Van Hall Larenstein University of applied sciences

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Content programme International Agribusiness and Trade

HVHL International Agribusiness and Trade bij station Arnhem

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Trade, intercultural communication, and sustainability

The International Agribusiness and Trade programme focuses on international trade, management, intercultural communication, entrepreneurship, and making responsible choices. Each term is based on a theme covered through courses, projects, and external connections. In the beginning, you will explore sectors such as food and timber, learning about supply chains and marketing. After four years, you will be ready to work in an international environment, equipped with the essential knowledge to start your career.

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Year 1: the foundation

The first year starts with an analysis of the sectors. How do you add value to basic products? What developments, opportunities, and threats exist in these fields? You’ll learn how to interact with people from other cultures and understand how they perceive you. You will develop an open attitude and skills for teamwork and communication in an international setting. This approach will be put into practice during company visits, trade fairs, and in your search for a suitable internship.

By the end of the year, you’ll work with international students from Food Technology to develop a new product that contributes to a more sustainable food chain. Key topics include:

  • Sector analysis
  • Organisation & logistics
  • Trends & innovation
  • Entrepreneurship in food and drink
  • Marketing & finance
  • The global market

Years 2 and 3: specialisation and practical experience

In the second year, you’ll delve deeper into the sectors through a short internship and by exploring specific challenges. You’ll be surprised by people’s and companies’ ways of working, inequalities in treatment, and food waste. Compared to standard business administration courses, you’ll gain insight into the value of an efficient value chain, work across disciplines, and learn to say "NO." You’ll become more entrepreneurial, pitching your ideas to the bank and presenting at the Business Fair.

In year three, you’ll gain extensive practical experience through a management game and learn how to grow companies. An international internship or minor is essential for your development. Lecturers will support you in making thoughtful choices and guide you in finding a suitable minor and internship company.

Year 4: graduation

Throughout your studies, you may develop a preference for a specific area. This is why, in years three and four, you can graduate in one of three fields: 1) Sustainable Entrepreneurship 2) Managing Global Supply Chains 3) International Marketing & Sales. This enables you to present a clear profile to potential employers, highlighting your unique approach, knowledge, and skills.

You’ll begin the fourth year with a minor or an internship, depending on what you chose in year three. You might have completed a wine minor in France or written an advisory report on new markets for a chocolatier.

After that, you’ll start your final project. This could involve setting up a new distribution line for a potato processing factory, developing a bamboo application for skateboards, or preparing a sustainability report for an international juice manufacturer. You might also research potential new markets for vegan products or create a marketing campaign for a skincare product made from tulip bulb waste.

Overview

This is what your programme could look like:

Table of study programme for 4 years with four blocks per year
Jaar Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
1 Sectors, supply chains and job roles Marketing, Sales and Transitions Quality, sourcing and logistics Product development and sustainability
2 Placement Research and international trade Entrepreneurship and sustainability Market research and management
3 Management game

Business development
Minor / Internship
4 Minor / Internship Thesis

International Agribusiness and Trade