As companies expand into new markets, managers must understand the cultures of global stakeholders. TU’s international business and language major combines foreign language competency and course work in international business in a business degree. The international business program is designed to educate students in all areas of business—accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing and computer information systems—because the international business profession involves interaction with all these areas. A comprehensive business foundation combined with an understanding of cultural nuances enable graduates to compete successfully in an international arena.
Access to convenient international travel and instant communication technologies have virtually eliminated perceptual and real distance between countries. In many parts of the world, political borders have become irrelevant while proficiency in two or more languages is increasingly the norm in the business arena. This degree provides an exceptional opportunity for students to attain the necessary tools to compete in an increasingly global marketplace.
The major in international business and language combines three components: business foundations and functional areas of international business; greater familiarity with cultural imperatives; and advanced training in French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian or American Sign Language (ASL) studies. Students almost complete coursework equivalent to a language major as part of the International Business and Language program.
The language component is designed to enable students to develop a high level of communicative proficiency and cultural literacy in preparation for using the target language in their professional lives.
With more than 60 countries represented on the TU campus each semester, international business majors have the opportunity to compare cultural practices and their impact on business in many countries. Exchange students from China, Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Ireland, Latin America and Africa provide an excellent resource of native speakers and comparative cultures as well.
International business majors may apply to live in Language House, an on-campus apartment complex populated with native speakers and other motivated students trying to master target language fluency and raising cultural literacy and sensitivity.