Central Europe Connect is a joint certificate program offered in collaboration by WU, the University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA) and SGH Warsaw School of Economics. It gives IB students the possibility to complete part of their specialization abroad and strengthen their expertise in Europe’s fastest growing region. Students from all three universities participate in three one-week blocked courses, each organized at one of the locations WU, EUBA (Bratislava) and SGH (Warsaw). The interactive, practice-oriented courses shall sensitize students to the Central European economic region and prepare them for taking management positions in companies operating in Central Europe. Company visits, guest speakers and social events will enable students to build up a personal and professional network in the region. In addition to receiving a joint certificate after successful completion of the whole program, 8 ECTS credits can be confirmed for the IBW International Experience (IBW-Auslandserfahrung).

The Target Group

Central Europe Connect invites students from the three universities in an advanced stage of their bachelor’s studies with an excellent command of English, outstanding study performance and interest to study in a multicultural group.

Program Elements at a Glance

• A program in English with focus on international business in the context of Central Europe

• Three one-week courses within one semester at three renowned universities

• 15-20 bachelor’s students from each university study and work together on projects in intercultural teams

• Company visits, case studies and project work provide practice insights

• Sightseeing tours and social events enrich the local experience

• An interactive approach and work in teams form the starting point for a network of Central European talents

Course Structure
Three courses form the core of Central Europe Connect. While the program was jointly developed, experienced faculty from each university delivers the courses:

• Vienna: Strategies and Management for Central Europe

• Bratislava: Structural Dynamics in Central European Economies

• Warsaw: Consumer Behavior in Central Europe

Each course consists of pre- and post-course assignments and encompasses 4 ECTS credits.
The program begins with a kick-off ceremony in Vienna and ends with a closing ceremony. After successful completion of Central Europe Connect, students receive an official joint certificate signed by representatives of all three institutions WU, EUBA and SGH.

Financial Support
Travel, accommodation and living expenses during the blocked courses abroad generally have to be covered by each student. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply for a CEEPUS grant (Central European Exchange Program for University Studies) for the two stays abroad. This will not cover all costs, but is to be considered as financial support for travel and accommodation expenses during the blocked course weeks in Bratislava and Warsaw.

The Partner Universities

Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU)
WU (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien) is the largest university focusing on economics and business in Austria. Internationality was already among WU’s key values at WU’s founding in 1898 as an Export Academy. WU emphasizes internationalization in its teaching and research activities. It increasingly draws students from outside Austria, mostly from Central and Eastern Europe. Today it is ranked as one of the best business schools in Europe what is also reflected in the “Triple Accreditation” (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS).

University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA)
EUBA (Ekonomická univerzita v Bratislave) is the leading public higher education institution focusing on business, economics and management in Slovakia. It provides higher education in more than 60 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs for full-time and part-time students. Internationalization and the development of international partnerships with universities, enterprises, and other institutions belong to the priorities of the university. EUBA runs several international double and joint degree programs with partner universities in Europe and Asia.

SGH Warsaw School of Economics
SGH (Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie) is the oldest university of economics in Poland. Its mission has continuously been educating economists and business leaders serving the country and the region. SGH cooperates with around 200 higher education institutions around the world and is also a member of prestigious global business school networks such as The Global Alliance in Management Education (CEMS) and Partnership in International Management network (PIM).