Language and Short Courses 2024/2025

Entrepreneurial Leadership in Berlin and Europe Entrepreneurial Leadership in Berlin and Europe

Freie Universität Berlin • Berlin

Course location
Berlin
Teaching language
  • English
Language level of course
  • English: B2
Date(s)
  • 26 July - 23 August 2025 (Registration deadline of course provider: 28 June 2025)
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

A non-refundable programme fee, in addition to the tuition fee, is applicable. The programme fee, which includes the social programme, is to be paid within one week after registration at the latest, along with the tuition fee.

Target group

We welcome students who are interested in the entrepreneurial market as well as those who want to venture out into other disciplines and possess an exceptional insight into the workings of business and leadership in Europe.

Description/content

Please visit our website (www.fubis.org) for an overview of all courses offered and for possible updates to the course programme.

About this course

Leadership surrounds us always and everywhere. Be it as a supervisor, team captain, student activist, or parent – we all need certain leadership skills to thrive in our private and professional lives. However, what makes a good leader has long been the subject of controversial debate in research and practice. Leadership theories have constantly evolved, and modern concepts are manifold. At the same time, management scandals (e.g. Wirecard, Dieselgate, Twitter) repeatedly bring leadership failures to light. This course introduces a basic understanding of what leadership actually is and how that understanding depends on time and context.

On this basis, we will take a closer look at what enables individuals to lead in an entrepreneurial way and why an entrepreneurial mindset is more important than ever among today’s leaders. The economic, political, and ecological crises around the world have led us to question many of the assumptions on what entrepreneurship and "typical" entrepreneurs are. Various initiatives have been established to promote diverse forms, purposes, and initiators of entrepreneurial activity. Behind such endeavours lies the hope that entrepreneurship will not only create new jobs but also new ideas for the future and solutions to the world's most pressing problems. Accordingly, the European Commission developed a reference framework ("EntreComp") to establish an understanding of entrepreneurship as a competence that results in social, cultural, or financial value for others. The basic idea of this framework is that the necessary skills and attitudes can be learned and applied by anyone.

However, the practical outcome regarding entrepreneurial diversity varies. Women and ethnic minorities, for instance, remain significantly underrepresented in startup ecosystems worldwide, with a global average of only 15% female founders. Achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5 (gender equality) in the entrepreneurial context remains a distant goal. In class, we will touch upon the underlying causes and discuss possible solutions. The course also emphasises learning about the diversity of the Berlin startup ecosystem, including inviting guests from local startups and impact communities.

A special session will involve a full day of leadership coaching with horses (Physical contact is voluntary!). This approach is relatively new to university education but is gaining popularity in Human Resources (HR) and leadership development. The unique aspect of equine interaction lies in horses' impartiality. They do not judge a person based on status, gender, or skin colour, but respond solely to personal radiance when deciding whether to follow a human being. This allows students to experience the value of diversity in leadership and ultimately learn about the importance of trustworthiness and communication. Through receiving candid individual feedback, students will have the opportunity to further refine their personal leadership identity and skills.

Recognised language exams offered (e.g. DSH, TestDaF, TOEFL)
No
Other degrees / qualifications awarded
Certificate of participation
ECTS points (max.)
6
Average number of hours per week
12
Average number of participants per group/course
18
Dates and costs
  • 26 July - 23 August 2025 (Registration deadline of course provider: 28 June 2025), costs: EUR 1,300
This price includes
  • Course fees
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

A non-refundable programme fee, in addition to the tuition fee, is applicable. The programme fee, which includes the social programme, is to be paid within one week after registration at the latest, along with the tuition fee.

Teaching language
  • English
Language level of course
  • English: B2
Language requirements

Students must be able to speak, read, and write English at an advanced intermediate level.

Submit application to

http://www.fubis.org/5_geb/anmeldung/index.html

Is accommodation organised?
Accommodation is arranged by the organiser.
Type of accommodation

FUBiS can arrange appropriate off-campus accommodation for the duration of the programme as an optional service upon request. Accommodation options can be chosen during the registration process. Accommodation is subject to availability. Prices range between 550 EUR and 1,350 EUR.

Is a social and leisure programme offered?
Yes
Description of social and leisure programme

FUBiS offers a variety of extracurricular activities, which are included in the programme fee:

  • guided tour of the Reichstag building and the Federal Parliament
  • river boat tour through the centre of Berlin

In addition, FUBiS offers optional excursions (for an extra cost) within Berlin as well as to other popular German cities.

Free internet access
Yes
Support in visa matters
No
Pick-up service from train station/airport
No

Freie Universität Berlin

University location

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