Steps to study abroad
About the programme
The International Business programme is varied and optimally prepares you for a management position in global companies. From day one, you will acquire a solid foundation in business administration with subjects such as:
- Marketing
- Financial Management
- Supply Chain
- Human Resources
- Business ethics
- International trade
You also discover entrepreneurship by setting up your own company. During excursions to and projects for internationally operating companies, you immediately apply your knowledge in practice.
Why study International Business at HZ?
Small classes and personal attention
With a focus on personal guidance, small class sizes mean you’ll get individual support from lecturers and build strong relationships with classmates from all over the globe
International and practical focus
HZ combines theory with real-world experience through international projects, internships, and collaboration with global companies, preparing you for a career anywhere in the world.
Strategic coastal location
Located in Zeeland, an innovative and internationally oriented region, HZ offers access to companies in logistics, water management, and sustainable business, ideal for building a global network early in your studies.
International student Erika moved to the Netherlands to study International Business at HZ. She loves the international aspect of the study programme: "This helps you with learning languages, but also with intercultural competencies that you can later use in the working field."
International Business in short
Study at HZ
In the first year, you lay a solid foundation for your future in international business. You immediately apply your knowledge in challenging business cases for real clients. This year you work on themes such as: • Internationalisation • Strategy Development • Supply Chain Management • Corporate Social Responsibility • Human Resources • Exporting
Study at HZ
In your second year, you will deepen your understanding of international business through real projects. You will launch your own company. develop a business plan and manage finances and marketing. Key themes this year are: • Negotiation Strategies • Market Analysis • Digital Collaboration • Process Optimisation (SDGs) • International Supply Chain • Product Development
Minor and internship abroad
Minor You take a minor abroad, where you immerse yourself in a field that interests you while discovering a new culture. You take your chosen additional language into account. Internship You do an internship abroad and gain valuable work experience in an international environment. You take your chosen additional language into account.
1st semester at HZ, 2nd semester in NL or abroad
In the fourth and final year of the International Business programme, you focus on two main components. In the first semester at HZ, you prepare for your graduation project in the second semester. Here you will learn everything you need to conduct a successful research project. In the second semester, you apply your knowledge in practice: you do an internship at a company of your choice, in the Netherlands or abroad.
Want a complete overview of the programme? Watch a full programme presentation to get a clear picture of what the degree involves. You'll see exactly what to expect each year, from the courses you'll take and the skills you'll develop, to the structure of internships and practical experiences. It’s the perfect way to understand how the programme prepares you for your future career.
Master a new language: choose Dutch, French or Spanish
In the first year of the programme, you choose an additional language, which you learn over the course of four years. The languages you can choose from are Dutch, German, French and Spanish. The language you choose in year 1 determines where you will go for your minor and internship.
Starting your own company with International Business
In the second academic year of the International Business programme at HZ, you get the chance to set up your own company for a semester. You join forces with fellow students to work as a Student Company. You think up a product, arrange the finances and take care of the marketing.
Budget Buddy
A great example of such a successful student company is Budget Buddy. The team consists of eight international students who all live in rooms in Zeeland. They are more aware than anyone else of the challenges you face as a student living away from home. They have turned this experience into a guide with 52 budget-proof recipes from all over the world, a budget planner and financial tips.
According to team member Jack, working with fellow international students during the programme is a big plus: ‘We are privileged to have six nationalities represented in our team. This gives us a complete picture of needs from international students.’
Other study programmes
Chemistry
You research the composition of substances and products and can analyse them down to the last molecule. From wastewater to medicines and plastics.
Civil Engineering
Help shape the future by building the world’s largest lock or designing dikes to withstand flooding, ensuring safe living for people and animals along coasts and rivers.
Engineering
As an engineer, you design, develop and create smart solutions for the major challenges of today and tomorrow. Whether it’s sustainable energy, care robots or solar-powered boats: engineers make a real difference.
Global Project and Change Management
Get the skills to lead sustainable projects tackling complex global challenges. From hands-on experience to developing leadership in diverse, cross-cultural teams, you’ll gain the expertise needed to create meaningful change and shape a sustainable future.
Industrial Engineering & Management
Learn how to use technology, data, management and economy in such a way that you will be able to improve production processes or to make organisations profitable or more sustainable.
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT is at the heart of today’s connected world. From apps and smart devices to AI and data security, ICT drives innovation across every sector. .
Logistics Engineering
Logistics Engineering is the backbone of global trade and everyday deliveries. It’s about making processes smarter, faster, and more efficient, ensuring the right products reach the right place at the right time.
