International Experience Options

If you want to establish your career in Germany – particularly outside of Berlin - learning German is strongly advised. There are multiple ways in which sie können Ihr Deutsch verbessern (you can improve your German).

Pre-program

In coordination with GLS (German Language School Berlin), take intensive German language courses before the MBA program begins.

Your student visa allows you to come to Germany up to six months before the MBA program starts so you could start German lessons from July.  Most students, however, attend from October to December.

To enroll in a German course, the latest we recommend you submit your MBA application is by round 4 if you are coming from outside the EU (29 June), or round 5 if you are coming from an EU country (17 August). Costs for the course will vary but, as an ESMT student, you will receive a discounted rate. For more specific and up-to-date information and rates, please contact the Admissions Office.

During your MBA

Continue your language learning while you study, all of which are offered at no additional costs to you:

• Foundation:  from April to July, take part in German language evening classes
• Summer term:  choose the 6-week intensive Sommer-Sprachschule
• Electives:  sign up for the Business German elective

If you have always wondered what it is like to work in a particular industry or function in Germany or further afield, secure yourself a summer internship. This could be the springboard to changing your career and you will get valuable experience as you apply what you have learned in the program so far.

ESMT is part of the Global Network for Advanced Management, a partnership between 31 prestigious business schools worldwide.  Our membership gives you access to Global Network Weeks - short, one-week, exchange opportunities that take place in October each year.  While no additional tuition is incurred, you will need to budget enough for travel and accommodation.

Most recently, students attended class at:   

• Asian Institute of Management (Philippines)
• EGADE Business School (Mexico)
• FGV Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo (Brazil)
• Fudan University School of Management (China)
• Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley (USA)
• IE Business School (Spain)
• Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (India)
• Koç University (Turkey)
• Lagos Business School (Nigeria)
• Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO (Russia)
• National University of Singapore Business School (Singapore)
• Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
• Pontificia Universidad Católica (Chile)
• SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy)
• UBC Sauder (Canada)
• UCD Smurfit (Ireland)
• University of Indonesia Faculty of Economics (Indonesia)
• UNSW Business School (Australia)
• Yale School of Management (USA)

Please note that places at certain exchange partners are limited and the list of participating schools may change.

The most recent class offered by ESMT Berlin was 'Sustainable Finance, Investing and Impact' taught by Prof. Per Olsson. It covered the role of the financial sector in the transition to a long-term sustainable economy, and gave an overview of the field of sustainable finance, its drivers, trends, and products.

If you would like a longer international study experience, consider studying for your electives at one of our global partner schools.  In addition to experiencing a new country, you will be able to access student activities, career service support, and on-campus recruitment events at the exchange school.

No additional tuition fees are required but you will need to cover your travel, accommodation, and living costs.

Where? Developing countries, projects available in diverse settings

When? Up to six months post-MBA program

MBA Graduates can delay their job search for up to six months in order to complete a social impact project in a developing country. Students provide pro-bono service to organizations or institutions that creates value and social change for the community. All airfare, living stipend, and other related costs are covered by generous contributions from ESMT's Circle of Friends.

Students who graduate from the MBA at ESMT Berlin are eligible to apply for the Master of Advanced Management at Yale School of Management. The double degree program allows students to gain two degrees in two years, in the first year a full-time MBA at ESMT Berlin, and the second year a fast tracked Master of Advanced Management at Yale. Meaning you could start your studies in Berlin, and finish in the USA, making your educational experience truly global.

Admission to the Master of Advanced Management is a separate process to ESMT Berlin, and dependent on fulfilling the criteria set by Yale School of Management.

More information can be found here, alternatively you can speak to your ESMT admissions advisor.

Students who graduate from the MBA at ESMT Berlin are eligible to apply for the Master of Science in Management Studies at MIT Sloan. The double degree program allows students to gain two degrees in two years, in the first year a full-time MBA at ESMT Berlin, and the second year a fast tracked Master of Science in Management Studies at MIT Sloan. Meaning you could start your studies in Berlin, and finish in the USA, making your educational experience truly global.

Admission to the Master of Science in Management Studies is a separate process to ESMT Berlin, and dependent on fulfilling the criteria set by MIT Sloan.

More information can be found here, alternatively you can speak to your ESMT admissions advisor.