Our currency is the euro and the azure European flag with the twelve gold stars flies in front of the Reichstag. Surveys show that over half of Germans see themselves fully as EU citizens.
But what is Europe? The ideas about it are vague. This is also due to the fact that the continent as such has no clear geographical boundaries, such as Australia or North America.
How is Europe defined?
Europe consists of more countries than the 28 EU member states . 50 countries, each with their own history and culture, share an area of just ten million square meters. Their common history was shaped by wars and crises for centuries.
Only after the end of the Second World War did the process of political unification of Europe get underway. The European Union became the European Union in 1993. The EU is now the largest trading power in the world and plays an important role in national and international politics.
Studying European cultural history, language and economic policy?
Anyone who wants to make a career in the fields of business , administration or politics can no longer do without knowledge of Europe . The universities have reacted and set up courses that specifically deal with the topic of Europe.
Content focus
According to top-mba-universities, the courses in the area of regional sciences in Europe are as varied in terms of content as Europe itself. At some universities, the EU is the focus of studies, while other universities focus on European culture . Depending on the course, Europe as a whole or a specific region such as Eastern Europe can also be examined more closely.
International orientation
Many of the courses are designed to be international. At least some of the lessons take place in a European foreign language such as English or French. At some universities, students even have the opportunity to study for a while at a partner university in another European country and acquire a binational degree .
In the bachelor’s degree
The bachelor’s programs in the area of regional sciences Europe are not only characterized by their international orientation, but also by their interdisciplinary approach . The students deal with the geography , history , politics, culture or economy of Europe or individual regions.
Basics from the individual areas as well as current topics are on the curriculum. For example, the students learn how the EEC was founded and deal with the current economic crisis in another seminar. Depending on which course you have chosen, topics as diverse as Greek mythology or Marxism are also on the curriculum.
Languages also play a major role in the course. At most universities, two European foreign languages are compulsory, in which students take conversation and grammar courses. Internships at European institutions are also planned at many universities.
In the master’s degree
If you want to prepare for management positions or aim for an academic career, you should add a master’s degree to your bachelor’s degree. The number of master’s courses in the field of regional sciences Europe is large. The universities offer very different areas of focus, such as intercultural communication , literary studies or European integration.
The courses are often held in English and are also aimed at graduates from other disciplines, such as business administration or law , who would like to learn more about Europe.
For outstanding Bachelor graduates, special postgraduate courses were set up on the initiative of the Federal Foreign Office , which are intended to prepare them for management positions in the EU.
Requirements
If you want to apply for a course in the field of regional sciences Europe, you should have good foreign language skills. Knowledge of English is compulsory ; depending on the focus of the course, applicants must also have language skills in another European foreign language.
It goes without saying that budding Europe experts have a strong interest in political, cultural, economic and social contexts within Europe.
Career prospects for Europe experts
A degree in European Studies opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates . However, since the courses themselves usually do not provide training for a specific job description, students should complete internships during their studies in order to gain additional qualifications. Ideally, the topic of the thesis should also be chosen in such a way that it matches the career aspirations.
Many graduates would like to work for the EU after graduation . For example, you can work as a scientific speaker, analyst or in public relations . The same fields of work are open to them in German ministries or as employees of the Bundestag or Landtag. Positions in the foreign service are also conceivable.
Away from the policy work graduates, for example, as a European expert in the management of internationally operating commercial enterprises . Advisory activities in independent consulting offices are also conceivable. Depending on the choice of major, activities in the tourism industry , cultural management or publishing are also conceivable. Master’s graduates are free to pursue a doctorate and pursue an academic career .
Experience Europe – stays abroad and semesters abroad
Many future employers expect European Studies graduates to have lived in another European country for a longer period of time. Most universities therefore plan study times in other European countries as a fixed part of their study program.
During one or two semesters abroad, students have the opportunity to discover new facets of European culture. Foreign language skills also benefit from a stay in another European country. Another study content at the foreign university can raise academic profile and give valuable suggestions for research or thesis.
In addition, soft skills such as flexibility or the ability for intercultural communication are trained. The students have the opportunity to build up a network of international contacts .
