By Deanna Fryhle, Adviser, Certificate of International Studies in Business
The Certificate of International Studies in Business (CISB) Program is an award-winning, nationally-ranked program of the UW Foster School of Business. CISB bridges the gap between the global marketplace and the classroom by fostering global business skills and cross-cultural awareness in a diverse environment. It is one of the largest, most comprehensive programs of its kind, integrating formal business study with international studies and language learning.
CISB students are members of one of seven language "tracks," or groups of students with common foreign language interests who meet weekly to share experiences, hear from alumni and business professionals, and enjoy cultural activities. Language tracks include Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and a Custom track for those studying other languages. There is also a U.S. track for international students.
In addition to following the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration curriculum, all CISB students take an additional set of requirements to prepare them for careers in global business. Requirements include:
CISB students gain valuable leadership and management experience through organizing events such as international case competitions, serving as club officers and running language track seminars. They also benefit from participation in the Business Mentoring Connections Program, foreign market strategy projects and networking with alumni and other business professionals.
Admission criteria include a minimum of one year of college-level foreign language by the quarter of admission, a strong academic record and demonstrated commitment to foreign language, business and international studies. Most students are admitted as juniors. To prepare for CISB admission, students should pursue foreign language study as early as possible.
To learn more about CISB, students are invited to visit the website, write to cisb@u.washington.edu or call (206) 543-5985.
