Interview mit der International Business School Budapest

COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Please tell us a little bit about IBS-Budapest – what kind of university is it and what kind of reputation does it have in Hungary?

EDINA LÁNG: International Business School – Budapest was founded in 1991 as the first private business higher education institute in Central Europe. Right at the beginning IBS formed strategic alliance with Oxford Brookes University and has been offering Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in the field of business and management in co-operation with Brookes ever since. All our surveys and feedbacks show that most of our applicants have chosen IBS-B because an IBS student had recommended it to them, which indicates that our students are satisfied with the practice-oriented approach of our programmes and the performance of our professors. Moreover, employers hold a high opinion of our programmes as well and our fresh graduates have no difficulty in finding career opportunities both on national and international level.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: We understand that IBS-Budapest has close links to Oxford Brookes University in England. Can you tell us more about your connection to this university?

EDINA LÁNG: The prestigious Oxford Brookes University is one of the best modern universities of Europe and has been a strategic partner of IBS-B since 1991. They re-validate all our Bachelor and Master programmes regularly, supervise our teaching staff as well as the students’ performance and confer the BA and MSc degree. This long-standing strategic alliance has helped us to develop flexible, practice-oriented curricula that foster creative thinking and inter-cultural understanding.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What kind of programmes can students study at IBS-Budapest? Which of the programmes do you consider to be particularly "unique"?

EDINA LÁNG: On Bachelor level we currently offer six programmes: Business Studies in English or in Hungarian, International Business Relations, Finance and Accounting, Travel and Tourism Management and Arts Management. Our Arts Management programme is quite unique not only in Hungary but all over Europe, as it trains business professionals for the high-growth international creative industries. However, this programme does not aim to educate artists. Rather, it will teach students to understand arts and artists, and the wider context in which they work so that they can successfully manage art-related organizations or launch their own business within the field of arts and culture.
On Master level we offer four programmes: International Business, Financial Management, Marketing Management and Human Resource Management. All our Master programmes last only 12 months and are designed primarily for recent graduates from all over the world, but they can also be attractive to those wishing to make a career change. Our teaching methodology focuses on the learning experience with a lot of group work, case studies and simulation games.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What would you say are the particular strengths of IBS-Budapest - why should students choose to come to study at your institution?

EDINA LÁNG: All our students appreciate that our programmes are practice-oriented: there is one whole year of placement on the bachelor level where they can put into practice what they have studied in the classroom. IBS empowers students not only with all essential skills necessary to become successful business managers, but also with networking opportunities that bring lifelong competitive advantage. Our international teaching staff and friendly administrators make academic life much more enjoyable. In addition, Budapest is a city not to be missed. Students particularly enjoy the wide range of entertainment possibilities and competitive living costs.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Do students need to speak Hungarian if they would like to study at IBS-Budapest? Do you offer courses for international students wishing to learn Hungarian?

EDINA LÁNG: The language of tuition of all our BA and MSc programmes is English, so students do not need to speak Hungarian. If a considerable number of students wish to learn Hungarian we can provide extra-curricular Hungarian lessons.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What percentage of students at IBS-Budapest are from Hungary and what percentage are international students? How easy or difficult is it to get in contact with Hungarian students?

EDINA LÁNG: Approximately 60% of our students are Hungarian and 40% international. Hungarian students enjoy the international atmosphere of our institution and for them it is often a highlight to make friends with students from all over the world. Since our teaching methodology focuses on group works, it is inevitable to get in contact with both Hungarian and international students during classes and group home assignments.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Where in Budapest is IBS located and what does the campus look like?

EDINA LÁNG: IBS is located in Buda, in a very pleasant greenbelt area of the city. It is easily accessible from the centre with public transportation, trams run every 5 minutes from the nearest tube station. IBS has a Residence Hall, a Fitness Centre, a theatre, a restaurant and tennis courts on campus. Students often enjoy the informal atmosphere of our terrace and park.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What kind of activities and services does IBS-Budapest offer for international students?

EDINA LÁNG: We provide international students all services regarding the admission procedure and accommodation. Our Student Centre assists them in all matters regarding their studies. Students are welcome to dine in our canteen or restaurant and work out in the Fitness Centre. Each year we organize a Career Day with numerous company exhibitors and during our IBS WEEK students can gain insight into one another’s culture and cuisine.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Where can students live while they are enrolled at IBS-Budapest?

EDINA LÁNG: We offer students prefect housing in our Residence Hall situated right next to the school building with its modern single and shared en-suite rooms. All rooms have been recently renovated and have internet connection, a TV and a fridge. Each room has its own bathroom and there are communal kitchens and laundry rooms at the disposal of our students on each floor.
The Residence Hall lobby sometimes hosts exhibitions, small concerts and informal events to provide not merely accommodation, but a common living space as well. Several sports possibilities for both students and teachers are available on the campus of the School. In addition to the special IBS-price IBS Fitness offers extra discount for Residents.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Can students who are enrolled in a degree programme at IBS-Budapest study abroad and, if yes, where can they go?

EDINA LÁNG: All our students in the Bachelor programmes have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters at one of our partner schools in Europe. Our Erasmus partner institutions (80+) are among the best business colleges and universities in the EU. Great Britain, Spain and the Netherlands are the most popular destinations for students in our International Exchange Programmes.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Have you had many German students so far and what was the feedback you received from them?

EDINA LÁNG: We have had quite a number of German students, most of them through the Erasmus Exchange Programme and as MSc students. All students gave a positive feedback: apart from receiving an international degree they appreciated our practical approach (especially the importance of teamwork in the classes), the structure of the programmes, the excellent service from our staff, the exceptionally good contact with our teachers and last but not least, the diverse cultural and entertainment possibilities of Budapest.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Finally, do you have any special tips for German students interested in applying to IBS-Budapest?

EDINA LÁNG: If you would like to gain practical knowledge in the field of business and receive the globally recognised degree of the prestigious Oxford Brookes University in a multicultural environment and in an exciting and beautiful city with affordable living costs, not far from your home, do not hesitate to get into contact with us.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Thank you for the interview, Mrs. Láng!