For 30 years, the Ludwigshafen University of Applied Sciences has offered the very successful International Business Management (East Asia) degree programme within the framework of the East Asia Institute (OAI), which is almost unique in the whole of Germany. In 2016, the programme was expanded to include Korea. This makes our programme unique nationwide in its combination of business administration, Korean and Korean studies. For the first time, students can combine their enthusiasm for Korea with an undergraduate degree in business administration and acquire skills that are in high demand on the international job market.
The introduction of the third major in Korea is not only due to the great demand in Germany but also to the Korean economy’s need for highly qualified minds in the international field. Our programme is therefore actively supported by the renowned Korea Foundation. This foundation is subordinate to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For the compulsory year abroad for our students, we have signed contracts with six Korean partner universities, including Korea University, one of the top three universities in the country.
Graduates of the programme have excellent career opportunities in international companies and other institutions, and are also prepared for admission to excellent Master’s programmes.
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is the third largest economy in Asia after China and Japan and is represented in all major industries. Companies such as Samsung and Hyundai have built up globally successful brands and have cutting-edge technology in the fields of semiconductor technology, mobile communication, battery systems, etc. South Korea is also one of the world’s largest exporters of goods. As an industrial nation, South Korea faces similar challenges as Germany, for example with regard to demographic change and energy policy. From the Korean point of view, the experiences with German reunification are an important connecting element with regard to a possible reunification of North and South Korea.
Korea shares deep cultural, historical, economic and political ties with China and Japan. In their chequered history, the countries have exerted great influence on each other. There are still strong links today through trade, direct investment, technology transfer, travel and immigration and emigration.
North Korea is a challenge for China, Japan and South Korea alike. Further developments there may not only fundamentally transform the situation in the whole of Asia, but also have a decisive influence on the geopolitical situation.
The combination of business administration modules with regional science subjects on Korea and practice-oriented Korean language training, which is unique in Germany, optimally prepares our graduates for the challenges of the Asian and international, as well as the German labour market.