Be part of a new project CEC – Central Europe Connect – Joint Certificate Program and enrich your study period about new knowledges.
The Joint Certificate Program, consisting of three courses, gives students the opportunity to study at three different universities and strengthen their expertise in Europe’s fastest growing region together with international students from SGH/EUBA/WU partner universities.
Three business schools – SGH Warsaw School of Economics, University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA) and WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) – joined forces to develop the certificate program “Central Europe Connect”. Participants in the program will learn about the issues that multinational firms are facing when doing business in the Central European region. The economies of Central Europe impress with a fast catching-up process as well as economic growth and vitality. Strong foreign direct investment inflows, a renewed industrialization, the integration into global value chains as well as the emergence of local champions have been shaping the new economic landscape.
This study program brings together students from three universities and prepares them for a career with multinational firms operating in the region.
Dates for an upcoming edition
| WU | SGH | EUBA |
| March 15 - 20, 2021 | April 12 - 17, 2021 | May 10 - 15, 2021 |
Application deadline
12th February, 2021
Participants
Bachelor students (II and III year) and Master students with an excellent command of English, outstanding study performance and interest to study in multicultural group.
Application must contain
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation Letter
- Transcript of records (all study period)
Upcoming edition, Spring 2020/21
Program Elements at a Glance
- A program in English with focus on international business in the context of Central Europe
- Three courses within one semester at three renowned universities
- 20 bachelor’s students from each university study and work together on projects in intercultural teams
- Lectures and business insights provided through online tools (such as MS Teams, Adobe Connect, Zoom, etc.) case studies, group project work
- An interactive approach and work in teams form the starting point for a network of Central European talents
Course Structure
Three courses form the core of Central Europe Connect. While the program was jointly developed, experienced faculty from each university delivers the courses:
- WU: Strategies and Management for Central Europe (4 ECTS Credits), March 15 - 20, 2021
- SGH: Marketing resources and consumer behaviour in Central Europe (4 ECTS Credits), April 12 - 17, 2021
- EUBA: Structural Dynamics in Central European Economies (4 ECTS Credits), May 10 - 15, 2021
Award in total 12 ECTS Credits
The Partner Universities
SGH Warsaw School of Economics
SGH (Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie) is the oldest university of economics in Poland. Its mission has continuously been educating economists and business leaders serving the country and the region. SGH cooperates with around 200 higher education institutions around the world and is also a member of prestigious global business school networks such as The Global Alliance in Management Education (CEMS) and Partnership in International Management network (PIM).
University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA)
EUBA (Ekonomická univerzita v Bratislave) is the leading public higher education institution focusing on business, economics and management in Slovakia. It provides higher education in more than 60 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs for full-time and part-time students. Internationalization and the development of international partnerships with universities, enterprises, and other institutions belong to the priorities of the university. EUBA runs several international double and joint degree programs with partner universities in Europe and Asia.
Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU)
WU (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien) is the largest university focusing on economics and business in Austria. Internationality was already among WU’s key values at WU’s founding in 1898 as an Export Academy. WU emphasizes internationalization in its teaching and research activities. It increasingly draws students from outside Austria, mostly from Central and Eastern Europe. Today it is ranked as one of the best business schools in Europe what is also reflected in the “Triple Accreditation” (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS).
Short Course Descriptions
SGH Course: Marketing resources and consumer behaviour in Central Europe (4 ECTS Credits)
During the course students get knowledge about basic concepts related to consumer behavior and their importance for marketing research and actions. Students learn how to operationalize basic consumer characteristics (income and demographic) and abstract concepts (country and product-country image, consumer ethnocentrism) and how to apply them into the research project. The course focuses also on designing and conducting a research project related to consumer behavior and interpreting the results in marketing decision-making perspective. The course comprises a discussion with guest speakers from a worldwide advertising agency.
EUBA Course: Structural Dynamics in Central European Economies (4 ECTS Credits)
In order to understand all peculiarities of Central Europe region, the macroeconomic overview of its development is needed. Therefore, the first part of the course will pay attention to specifics of Central Europe economic development with implications for the real business environment. The course will cover topics like competitive advantages of Central Europe on the world markets, the impact of automatization on the labour market and others. The second part of the course will focus on the topic of foreign direct investments in this region. Especially, the automotive industry will be analyzed in detail. The course is rounded off by a discussion with a business representative.
WU Course: Strategies and Management in Central Europe (4 ECTS Credits)
This course deals with issues multinational firms face today in Central Europe. Frameworks and methods will be presented that help managers in assessing the attractiveness of foreign markets and designing appropriate entry and marketing strategies for Central European markets. Competitive strategies are analyzed from a foreign and domestic company perspective. Attention is also given to the management of Central European activities. A discussion with a representative from a firm operating in the CEE region is part of the course.
Previous editions
Central Europe Connect – 1st edition
On 31 March 2019, the University of Economics launched for the first time project Central Europe Connect. The project is organized in cooperation with renowned partner universities—WU (Vienna University of Economics) and SGH (Warsaw School of Economics). Students from these universities along with the EUBA students get—during three weeks of concentrated study and group projects—an overview of functioning of economies in Central European countries.
The first week in Vienna was devoted to Strategies and Management in Central Europe. The University of Economics in Bratislava opened its doors to the students between 31 March and 6 April 2019 to provide a course on Structural Dynamics in Central Europe which was taught jointly by Ing. Martin Hudcovský, PhD. from the Faculty of National Economy and Ing. Tomáš Dudáš, PhD. from the Faculty of International Relations.
Overall 47 students from Vienna, Bratislava and Warsaw participated in Central Europe Connect. At the University of Economics in Bratislava they were welcomed by Ms Paula Puškárová, the vice-rector for research and doctoral studies. The Department of International Mobility prepared a rich academic and extra-curricular programme. Central Europe Connect concluded between 19 and 25 May 2019 at SGH (Warsaw School of Economics) where the students examine Consumer Behaviour in Central Europe and participate in further accompanying activities.
Central Europe Connect – 2nd edition
On Monday, November 11, 2019, the University of Economics in Bratislava welcomed students from partner universities WU - Vienna University of Economics and Business and SGH - Warsaw School of Economics, which together with EUBA students in Bratislava participate in a unique CEC project - Central Europe Connect - Joint Certificate Program.
In total, 40 students took part in the program in block training in Warsaw from the 20 to 26 of October 2019 as part of the Warsaw Course Week. The second part of the block course - Bratislava Course Week - took place from 10 to 16 November 2019 at the University of Economics in Bratislava. The project is carried out under the CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Program for University Studies) mobility program and under the financial support of the University of Economics in Bratislava.
On Monday, November 11 2019, at the beginning of the program the guests were received by Boris MATTOŠ, the Vice-Rector for International Relations and Miroslava DARNADIOVÁ, the head of International Mobility Department who provided them with more information on the University. Students continued with their lectures on the topic of Structural Dynamics in Central Europe Economies, which were lectured by Tomáš DUDÁŠ (FMV) and Martin HUDCOVSKÝ (NHF).
The organization and the professional program at the EUBA in Bratislava was highly rated by international students. Mateusz from Warsaw said that Central Europe Connect is a wonderful project. "Within 3 weeks you have the opportunity to visit 3 countries, to study at 3 universities and to work closely with students from Bratislava, Vienna and Warsaw".
The Central Europe Connect program concluded the presentation of mixed Austrian-Slovak-Polish teams on 7th of December 2019 at the University of Economics in Vienna (WU).
Central Europe Connect – 3rd edition
On Monday, March 9, 2020, the University of Economics in Bratislava was supposed to welcome students from partner universities WU - Vienna University of Economics and Business and SGH - Warsaw School of Economics, which together with EUBA students in Bratislava participate in a unique CEC project - Central Europe Connect - Joint Certificate Program. However, the 3rd edition of this unique program had to switch to an online format due to measures in relation to the occurrence and spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
EUBA was commencing the program this year and had to adapt quickly to a new format. The second part of the online block course – Vienna Course Week – took place from 30 March to 4 April and program was concluded by the Warsaw Course Week that took place between 10 to 16 May. Lecturers and students communicated via online tools during the whole program duration and worked hard to tackle the obstacles this new situation brought to all of us.
Since we did not have an opportunity to organize the CEC in its usual presence form and therefor could not have physical final ceremony either, we decided to have an online one. On this online closing ceremony, students were received by Arnold SCHUH, Academic Director CEC WU Wien, Boris MATTOŠ, the Vice-Rector for International Relations of EUBA and Jacek PROKOP, the Vice-Rector for International Relations of SGH Warsaw. Closing ceremony was held on 24 June, 2020 and concluded the program. In total, 35 students completed the Central Europe Connect – Joint Certificate Program this semester and we would like to thank them all for their participation, support and commitment in the Spring cohort of the Central Europe Connect program.
Central Europe Connect – 4th edition
Central Europe Connect (CEC) is a joint educational project of three economic universities, namely WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business), SGH (Warsaw School of Economics) and EUBA (University of Economics in Bratislava). Within this unique certified program, 20 selected students from each university attend lectures and discussions on the topics of economic development of the countries of the Central European region. Program participants also learn about the challenges that multinational companies face when doing business in the Central European region.
The 4th edition of the CEC program was officially launched with block teaching on 12 October 2020, with the course "Marketing resources and consumer behavior in Central Europe", which was provided by Warsaw School of Economics. Subsequently, the course "Structural Dynamics in Central European Economies" was officially launched under the professional supervision of EUBA on 9 November 2020, with a welcome speech delivered by Boris Mattoš, the Vice-Rector for International Relations of EUBA. During the week of block teaching, students completed a series of lectures and discussions, as well as an excursion to Kia Motors Slovakia. Due to the current epidemiological situation, this time it took place virtually. The students learned interesting facts about the company and had an inspiring discussion. We tried to at least partially compensate the foreign students for the absence of a visit to Bratislava, and thanks to the cooperation of the Bratislava Tourist Board they were able to attend the "Virtual tour of Bratislava".
The program continued on 30 November 2020 with the third block of teaching - the subject "Strategies and Management for Central Europe", which was organizationally and professionally provided by the Vienna University of Economics and Business. The Central Europe Connect program was officially concluded with an online closing ceremony on 5 December 2020.
Overall 52 students participated in Central Europe Connect program this semester. We would like to thank our partners, colleagues and students for their participation and support in the Autumn edition of the Central Europe Connect program.
Testimonials
„Chcel by som odkázať študentom, aby sa neobávali a zapojili do tohto projektu. Spoznáte veľa študentov z rôznych krajín, získate nové kontakty a načerpáte množstvo nových a zaujímavých informácií. Ja osobne som sa počas tohto projektu dozvedel viac o priamych zahraničných investíciách. Téma ma natoľko zaujala, že som si ju vybral na bakalársku prácu.“ Michal T.
„CEC bola skvelá skúsenosť, aj keď neprebiehala v takej podobe ako sme si všetci predstavovali.“ Kristína T.
„Program Central Europe Connect mi dal možnosť získať nové medzinárodné aj domáce priateľstvá a vyskúšať si štúdium na skvelých univerzitách vo Viedni a Varšave a pritom stále študovať na domácej univerzite. Získala som nové poznatky v oblastiach ako sú zahraničné investície, postoj spotrebiteľov ku krajine pôvodu či marketingové stratégie v strednej Európe.“ Alžbeta G.
„Účasť na programe CEC odporúčam všetkým študentom. Jednotlivé predmety v rámci programu sledujú krajiny strednej Európy z rôznych hľadísk, čím umožňujú študentom získať komplexný pohľad na tento región. Zároveň sme v rámci každého týždňa absolvovali prednášku s predstaviteľmi významných spoločností na Slovensku, v Poľsku a Rakúsku. Okrem samotného obsahu programu som bola veľmi spokojná aj s jeho organizáciou - boli sme o všetkom informovaní včas, koordinátori aj vyučujúci boli vždy veľmi ochotní pomôcť. A pre mňa jedným z najväčších prínosov bola spolupráca na zadaniach so zahraničnými študentmi.“ Lenka B.
“I would highly recommend the Central Europe Connect program to other students, it was a real challenge to collaborate with such smart and very active young people with different background and communicate effectively in an intercultural environment. All sessions were very interesting, the time passed really very quickly for all of us. And I have a lot of insights for my future work. The advantage of the program is that we worked with real business cases and had meetings with representatives of firms working in Central and Eastern Europe. Thanks a lot to the organizers of this program, it was done at high level. The atmosphere was very supportive and comfortable, and I really appreciate the feedback we’ve got from our leaders for final projects and during the sessions, we would not achieve such great results without the inspiration they gave to us!” Anna P.
"It was very great to experience and observe how the dynamics within our group developed during this week. Everyone wanted to learn more about the other group members and showed great interest in the common tasks. It was great to see how we respected and understood the views of others. My personal highlight was the point at which we had overcome the cultural hurdles and the feeling of shyness, which I felt at first, and became a real team. We motivated our speakers before each presentation and afterwards praised each other for the great success of the group." Alexander H, a student of WU Click here to read the whole interview.
"In conclusion, I believe that the program has not only enriched my theoretical knowledge, but has also helped me to develop personally and socially." Lisa Magdalena K, a student of WU Click here to read the whole interview.
„I decided to participate in the CEC program, because I wanted to gain a new experience. I learnt how to make a questionnaire and how to analyze it, I learnt about FDI in european countries and analyzed study cases. It also gave me an opportunity to learn through MS Teams and I also met new friends this way. I would definitely recommend other students to apply for the CEC program, it is a great opportunity.“ Ivana M.
„I decided to participate in the CEC program, because I wanted to gain better knowledge and understanding of CEE economy, because I plan to live and do business here so I thought it would be very helpful. What I learnt academically is how socializm influenced this region, why we are not where the western countries (economically) are and specifics of this region. From the experiences I would highlight the pre-reading materials, which were very interesting and also the case studies that we have been working on in teams. I would recommend other students to apply and participate in the CEC program.“ René M.
„When making a decision to apply for the CEC program, the most important thing for me was that it was online, as I was expecting covid to hit once again. I was looking for something to do apart from school. I was eager to learn more abou CEC as a region. Of course, I would like to participate in person but having current situation in mind, I think that it was prepared well. Academically I learnt Economical aspcets of CEE as a region in general and in particular FDI trends in CEE countries. I also learned about how to use and implement different frameworks like SWOT,OLI,KSF,PESTEL. I would definitely recommend students to participate in this program. I think it is a great addition to learning at our university. You can see how different schools work.“ Samuel G.
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