Elon student taking part in the Business German program.German is an investment in your future. Germany has the world’s fourth-largest economy, anchors the European Union—the world’s largest economy—and is the third largest exporter in the world. It is also a key trading partner with China and the United States. Hundreds of German companies have affiliates in the United States, providing career and internship options. Studying German creates opportunities and gives you a competitive edge.

About the Program

Alongside regular German coursework, students in the Business German program develop a resume and cover letter in German, study terminology specific to the German workplace, and meet with German faculty for one-hour labs. The labs allow for focused language practice and in-depth discussion of German business culture. Students who complete all Business German coursework with a grade of B or higher qualify for the prestigious Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch, an internationally-recognized Business German exam.

The Curriculum

The Business German Program at Elon will help you boost your career by giving you the linguistic and cultural skills necessary to communicate effectively in German with clients, business partners, and colleagues. The program curriculum consists of:

  • German language and culture core:  German 121, 122, 221, and 222
  • Advanced language and culture sequence (One or more German courses at the 320 or 330 level)
  • Study abroad: summer, semester, or year at the University of Heidelberg or CIEE Berlin
  • Business German coursework (German 391): one or two credit hours per semester

Internship and Career Leads

Together with the Student Professional Development Center, the German faculty works hard to help students locate internship and career opportunities. We have an extensive list of opportunities for students in all majors.

Study Abroad Options for Business German

Students in the Business German program are encouraged to spend a semester or year abroad. Students in the professional schools may prefer our study abroad program in Berlin. Students in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities may prefer Heidelberg. At either location, you can take coursework (in English or German) that counts towards your major—in addition to German language courses at your level of proficiency.

Business Dual-Degree

Select students will earn two college degrees in four years: a BS in International Business from Elon and a BS in International Management from ESB Business School in Reutlingen, Germany. ESB Business School is repeatedly cited as one of Germany’s top business schools.

The program includes a six-month paid internship. Students can complete the program without prior German study.

For more information, contact Dr. Mark Kurt, Director of Dual Degree Programs in the Love School of Business.

International Business Major

Many International Business students choose German as their professional language. For more information, click here or contact Dr. Carri Tolmie.