Do you want to work with international business, in Sweden or abroad? On the international business programme you will learn how to establish, maintain, and develop business relations in an international context.
This dynamic programme gives you a solid bachelor of science in business administration with specialisation in international business. It also offers a special focus on the world’s most interesting areas of growth, like China, India, Latin America, and the African continent. The main field of study is business administration, and courses in organisation, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management control are combined with the profile subject international business studies that deal with historical, economic, and political aspects relating to international business activities. There are also courses in international economics, statistics, and commercial law. Theoretical frameworks and tools are integrated with insights from and interaction with practices concerning professional international sales, purchase, and business development that will be of direct use for you in your future professional life. Experience-based learning takes place in an exciting and stimulating international study environment since a mix of Swedish and international students are admitted to the programme.
Career
The programme prepares you for work in small as well as large international companies. A potential future job can be to lead a company’s international venture as marketing or sales manager, import/export manager, product manager, or entrepreneur. Other potential future titles are business developer, project manager, export sales officer, purchaser, key account manager, head financial officer, and marketing director.
Degree
Bachelor of Science with specialisation in International Business (Main field of Study: Business Administration).
The language of tuition is English. In this way, you will become prepared not only for a national career but also for a career in international contexts. Further opportunities for internationalisation are offered through a semester abroad at one of our many partner universities across the world. As a student on the international business programme, you also have the opportunity to study your final year at Berner Fachhochschule in Switzerland to get a “double degree” – an extra degree in addition to the one you obtain from the international business programme. Find out more about the international possibilities you have at Linnaeus University
We’re Michelle and Nellie, and we are currently in Thailand conducting our bachelor thesis on female international entrepreneurship. We got the opportunity to come here because we received the MFS-scholarship. We have now been in the field for 8 weeks interviewing Thai female business owners and during this week we’ll show you what we have been up to 🇹🇭🌞
Aumarin works with influencer marketing
Aumarin wanted to study business, but was not entirely sure what exactly. After having spent a couple of years abroad, it became clear that International business was the perfect match. During her studies, she seized every opportunity to make the most of her study years; like studying abroad, carrying out field studies in a development country, and contributing to student life through student associations. Now, six months after graduating, she works as eCommerce Marketing Associate at Mighty Solo – a newly-launched clothing brand for sportswear.
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Became involved during her studies “I really wanted to make the most of my studies and tried to seize the opportunities that presented themselves, relating to my studies. I joined Juniorledarskapsakademin [Junior Leadership Academy], a collaboration that offers lectures and workshops that can prove valuable for your vision to become a leader. I also took part in the introduction for new students arranged by the student business association, where I met a person who has now become one of my very best friends! Later on I also got a summer job at IKEA and a job there on the side of my studies, which was good for future career opportunities, but also in order to earn some extra cash during my studies”.
A passion for K-pop made Aumarin travel to South Korea for exchange studies “I had a great passion for K-pop and was, I have to admit, kind of nerdy. Therefore, when I got the opportunity to apply for exchange studies I applied to a university in Seoul, South Korea. That was an amazing experience! I came to realise how much we are all affected by or cultural backgrounds, which is incredibly important to be aware of in order to be able to show respect towards other people”.
Chose to do field studies in Nepal “As preparation for my degree project, I applied for a Minor Field Studies scholarship. This meant that I got the opportunity to travel abroad to carry out a field study in a development country. A friend of mine and I travelled to Nepal where we wrote a paper on social entrepreneurship. We wanted to study what characteristics and driving forces are typical for the social entrepreneur”.
Now works at the start-up company Mighty Solo with influencer marketing “I now work for a corporate group called Orange Sky with a new brand called Mighty Solo. Orange Sky is an e-commerce company that started its business a few years ago by launching headphones and has since expanded with three more brands. I work with influencer marketing for their sportswear brand. The idea is that we market our products by having influencers present them in their channels. To start with, I was a bit hesitant about working at a relatively small company, but I came to realise that I will be able to grow with the company. I think it’s quite cool to be part of all processes of the company’s activities, which in this stage are very entrepreneurial”.
Learning how companies are established on the global market
Victoria chose to study the programme because of her great interest in travelling and, therefore, has her aim set on an international career. Studying business in English was something that felt attractive to her.
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Why did you choose to study international business? I chose to study the programme since I’ve always had a great interest in travelling and have always dreamt about having the world as my place of work. The opportunity to study abroad or do an internship abroad motivated me, but also the good opportunities to get to work abroad, or in Sweden at an international company, after completing my studies.
What is interesting about the programme? I think the programme is quite unique since it is one of few business programmes in Sweden that have this specific international specialisation and, what is more, it is in English. The programme is very broad but also gives you the opportunity to specialise on what you think is particularly interesting. You will learn the fundamentals of business administration but also take courses in everything from entrepreneurship to international commercial law, which results in a very solid base for your future professional life or continued studies. I took the opportunity to travel to Warsaw for a semester of exchange studies and also wrote my bachelor’s thesis in Uganda – all the opportunities are there, you just have to seize them.
How have you been engaged in student life? Partly through Kalmar ESS, the student association for business and economics students, where I was a member of the board during my first year. This gave me the opportunity to visit conferences at other universities all over Sweden, where hundreds of business students meet to network and exchange experiences. I’ve also taken part in Juniorledarskapsakademin at Linnaeus University, which offers a number of courses in leadership – a fantastic opportunity if you want to strengthen your CV and your leadership skills for your future professional career.
Have you enjoyed living in Kalmar? My three years in Kalmar have been fantastic. I’ve made friends for life and the city offers everything a student city should offer. What I truly like about Kalmar is that I came here with no expectations on student life but was so very positively surprised when I was met by all these organised activities and such great commitment from other students. I felt at home already during the first two weeks of introduction and after that I just wanted to become more engaged.
What are you going to do next? Now that I’ve obtained my degree, I will continue my studies in Sydney for another six months, yet another opportunity that I got through Linnaeus University. After that, I hope that I’ll land an exciting job at a large international company, were I would like to work with sustainable enterprising.
Frequently asked questions about the International Business Programme
What does the international business Programme focus on?
The programme offers a deep dive into global business strategies, emphasising how to analyse international markets, navigate global trade dynamics, and manage cross-border investments effectively.
What are the core subjects and skills I will develop during the programme?
The International Business Programme offers a comprehensive curriculum covering essential aspects of business administration with a specialisation in international business. This includes in-depth courses in organisation, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management control, providing a robust foundation in various facets of business operations.
How can this programme help me deepen my existing knowledge and expertise in international business?
The programme offers extensive opportunities for internationalisation, such as a semester abroad at one of Linnaeus University's many partner universities across the globe. This international exposure is crucial for students to gain firsthand experience of different business cultures and practices.
How does the programme incorporate real-world experiences such as internships or study trips?
The programme integrates real-world experiences through internships, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience in international business environments.
What qualities are good to have when studying the International Business Programme?
You will benefit from being adaptable and open to diverse cultures and business practices, as the programme's international scope exposes you to various business environments.
Kalmar – the student city by the sea
Right in the heart of Kalmar, by the sea, you’ll find Campus Kalmar. Everything is close by, and no matter where you live in the city, you’ll be within cycling distance of the university.
If you’re a new student, you’re covered by an accommodation guarantee, meaning you have the right to student housing within two months. This is one of the reasons why Kalmar has been recognised as one of Sweden’s best student cities – several times.
The municipality has around 70,000 inhabitants. The city boasts a strong business sector, with leading companies in green industries, e-commerce, and e-health, providing plenty of opportunities to make connections for your future career.
Kalmar has a charming and historic city centre, with small shops, cafés, and gyms nestled along cobbled streets and alleyways. The coastline offers great opportunities to enjoy nature – whether you want to go for a walk, exercise, swim, or simply relax. Plus – Öland is just a bridge away. Read more about our student cities here.
