Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in International Business is a unique program which offers students an opportunity to both study and work overseas in the language of the host country, building upon Northeastern's long-established strengths as one of the originators of cooperative education. By educating students to become future global managers, the BSIB program develops highly qualified professionals who bring a more competitive edge in world markets to US corporations. On a local level, the program strengthens international education, attracts talented students from the U.S. and abroad and encoursges inter-collegiate collaboration at Northeastern.
Students in the BSIB program spend their first three years at Northeastern studying and completing a domestic co-op placement. Their fourth 'expatriate' year is spent first studying for a semester at a partner school and then completing an international co-op placement. Students then return to Northeastern for their final semester.
The BSIB program allows students to adapt to a new culture and develop practical ability in a foreign language. The College works closely with the University's World Language Center to ensure that each BSIB student is prepared to meet the challenges of global business. Students are exposed to all areas of business in order to gain the knowledge and professional confidence to succeed in the global marketplace and apply their foreign language skills, cultural awareness, and business knowledge in overseas classrooms and companies.
Dual Degree Option
Students in the French, German, Italian, International Affairs and Spanish tracks the option to complete a dual degree. With this option, students spend the first three years of study at Northeastern and complete a domestic co-op placement. They spend the remaining two years overseas at a partner institution and complete an international co-op placement. Graduates of the dual degree option receive one degree from Northeastern and another from the partner school.
The dual degree option is an intensive program requiring a strong commitment. In return, it produces some of the best-prepared international business graduates in the country. Since the College's partner schools are among the most prestigious in Europe and South America, a degree from any one of them in combination with a Northeastern degree provides a significant advantage.
Choosing a Language Track
International students participating in the program are required to choose a track other than the track in their home country. Fluent speakers of the language of the host country must be evaluated for language proficiency. Native speakers are required to complete either an International Affairs minor or courses in an additional language to fulfill the BSIB curriculum requirements. Click here to visit the Language Tracks page.
BSIB Program Goals
Within the BSIB program, students expand cross-cultural awareness, develop proficiency in a foreign language, gain technical competence and professional confidence, increase understanding and experience in international business practices, and acquire unique insights from the experience of living, studying and working abroad.