University of Economics in Katowice

International Master in Intercultural Business (MAGELLAN)

The study program is divided into four semesters and takes place at four different European universities. The first semester takes place at the University of Economics in Katowice (Poland), where students learn about international business theories, including subjects such as economics, law, management, marketing, and market research. The second semester takes place at the University of Debrecen (Hungary). Students learn about the intercultural aspects of international business with a strong focus on economics and management in an intercultural environment, negotiations, and communication, leadership competencies across cultures, as well as CSR. The third semester is offered by the University of Economics in Varna (Bulgaria). Students learn about the specific tools used in international business from an intercultural perspective. Topics such as consumer intercultural skills and managerial skills will be offered together with the development of soft skills (design thinking) and knowledge about new technologies in the workplace. During this semester the students will also participate in an intensive program to build their practical intercultural skills and will prepare a consulting project together with selected companies. The final semester at CEU Cardinal Herrera University (Spain) is dedicated to internship and finalization of my master's thesis but also to very practical courses on behavior, relationship marketing, and brand management is presented.

The main distinctive features of the study program are the strong emphasis on linguistic competence (students study two languages at least at the B2 level) as well as the development of practical skills of the students in cooperation with enterprises.

During the studies, the latest teaching methods are used: interactive lectures, case studies, experiential learning, intensive programs, and simulation games, as well as practical activities in the form of meetings with entrepreneurs, study visits, or consulting projects.

Lecturers

Teaching classes are conducted by lecturers from four partner countries as well as other universities. All lecturers have extensive experience in teaching as well as in the field of international business. The semesters are organized in the following order: the first semester begins in Poland, then students study in Hungary, the third will take place in Bulgaria and the fourth semester will be offered in Spain. The lecturers in the field are professors employed at the University of Economics in Katowice (Poland), the University of Debrecen (Hungary), the University of Economics in Varna (Bulgaria), and CEU Cardinal Herrera University (Spain), as well as visiting professors. At the same time, students are offered lectures by practitioners and study visits to companies.

Competences after graduation

After finishing the Magellan study program, students will become globally literate and culturally intelligent and develop a global mindset. They will possess a broader perspective on the world, markets, companies, and people. They will be able to understand the motivations and expectations of businesses, markets, and strategies across cultures and borders.

Multiple studies show how hard it is to find employers with adequate intercultural skills. Moreover, at companies, such training is not provided. Students with intercultural skills have very good job opportunities nowadays. Most companies are global and they need staff prepared to work in those environments. Companies demand intercultural skills in order to improve their understanding of the workplace as well as to adapt strategies to diverse environments.

Due to the in-depth teaching and practical training, students will develop intercultural knowledge, skills, and competences. All that is so relevant nowadays when facing the international market. Every person willing to develop their career in an international environment should have knowledge on how to understand and interpret: a specific market, an international workplace, and even on a social scale how not to be misled by certain cultural habits, rules, and reactions.

The graduate will be fully prepared to work in an international environment, and also to work in an international group while observing the principles of socially sustainable development.

A graduate of the Magellan study program may ultimately be employed in a managerial position in an international corporation and, hold the position of managing director (CEO), marketing director (CEM) or Director of Intercultural Affairs, Intercultural Communication Director, International Services Manager, Intercultural Training Manager, International Human Resources Director, Communication and Leadership Instructor, Intercultural Consultant, Facilitator Job Developer.