What is International Economics?

International Economics, a major of economics, deals with economic connection, impact, and interdependence between countries. This is a dynamic and global field. In other words, International Economics studies trading activities, goods and services purchasing carried out between countries by businesses, individuals and economic organizations in order to achieve economic benefits.

Globalization and international economic integration become popular, along with the open door policy, and multilateralization of foreign economic relations, which is indicated by Vietnam's participation in WTO, AEC, the signing of a number of FTAs such as CPTPP, UVFTA, RCEP, UKVFTA... have contributed to promoting Vietnam's international exchange of goods, services and investments. 

Therefore, there is an urgent need for young workers who should have extensive knowledge of international economics, be fluent in foreign languages, be able to do international transaction and negotiations... in order to adapt and work independently and creatively in a multicultural environment. 

Meanwhile, the human resources in International Economics does not meet the increasingly high needs of this field. As a result, the International Economics major is currently among the top majors in the economic training system in Vietnam.

What do you study in the International Economics major at UEB?

The International Economics program provides students with basic knowledge of international economics, international trade, international investment, international finance, logistics business, and global supply chain. Additionally, it offers comprehensive knowledge in fields like overseeing transactions, orchestrating import-export contract execution, managing supply chains and global logistics growth, conducting international market research, honing international communication and negotiation abilities, mastering international payment techniques, handling transportation, import and export goods insurance, and navigating global e-commerce business in the digital age.

What can students of the International Economics do after graduation?

Students graduated from the International Economics major can work for:

- Ministries, sectors, and local agencies such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the State Bank, local chambers of commerce, customs, and provincial Departments of Industry and Planning and Investment.

- International organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

- Export-import consulting offices, foreign investment agencies, and economic organizations both domestically and internationally.

- Universities and economic research institutes.

- Economic groups, domestic and foreign enterprises involved in import and export, foreign invested enterprises, logistics companies, international transportation enterprises, and trade and investment promotion centers.

- Commercial banks and international financial institutions.

Students graduated from the International Economics major can work as:

- Planners, analysts, and consultants in international trade, international finance, and direct and indirect foreign investments. They have the potential to become experts in policy analysis in these areas in the future.

- Monitors, analysts, and advisors in international projects for international organizations. They have the potential to become international project managers in the future.

- Planners, supervisors, or implementers in international market research, import and export, logistics services, international investment consulting, and trade promotion. They have the potential to become managers or entrepreneurs in international trade, international investment, logistics and global supply chain management.

- Researchers and teaching assistants at universities and research institutions in international economics. They have the potential to become researchers and lecturers in international trade, international investment, international finance, international business, and logistics and global supply chain management.

- Entrepreneurs who establish and run their own enterprises in manufacture, business, and international business, transportation, and logistics.

What knowledge and skills do students acquire after graduating from the International Economics program at UEB?

As this major is highly "international", students are strongly required to be fluent in using foreign languages. Therefore, after graduating from the International Economics program, students will achieve a high level of proficiency in English, have the ability to use it effectively in work. However, this is not the only achievement that students gain after completing this program. Some knowledge and skills contribute to the qualities of International Economics students suitable with jobs in International Economics, including:

- Understanding and applying creatively in-depth knowledge of international economics: After graduation, with fundamental and specialized knowledge of international economics, students can flexibly and creatively apply this knowledge into various tasks related to international economics.

- Being proficient in English: Being proficient in all four skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - and having a deep understanding of English in the field of economics. This enables them to work in various positions and confidently engage in transactions, negotiations, and drafting documents related to international trade, import and export of goods, services, international investment consulting, international finance, and more.

- Quickly adapting to a multi-culture working environment: Students are equipped with knowledge about cultures and business customs of different countries and regions. With internships both domestically and internationally, graduates of the International Economics program at UEB will have the ability to adapt rapidly to a global working environment.

- Being confident, having good communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills: Having good communication skills is a fundamental for most jobs. In the field of International Economics, students also acquire negotiation skills to achieve beneficial economic goals.

- Gathering and processing information: In addition to mastering fundamental knowledge and skills, International Economics graduates also have the ability to search for information, allowing them to access a vast amount of knowledge and quickly adapt to changing global economic trends to support their work.

- Furthermore, after graduating from the International Economics program at UEB, students are also dynamic, highly responsible for work; Have good teamwork and leadership skills; Are creative, decisive; Have the ability to face challenges and risks; and Have the ability to work independently under time and workload pressure.

International internship: An educational trend in the globalized era

In a degree’s bachelor program, students will have three internships at domestic or international businesses related to the major. These internships are designed to help students apply their theoretical knowledge into practice and gain experience. The internship content will be directed toward specific career positions.

The era of globalization and the 4.0 Industrial Revolution has posed significant challenges to higher education. How to train a workforce that can meet the needs of businesses and compete with international talent has become a crucial question. In response to these challenges, UEB is actively pursuing a strategy of internationalization of education. Students UEB therefore have the opportunity to attend internships, practices, and experience a multi-national learning environment."

More information about the program can be found here.