As of August 2012, the University of St. Martin (USM) will be offering an International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) in conjunction with the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen (Netherlands). This is a four year, full-time undergraduate, international program where graduates, upon completion of the program, receive a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, accredited by the Nederlands Vlaamse Acreditatie Organizatie (NVAO).
In relation to this program, USM will be hosting an information session on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 and all persons who are interested are urged to attend this event. The information session will be from 6 p.m.to 7 p.m. at the USM Lecture Hall (Room 202).
USM and the Hanze University signed a memorandum of understanding in December 2011 and this program is now the result.
"Both universities worked diligently towards the result which is being now presented: The start of the IBMS program on St. Maarten," says USM Business Division Head Erwin Wolthuis.
He further explained that the IBMS is a four-year program and each year consists of two study semesters.
"The first two years of the curriculum are offered at USM, year 3 and 4 are offered at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences (HG), Groningen, the Netherlands. After having completed the first two years successfully at USM, students are eligible to enroll at the Hanze University in the third year. This will be a seamless transition since the curriculum offered at both universities is exactly the same," Wolthuis notes.
Irma Koornstra, Project Leader of the USM- Hanze University Collaboration, adds, "Throughout their studies, students will work together in small groups to find answers to challenging yet practical, business-related problems. These small, preferably multi-cultural groups of four to six students prepare them for successful communication and co-operation in international business. Modern facilities such as up-to-date computer access and the availability of a well-equipped project room supports the students in their project work."
That training is also provided in specific skills essential to successful future careers, such as giving and receiving feedback, working in groups, intercultural sensitivity, customer orientation and presentation skills, says Koornstra. These are a unique part of the IBMS program.
There is still space available for students who are interested in joining this program. In order to be eligible for admission students need to be in the possession of a HAVO/CXC or VWO/IB diploma. The deadline date for applying to this program is July 6, 2012. To enroll in the program students will also need to bring their diplomas, transcripts (cijferlijst), passport and two passport pictures to USM.
Persons who are interested in more information on the International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) can contact the University of St. Martin Student Service Center at tel. 542-5171 Ext. 1000.
