Student Life Cycle: In-depth Phase
Target group: Students, lecturers and staff at universities
University: Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen
The “International Business Simulation” is an innovative teaching and learning format of the Technical University of Central Hesse, which brings students together in an international, intercultural and practical project.
The aim of the English-language teaching project is to address real challenges of the globalized economy in a simulation-based learning setting in international and inter-university teams, thereby promoting professional, methodological and intercultural skills.
Within the framework of the teaching program, students from universities in various countries – including Germany, the USA, Canada, and Finland – initially collaborate virtually and subsequently in joint in-person sessions. They work on real management tasks, develop solutions in international teams, and reflect on cultural differences and economic contexts. The focus is on teamwork across continents, intercultural communication, and practical problem-solving. The international character of each participating university means that students from all over the world come together, not just from the countries where the universities are located, and that the subject-specific and intercultural learning experiences associated with the simulation are realistic and multi-perspective.
The blended learning concept combines digital project phases with international, on-site encounters. In addition to traditional business administration content, the format places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary skills such as intercultural and agile collaboration in diverse teams, reflective abilities, and self-directed learning. Instead of traditional exams, learning journals, feedback formats, and creative presentations are used, for example.
The simulation is part of an international university collaboration, including with Kajaani University of Applied Sciences in Finland, and contributes to the sustainable internationalization of teaching and the expansion of global partnerships. This collaboration demonstrates how the simulation simultaneously serves as a foundation for long-term and trusting partnership development. Following KAMK students' short-term participation in the virtual project phase in 2025, another group of KAMK students will participate in 2026, both virtually and in person as part of "Gießen Week." Furthermore, THM students participating in the simulation will travel to Finland for the first time as part of a short-term mobility program. Similar mobility collaborations have also been implemented with the other university partners. These international mobility programs each offer a comprehensive program consisting of campus visits and courses, context-related guest lectures by industry professionals, excursions to companies and institutions, and cultural experiences and encounters.
– Master's student after the end of the online phase
For its innovative didactic approach, the "International Business Simulation" course was awarded second prize in the 2025 Hessian University Teaching Award for Excellence in Teaching. The jury particularly praised its strong practical relevance, intensive reflection, intercultural exchange, and direct connection to the globalized world of work.
The project thus makes an important contribution to the development of international skills and prepares students specifically for the demands of a networked, global working world.
– Russ Jones, President of Arkansas Tech University (see press release)
Prof. Dr. Benjamin Löhr
Alexandra Hofmann
Maxime Musterfrau
