The Faculty of Economics and Finance at the University of Economics in Bratislava is constantly trying to push the boundaries of international cooperation and offer its students access to the latest knowledge and experience from different corners of the world. One of the latest steps that will significantly enrich the study options is the conclusion of a double degree agreement with the SolBridge International School of Business at Woosong University in South Korea for the Finance, Banking and Insurance study programme. This double degree offers the opportunity to gain education and practical experience from a dynamic Asian environment, which can significantly influence students' future career options.
Established in 2007, SolBridge International School of Business at Woosong University in South Korea is an international business school located in Korea's Silicon Valley, Daejeon, that prepares students to become the next generation of Asian leaders in the rapidly growing and changing Asian economy. The school is accredited by AACSB and is the youngest school to receive this prestigious accreditation (only seven years after its establishment). The school boasts a strong international environment, with most classes taught in English and students from more than 70 different countries, giving it a multicultural character.
What led to the choice of this particular partner institution? What are the expected benefits for students and faculty? How will applicants be selected and why should students consider this unique opportunity in the context of global career opportunities and personal development?
We discussed these aspects with the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance at EUBA, prof. Erika Pastoráková.
What made EUBA's Faculty of Economics and Finance choose South Korea and the SolBridge International School of Business at Woosong University as its double degree partner?
Several impulses led to the conclusion of the double degree agreement.The University of Economics in Bratislava has a long-standing cooperation with SolBridge through the Erasmus+ KA171 project, which has already seen several bilateral student and staff mobilities. Previous student exchanges have shown that our study programmes are similar and that there is a demand for this type of double degree (DD) at both partner universities. For double degree programmes, it is crucial that the exchange of students is not one-sided, but that both partner institutions participate in both the sending and receiving of students. Another reason was to expand the opportunities for DD in the Asian region, as this region has great potential for broadening the knowledge and skills of our students.
What practical benefits do you expect from the cooperation with SolBridge International School of Business at Woosong University, not only for the students of the Finance, Banking and Insurance program, but also for the Faculty of Economics and Finance at EUBA?
The cooperation offers students the opportunity to gain international experience in a key Asian environment characterised by a high level of innovation and digitalisation, which will undoubtedly increase their competitiveness in the global labour market. Students will improve their intercultural communication skills and their ability to adapt to a different environment - key qualities in the globalised financial sector.At SolBridge, students will have the opportunity to choose special focus subjects, such as technology and innovation, data analysis, sports management or even K-ACE (Korean Arts, Creativity and Entertainment Industry), which will provide them with more comprehensive and diverse knowledge and skills. During the exchange, students will have the opportunity to build a global network of peers and professionals that can be valuable for their future career opportunities in finance, banking and insurance. Last but not least, we see this step as an incentive for the faculty to further develop cooperation with SolBridge, for example in the area of joint research projects or other faculty exchanges.
How will students be selected for this double degree and what are the requirements?
We expect the selection of students at the Faculty of Economics and Finance EUBA at the end of the winter semester or the beginning of the summer semester, so that students will also have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to cover travel and accommodation costs. We will inform about the selection process in due time. Students will have to fulfil all study obligations, and a letter of motivation and language certificate will be required. The possibility of a double degree is intended for students in both the Slovak and English Finance, Banking and Insurance programmes.
Why would you recommend this double degree programme to students, especially in the context of global career opportunities and personal development?
The double degree programme is an interesting challenge for students of the Faculty of Economics and Finance at EUBA who want to maximise their career opportunities and acquire skills that can be used in a globalised environment. The double degree with SolBridge combines the strengths of both institutions and offers a comprehensive study programme that integrates European and Asian specificities in the fields of finance and business. Understanding different economic and financial systems, procedures and business cultures will enable students to navigate them perfectly. These experiences and skills will enable them to excel in a variety of careers, whether in multinational corporations or global financial institutions.
