The internationalization of business studies: a comparative framework between the European Higher Education System and the Chinese one

The business studies in the European Higher Education System will have to converge in similar frameworks to make students match their country-origin studies. Most of them will not have a traumatic adaptation due to the long tradition of teaching similar contents with the Anglo-Saxon references and similar methodologies. Also, in Europe, according to many typologies of institutions which can be analysed, Universities and Business Schools appear to be two different institutions with different methodologies and goals for their students. It seems that in the People’s Republic of China similar programs have also been taught since the early 90´s because of the obvious influence of the Higher Education of Europe and the U.S.A., however, it tends to be evident that wide differences exist as well among Universities and other higher institutions such as International Business Schools with exchange programs with the rest of the world. Furthermore, those studies and teaching processes are influenced by idiosyncrasies of Chinese teaching tradition and their lack of experience for being institution. Meanwhile, at most of Chinese Universities more specific programs are inclined to be followed without so comparable one-to-one relationship, compared with their equivalents in Europe. However, the rapid economic growth and the internationalization of some Special Economic Zones in China make them look more similar to studies in Europe. Because of these reasons, fewer standardized and similarities are found in Business studies programs in China. Some specific characteristics in teaching Business studies in China are found to be special phenomena for future research; most of them appear to be influenced by Chinese culture and to be resulted from the policy of “closed door” of the country and the gradual opening the door of China. At the same time, similar characteristics are found between the two systems, too.