The ISY module is an integral and compulsory component of the four-year International Business Programmes, comprising study at a HE Institute and a 2,000 word essay and either a 4000 word International Work Essay, (BSc International Business and BSc International Business Communications) or one two part 4,000 word International Study essay - one part in English and the other in the foreign langauge - (BSc International Business with Language), for which students will be carefully prepared during the second year of their programme. The module may be substituted by the International Work Year. This Level I 120 credit module provides an opportunity to: improve the student's understanding of different approaches to business management; to live in a different society and culture; and (where applicable) to develop foreign language proficiency. The aim is to highlight differences in culture, business practice and socio-political-economic factors impacting on business. Students can study at a University or Business School in North America, Latin/South America, Europe, the Far East or Asia-Pacific region (including Universitas 21 and Erasmus exchange partners of many years' standing) subject to acceptance by the host institution. Students attending partner Universities/Business Schools will study alongside native students, and take the same examinations and assessments as local students/ Erasmus support and funding is currently available for students choosing to study at partner European Universities/Business Schools. Students do need to be flexible about the location of their ISY module, as it may not be possible to guarantee individual's first choice of overseas host institution. This module has been running successfully for some time on the BCom suite of programmes; this paperwork tidies up the module and integrates the requirements for the different degrees into one overall module. The Birmingham Business School has experienced members of staff organising and supporting the ISY module and will make every effort to assist students with special needs in relation to their ISY module overseas. In order to do this it is essential that students make these needs known to Birmingham staff well in advance of the year overseas. |