International School of Management (ISM)

At just 19 years old, Jie Zhou made a big decision: She moved thousands of miles away from her home country of China to Germany to study at ISM. "I wanted to explore the world and step out of my comfort zone. There is no more exciting privilege in life than discovering new places, meeting new people and simply surrounding yourself with traditions and cultures that are completely different from your own."

"Let's keep making the most of it!" In its second pandemic year, the ISM community remains absolutely true to its spirit and is making many plans for the future. The first annual issue of ISM NEWS therefore provides insights into the significant projects, both large and small, involving everyone at ISM.

Lively port city, trendy nightlife, modern architecture - we're talking about Rotterdam. And just as the cityscape stands for modernization, so does the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. At its business school, ISM students will be able to spend a semester abroad starting in the spring term of 2022.

Understanding how to use modern HR technologies to shape the digital transformation in companies is an important asset for tomorrow's managers. Experts on this topic are ISM graduates Johannes Koldehoff and Till Walter. Working for EY, they consult HR departments on how they can equip themselves for the future. Together they offered a workshop for ISM students that provided theoretical input as well as a lot of practical know-how on the topics of new work, change and transformation.

Combing through literature, drafting research questions, analyzing statistics - the final thesis is another opportunity to show what you've got. In 2020, seven ISM students received the Best Thesis Award for their innovative theses. They were able to enjoy cash prizes and discounts for an ISM master's degree or doctorate.

While it is still unsure how the coronavirus will affect university life in 2021, ISM offers solutions for international first-semester students to take up their classes this spring term either way.