BA (Hons) International Business
Exchange forms a compulsory and integral part of the BA (Hons) International Business degree. Undertaking a period of exchange can provide students with many personal and professional benefits, for example:
- provides an international dimension to the student’s degree and experience of studying at a respected business school abroad
- provides new perspectives on international business, provides a unique discussion point during interviews and increases employability
- allows students to make new friends from across the world and aids understanding of different cultures
- increases self-confidence, resourcefulness and cultural awareness
IB students will spend one semester abroad during their third year at an approved exchange partner of the University.
On exchange, students will follow an approved curriculum which includes the equivalent of the core business classes they would take at Strathclyde in 3rd year.
Cost of Exchange/Funding Opportunities
Typically the cost of one semester abroad could be c£7-9000, depending on the destination. Tuition fees are not paid to the exchange institution but continue to be paid to Strathclyde University in the usual way, however students are responsible for their own travel and living expenses ie flights, insurance, visa application, accommodation, food, textbooks etc. You will be able to apply for a student loan as usual but must let the award agency (eg SAAS) know that you will be on a compulsory exchange.
Exchange Destinations
A number of factors are taken into consideration during the allocation process including the student’s academic performance and the business subjects they are studying. During application, students are able to indicate their geographical preferences and the final allocation will be to a university which is suited to their particular subjects.
Strathclyde Business School has exchange agreements with partners in Asia, Australasia, North America and Europe and a current partner list can be found here. Exchange destinations are reviewed regularly and may change on an annual basis, and the number of places available at each institution will vary year to year.
The SBS Exchange Team will provide information on possible scholarship opportunities.
Language of Instruction on Exchange
Students follow an approved curriculum taught entirely in English.
Some exchange partners in non-English speaking parts of the world offer pre-sessional language classes in the language of the country to help students acclimatise.
Accommodation
Student accommodation may be available at the exchange institution but is rarely guaranteed. Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation while abroad, either through the exchange institution or independently.
Academic Criteria for Exchange
In order for students to be permitted to go on exchange, they must:
- Pass ALL 2nd year classes and achieve a weighted average of 55% for 2nd year
- Receive formal approval from the Board of Examiners to proceed to Exchange
Information Sessions
The SBS Exchange Team coordinates exchange abroad for all students in the Business School and runs information sessions at various points in the academic calendar. In first year, IB students attend an information session introducing them to the exchange requirements for their degree and offering guidance on what they can expect during the application process in 2nd year and on exchange in 3rd year. Attendance is mandatory.
In second year, IB students attend a comprehensive information session in Semester 1 which provides details of the exchange application process they will undertake including how and when to apply, likely exchange destinations compatible with particular business subjects, and the approximate timeline for the exchange process from application through to departure. Attendance is mandatory.
Information sessions are supplemented with 1:1 advisory meetings with the International Exchange Coordinator throughout the exchange process.
How to Apply
Students must apply for their exchange place. Applications are submitted online during the month following the faculty’s Information Sessions. Full instruction on the application process is provided during Information Sessions.
Allocation of Places
Places are allocated according to the student’s academic performance, principal business subject combination, the number of places available at each institution and preferences noted on the student’s application.
Exchange Application Timeline (approximate)
- Information Session – Oct/Nov
- Online application process – Nov/Dec
- Review of semester 1 academic results – Jan
- Review of applications and allocation of provisional places – Feb/Mar
- Confirmation of final allocation to students - Mar
- Nomination to exchange institution – Mar onwards (according to exchange partner’s deadlines)
- Student application to exchange institution including accommodation application (if appropriate) and preliminary class selection – Mar onwards (according to exchange partner’s deadlines)
- Official offer/welcome letter from exchange partner confirming details of exchange – timings vary according to the partner
- Pre-departure meeting – Apr/May (semester 1/full year exchange) or Nov/Dec (semester 2 exchange)
- Review of 2nd year academic performance – Jun
- Board of Examiners approval to proceed to Exchange – Jun
- Final class selection and curriculum approval (Learning Agreement/Curriculum Approval Form) – prior to or at the beginning of exchange, according to the exchange partner’s timeline
