All business degrees share certain fundamentals. You will generally be expected to learn the basics of accounting, finance, strategic planning, contract law, and so forth.
In an international business degree, however, these are supplemented by courses on import/export practices, emerging market studies, monetary exchange, international relations, and several related subjects. In an increasingly globalized economy, this knowledge can set you on track for leadership positions both within the United States and abroad.
Learning a second language while studying international business can enhance the value of your degree immensely. Just consider the fact that someone who knows French, English, and Arabic can communicate with almost everyone on the African continent, while Spanish and Portuguese allow you to get by in virtually the whole of South America. Studying international business in Europe, while also getting used to living and working in a foreign culture, is therefore a very good career move.
Many international business students also take advantage of a pre-existing relationship with a particular foreign culture, perhaps in their family background. Others have a keen interest in exploring societies with different outlooks and ways of life. In either case, the ability to respect and adapt to other cultures and ways of doing business is a prerequisite to success in this field.
