* develop their language skills, in a language of their own choice, and simultaneously develop their cultural understanding of (some of the) countries where their chosen language is spoken.
* understand how intercultural communication issues can either facilitate or hinder effective business interaction and workplace collaboration, depending on whether it is carefully managed or poorly understood.
* acquire knowledge about different possible career paths, and an understanding of the relationship between these career paths and course selections as well as other choices made throughout (and after) the programme.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) USED IN THIS COURSE IS WITH RESERVATION. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS BASED ON THE COURSE SETUP PRIOR TO THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE CRISIS, COURSE COORDINATORS MAY BE FORCED TO CHANGE THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS USED. THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING/ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS.

During studies and later in the workplace, students from this Emerging Markets programme will work in a wide range of fields and countries together with people from different backgrounds. It will therefore be highly important for these students to be able to handle teamwork and business interactions in environments outside their comfort zone. In addition, students focused on emerging markets will likely have a wider range of possible career paths within their reach than the typical students. These challenges will require effective communication skills and an awareness of cultural differences, as well as personal maturity and an understanding of how course and later career choices shape life outcomes.

Language course
A central part of this course is a semester long language course at the UM Language Centre, equivalent to 3 ECTS credits. Students will choose a language out of a selected list relevant for Emerging Markets (Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian, Arabic or Portuguese). Their pre-knowledge in this language will be evaluated by the Language Centre so that they can enter the appropriate level (levels are determined in line with the Common European Framework of Reference, see the appendix). The aim of this course is to bring each student to a higher level of autonomy in the selected language. This makes a real difference, whatever the initial level; at the entry level, especially in the case of more distant languages like Arabic or Chinese, it can show respect and interest in the culture of the people students will meet in their future career. More advanced students can be brought to the level required in order to be able to participate in a professional interview in the selected language.

Intercultural communication and career support
Besides language, working in an Emerging market environment poses challenges in terms of intercultural communication on the one side, and is associated with a more atypical career trajectory than what could be expected when working in advanced (and stable) economic and institutional contexts. On the one hand, industry-specific or country-specific shocks more often disrupt career paths; on the other hand, new opportunities could also emerge more frequently. In both cases, the professional engaged in Emerging market needs to be able to reflect on his/her personal qualities and experience and learn how to use this insight in order to adapt to the evolving context.
The first aspect will be addressed in an interactive workshop, where analyses of intercultural issues in the life experiences of participating students will also be used. In line with the focus of the programme, special attention will be spent to issues relevant for Emerging Markets such as awareness of the impact of historical relations, including colonial context and histories of inequality, oppression and strong political hierarchies. This will be combined with the building of a personal portfolio of reflections that will gradually reveal insights to the students about match, or lack thereof, with different possible career paths, based on the shared experience of guest lecturers.

Note that the form of assessment (written or oral exam) will depend on the language course chosen by the student.

To be announced.