agreements with Adrian College, Bay College, Michigan Technological University, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Northern Michigan University, University of Dubuque, Waldorf University, and Wartburg College. Several non-partnering institutions have […] Read More

Relive Graduation Day 2023 at Finlandia University | Photo Gallery & Livestreams

May 11, 2023

Finlandia University held its final Spring Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. Following commencement, a commendation service was held for Finlandia University students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbors and friends, commending the University and its 126 years of service.

Full High-Res Photos from Spring 2023 Commencement:

VIEW ALBUM ON FLICKR

On-Demand Livestream of Spring 2023 Commencement:

Full High-Res Photos from Service of Commendation:

Read More

Hirvonen Hall exterior
Finlandia honors legacy, Class of 2023 with final commencement and commendation ceremonies

May 10, 2023

Founded in 1896 as Suomi College, Finlandia University held its final spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 7, honoring 92 graduates in the Class of 2023. In March, the University announced the decision to dissolve the institution and not enroll students for the 2023-2024 academic year.

View PhotosWatch On-Demand

President Timothy Pinnow congratulates student at FinnU’s Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

Delivering the welcome address was Board Trustee Stephen Nikander, whose great-grandfather founded the institution and whose grandfather served […] Read More

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business degree program, International School of Business graduates will be able to do the following:

  1. Students will be able to compare and contrast the ways in which doing business internationally will present additional challenges not present in traditional domestic business.
  2. Graduates will be able to devise plans, tactics and strategies for effectively dealing with these international business challenges
  3. Students will be able to identify methods for internationalizing the enterprise, and then be able to make well-informed decisions on which method to choose
  4. Students will demonstrate an awareness of the challenges that cultural differences can have on business communication and will be able to identify methods and tactics for overcoming such challenges in order to be success international business practitioners.
  5. Students are able to formulate a strategy or marketing plan for taking an enterprise into the global marketplace.

Faculty and Staff

Kevin Manninen

Dean, International School of Business Associate Professor of Management & Marketing

kevin.manninen@finlandia.edu
FinnU will not enroll students for 2023-2024Learn More
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Teach-Out Information