Koblenz: WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management
Fall: Early September - Mid December
Spring: Early January - Early May
Summer: Non-Exchange two weeks in intersession
Undergraduate Exchange
Founded in 1984, WHU is one of the highest ranked business programs in Europe. Following the Bologna Accord, it now has both undergraduate and graduate degrees, emphasizing an international experience and coursework oriented to the business community. WHU is a small private university, with a student body numbering approximately 450. Student groups organize visits to museums or theaters, athletic events and social activities. WHU is consistently placed among the top schools in national and international rankings: first place in the current SPIEGEL, ZEIT/CHE and karriere rankings, second place in FOCUS, top ratings in the FAZ-Hochschulanzeiger journal of higher education and WirtschaftsWoche. Also, with its Kellogg-WHU EMBA program, WHU is the only German university to be included in the international Financial Times ranking.
WHU is not only world-class in the eyes of its students – alumni and human resources departments also give WHU top grades. The rankings place WHU among the leaders in academics and – not a given for private universities – research. In fact, WHU wins out over some time-honored public institutions of higher education. The mission of WHU is to educate people who are able to cooperate with colleagues in other disciplines for the purpose of corporate decision making. Based on a sound core education in economics and business administration, studies at WHU concentrate on the strategic functions of the corporation, focusing particularly on the managerial and organizational problems, investment and use of technology, and the need to achieve competitive advantage.
The campus of WHU is in a suburb of Koblenz called Vallendar, situated in picturesque central Germany overlooking the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. Located approximately one hour northwest of Frankfurt, and surrounded by four low mountain ranges, the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz has an abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings. Its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where visitors feel right at home.
Language requirement and courses
Many undergraduate courses are taught in English as well as German. Receive UW residence credits and grades. German language courses are also offered.
WHU has organized its academic year in 4 modules. Single module courses may not earn 3 three UW Credits. Check the ECTS (European credit system) carefully. Look for 4-5 ECTS courses. A core course requirement may be met with less than 3 credits, but the School of Business requires a certain number of breadth credits.
This is a new program and we are currently getting courses equated. We will update this site as information becomes available. Course offerings are available on the WHU-Koblenz website. If you find a syllabus not yet equated, you may print it and bring it to the International Program office. Courses are available in English and German. Those fluent in German may take some courses taught in that language. German language courses are the only non-business, non-economics courses offered.
This list is subject to change. Due to circumstances beyond our control such as enrollment limitations, time conflicts and course cancellations, International Programs cannot guarantee that participants will be admitted to their first choice of courses.
Fall 2009 courses: ACCT 100; ECON 364; GenBus 365; MHR 365, 422; MKT 300, 310, 365, 425; German 278
Spring 2009 courses: ACCT IS 100, 365; ECON 364; FIN 365; MHR 305, 365; MKT 310, 365; German 278
* UW's finance department expects that you meet UW pre-requisites in order to comprehend your finance course taken abroad and to prepare for future UW finance courses.
The course equivalency database shows WHU courses that have been equated and their UW equivalents.
Housing
WHU's international office will assist in your search for an apartment or a private room in Vallendar or Koblenz.
Costs and scholarships
The following are estimates only. Costs are subject to change. Estimates noted with an asterisk (*) were calculated based on an exchange rate of $1 = 0.74 euro.
Details about financial aid and additional scholarships are available.
Estimates are based on information from the WHU handbook for 2007-2008. Semesters at WHU are approximately four months.
UW tuition: Full-time
UW program fee: $350
UW-mandated health insurance: $37/month, no partials i.e. (March 15 - May 30 is 3 months)
Housing*: $2000
Meals*: $1,200
Books*: $550
Local transportation & miscellaneous*: $280/month
Obligatory Liability Insurance*: $50 for the semester
Visa fee: $55
Roundtrip travel: $775 (estimate)
Entertainment and vacation travel vary widely
Advice from past participants
Read reports from recent participants and look in the Koblenz binder for some from the students who studied at WHU from 2000 to 2003.
Applying
There are generally 3 students admitted per year (for fall or spring semester). Application to this program does not guarantee admission. Minimum requirements are a 3.0 GPA, 54 credits earned by the time you go abroad, and 9 credits in business and/or economics. German is recommended.
The application deadline is March 1 for programs beginning the following academic year. Applications are first available at a February information session. If space remains for spring semester, the application process will re-open in September with an early October deadline. Dates and applications are available online.
Web pages
WHU-Koblenz
For admitted students
Predeparture Information: Koblenz
While abroad website