To further promote the internationalization of talent development in the Department of Economics and enhance students’ global perspectives and practical skills, the department organized an International Business Summer Program in Berlin, Germany, from July 15 to July 29, 2024, with 32 students participating in a two-week program.
The program, themed “The Development of German SMEs and Sino-German Economic and Trade Cooperation,” included lectures, company visits, and cultural exchanges. Through an integrated model of academic instruction, innovative practice, and cultural enrichment, the program offered students a comprehensive and immersive platform for learning and experience, significantly enhancing their international business competencies and cross-cultural communication skills.
The summer program invited professors such as Christian Malterer to deliver classroom instruction, guiding students in an in-depth exploration of the development trends of SMEs in Germany and Europe and analyzing the critical role of digital transformation in shaping the future of enterprises.
A key aspect of the program was understanding diverse business practices. The group visited multiple internationally renowned companies and innovation-driven business clusters, including Volkswagen Group and Goerzwerk Tech Park.
At the conclusion of the program, all members attended a closing ceremony where Professor Kaiser Gunther delivered remarks and presented completion certificates to the students.
On the morning of September 20, 2024, the program’s report presentation session was held in the auditorium on the 8th floor of the library. The student groups, each focusing on different corporate case studies and academic themes, presented unique reports showcasing their diverse perspectives and collaborative skills.
The International Business Overseas Summer Program is a key initiative in the talent development strategy for the International Economics and Trade major, providing an international academic exchange platform that helps students engage with diverse academic viewpoints and methodologies, understand different countries’ business models, corporate cultures, technological innovations, and competitive dynamics in the global market. This program supports students in enhancing their academic skills, expanding their international outlook, and deepening their understanding of global trade trends.
Since its founding, the Department of Economics has been guided by the vision of “Bridging East and West, Together Toward the Future,” aiming to cultivate responsible economic management leaders who contribute to economic openness, social innovation, sustainable development, and national cooperation. As one of the department’s programs, the International Economics and Trade major is committed to developing innovative leaders in economics and trade, with solid professional competence, analytical skills, cross-cultural capabilities, and a strong sense of social responsibility, embodying an internationalized talent development system and a multidisciplinary innovation-oriented model.
Reflections from Participants
Lin Yichen:
In our seminars, we explored several aspects of German culture, particularly its influence on SMEs, using Sino-German cultural differences as a case study. We learned about the German values of efficiency, punctuality, and quality. Case studies during the seminar furthered our understanding of cross-cultural business interactions, emphasizing how awareness of different countries’ business etiquette is crucial for professional image-building in international business exchanges.
Cui Yixin:
Visiting German SMEs was deeply inspiring. I was particularly impressed by their focus on lean production, efficient management, product quality, and industrial innovation. I gained a strong appreciation for their attention to detail and commitment to innovation, along with the steady and pragmatic German corporate culture. This experience showed me that the secret to successful companies lies in continuous innovation, a pursuit of excellence, and an emphasis on employee development and teamwork.
Hu Yu:
Participating in the Germany program not only allowed me to experience the charm of German technology and cultural depth, but also to appreciate the unique aspects of this country in education, innovation, precision, and quality of life. Interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds taught me to view the world with a more open and inclusive mindset. Working on tasks independently and collaborating with my team improved my self-management and teamwork skills. More importantly, this experience provided clarity and determination for my future plans, sparking curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown.
Wang Zifeng:
During the program, we visited numerous SMEs, which gave me a deeper understanding of German corporate culture. The German dedication to quality and drive for innovation are truly worth learning from. This study program not only broadened my horizons but also sparked reflection on my career development. I hope to apply what I’ve gained in my future studies and life, laying a solid foundation for my career path.
