Academic Information

Academic Information

Do I need to have German language skills?

No, not at all. The regular BEST program is conducted in English and German language courses do not require any previous knowledge.

What is the language of instruction?

The regular BEST program is completely taught in English. Also, BEST staff and local students speak English fluently.

What is the general structure of the program?

The program is divided into two parts: BEST orientation and BEST courses.

BEST students will be introduced to various fields during the BEST Orientation, before the actual academic program starts. In this first week, students will be introduced to the current political situation and economic performance of the European Union. They will learn about the historical, cultural, and business highlights of Duisburg and the region. Also, they will be exposed to the organization of UDE and the facilities of Duisburg Campus. Finally, they will get their first training in German language.

BEST Courses, the academic part, is divided into three modules and each module consists of three courses: Module Business Administration in Europe with the courses Corporate Governance and Strategic Management in Europe, Marketing Strategies in Europe, Banking, and Corporate Finance in Europe; Managerial Economics in Europe with the courses Comparative Managerial Behavior in Europe, European Economic Integration, European Currency Union and Financial Markets; and German language with focuses on Writing, Comprehension, and Conversation.

How many credits can I earn?

BEST students can earn up to 9 US-Credits (18 ECTS): three for the “business” module, three for the “economics” module, and three for the “German Language” module.

What are the course levels?

BEST courses are designed for upper undergraduate (junior/senior) and graduate students with previous knowledge in business and economy.

How does the timetable typically look like?

The first week of the BEST Summer Academy is BEST orientation. The BEST courses run from week 2 to 5. Classes run from 09.30am until 12.00noon and 01.00pm to 03.30pm. Here is an example of last year’s schedule (link).

Will all the credits be transferred to my home institution?

Your home institution shall be responsible for accepting credits earned during the BEST Summer Academy. Please, contact your international office. Experience has shown that most partner institutions have transferred all credits.

Where do I get course materials?

Course materials will be handed out in the first session of each course.

How many different courses are there?

There are nine different courses, three for each module: Corporate Governance and Strategic Management in Europe, Marketing Strategies in Europe, Banking and Corporate Finance in Europe (all module: Business Administration in Europe); Comparative Managerial Behavior in Europe, European Economic Integration, European Currency Union and Financial Markets (all module: European Managerial Economics); Writing, Comprehension, Conversation (all module: German Language).

Can I just apply for some of the courses?

The modules “Business” and “Economy” cannot be dropped or selectively chosen. If BEST participants can proof an advanced knowledge of the German language, this module can be dropped upon request. However, we would encourage students to join the German language module nevertheless and are welcome to serve as an assistant to the teacher to boost their language skills.

When will I receive my transcript?

BEST staff will try their best to send out transcripts within three weeks after the end of the program.