Global Perspectives

Internationally Successful

Internationalization is a top priority at WU. 2016 saw notable growth in our international networks, the establishment of a new international short program called the Vienna Innovation Program, and the first Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility grants awarded to students and faculty members.
1,200
  • international students came to WU for an exchange semester or to attend an International Summer University program in 2016.
1,100
  • WU students went abroad for an exchange semester, an international internship, or to attend an International Summer University program.
589
  • courses taught in English were included in WU’s course catalog in 2016.
240
  • universities around the world are WU partners.
220
  • international researchers visited WU as guest lecturers or professors in 2016.
182
  • WU researchers had the opportunity to spend five days or more at other universities abroad.
40%
  • of WU’s graduates have gained international experience during their studies.
27%
  • of our faculty members are international.
26%
  • of our students come from countries other than Austria.
7
  • English-taught master’s programs are available at WU.

These impressive numbers are the result of WU’s comprehensive internationalization strategy. WU is accredited by the three most important international accreditation agencies EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. We are active and valued members of numerous international networks like CEMS, PIM, GBSN, and THEMIS. We cooperate with some 240 partner universities around the globe and participate in exchange and double degree programs, and our researchers and faculty members can benefit from international mobility programs and grants like Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility.

WU’s International Office acts as a service center for student and faculty mobility, both incoming and outgoing, and handles all the questions that come up before, during, and after research and study abroad: applying to partner universities, grants and scholarships, intercultural workshops, orientation programs, and more.

What’s New

Vienna Innovation ProgramWU

In May of 2016, master’s students from the USA, Canada, Latin America, and Australia came to WU to learn more about innovation management. Led by Christopher Lettl from the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the team made creative and imaginative teaching a top priority. The syllabus included expert inputs on up-to-date approaches to innovation management and problem-based learning using real-life projects.

The Vienna Innovation ProgramWU provides WU students with a number of benefits: WU’s expertise in the field of innovation management is strengthened, as is the cooperation with selected partner universities, and students have the opportunity to experience a truly international environment at home on their own campus.

International Summer University Program in Estonia

ISU Estland

WU offers 3-week summer programs abroad in cooperation with partner universities. In 2016, an International Summer University (ISU) was held at the Estonian Business School (EBS) in Tallinn for the first time. 22 WU students traveled to Estonia, where they attended classes on managing global business and marketing challenges together with 11 students from EBS. The host school also organized a number of field trips to introduce the students to the country and its culture.

“Exciting, compact, and insightful marketing program providing strong and solid knowledge. Close connection between theory and practice. Knowledge directly applicable to business projects. Creative business projects. An opportunity to experience practical project work. In every sense an enriching experience. Three weeks full of new encounters and impressions and the chance to improve your own skills.”
Raphael Muth, WU student

Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility

WU joined the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility program in the 2015/16 academic year. This program facilitates student and faculty mobility between partners outside the EU/EEA region. Unlike the traditional Erasmus+ programs, the International Credit Mobility program can be used to provide financial aid to incoming students from third countries in the form of grants.

In the 2015/16 academic year, WU received funding for partnerships with the following universities:

University of Technology Sydney
Country
Australia
University of Sarajevo
Country
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Tsinghua University
Country
China
Universitas Gadjah Mada
Country
Indonesia
Queen’s University
Country
Canada
University of Montenegro
Country
Montenegro
St. Petersburg University
Country
Russia
University of Belgrade
Country
Serbia
Thammasat University
Country
Thailand
Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University
Country
Ukraine
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Country
USA

Nineteen incoming exchange students have already come to WU through this program, and 15 WU students have gone abroad to participating countries on Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility grants. The International Credit Mobility program is also available to teaching staff, and six WU faculty members taught at universities in Erasmus+ partner countries last year. Thomas Zörner, for example, went to the University of Montenegro in Podgorica, where he was welcomed by students and faculty alike. He was particularly impressed by the students’ high level of motivation and their open and friendly attitude.

International Board

WU consults regularly with a panel of renowned international experts. At the yearly meetings, the members of the International Board discuss current developments, strategies, and future perspectives with the Rector’s Council. The newly constituted International Board had their first meeting at WU in September of 2016. The variety of experiences and fields of expertise of the board members made for a positive and productive exchange, and both the Rector’s Council and the members of the International Board are looking forward to further meetings.

The following renowned international experts make up the new International Board:

  • Konstantine Gatsios – Athens University of Economics and Business
  • Seppo Ikäheimo – Aalto University
  • Hana Machková – University of Economics, Prague
  • Andy Policano – UCI Paul Merage School of Business
  • Cheryl Saunders – University of Melbourne
  • Howard Thomas – Lee Kong Chian School of Business
  • Marie-Thérèse Claes – Louvain School of Management
Next:
A Global Network