By Deanna Fryhle, Program Adviser, Certificate of International Studies in Business
The Certificate of International Studies in Business (CISB) Program is an award-winning program of the UW Foster School of Business and has consistently ranked in the top tier of undergraduate international business programs. 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 six 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. U. S. track students study English as their target language.
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. CISB graduates span the globe, working in a range of fields including international trade, logistics, global marketing, international finance, management consulting and more.
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, visit the web site at http://bschool.washington.edu/cisb/, write to cisb@u.washington.edu or call (206) 543-5985 to schedule an advising appointment.