IFBC | International food Business & Consumer Studies| Food Technology in Germany| University Kassel

Summary

In this video, Lori Zarukyan shares her experience as a student in the International Food Business and Consumer Studies (IFBC) master's program in Germany. The program, offered jointly by the University of Castle and Fulda University, covers key topics in food science, consumer protection, sustainable consumption, and more. It is designed for students with backgrounds in food science, agriculture, and related fields. The video also provides valuable information on admission requirements, visa processes, financial aspects, and job opportunities for graduates. Lori emphasizes the importance of research and offers practical advice for future international students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The master's program, IFBC (International Food Business and Consumer Studies), is a joint degree between University of Castle in Wittenhausen and Fulda University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
• 😀 The program has a multi-disciplinary approach, combining agriculture, food business, and consumer sciences in an international and cross-cultural context.
• 😀 Core subjects include food product development, consumer science, food quality management, international organic food markets, and sustainable consumption.
• 😀 The program is taught entirely in English and requires a bachelor's degree in related fields like food science, agricultural sciences, or nutritional sciences.
• 😀 To apply, students must submit documents like a CV, letter of motivation, letters of reference, proof of English proficiency, and meet the minimum grade requirement (B or 2.5).
• 😀 The visa process requires a student visa, with required documents including a valid passport, insurance, financial proof, and acceptance letter from the university.
• 😀 Financial requirements include proof of financial resources, typically a blocked account or a sponsor, and the current monthly cost of living in Germany is around €867.
• 😀 Students in Germany can work part-time, with a limit of up to 20 hours per week, depending on their student visa status.
• 😀 The master's program leads to various career opportunities, including roles in product development, quality management, stakeholder management, marketing, and research in the food industry.
• 😀 After completing the program, students can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa and later become eligible for permanent residency by working in Germany for at least two years and meeting salary requirements.
• 😀 Scholarships are available for international students, and the semester fee ranges between €248 and €296, with a blocked account required to cover living expenses.

Q & A

What is the master's program that Lori Zarukyan is studying?

Lori Zarukyan is studying the 'International Food Business and Consumer Studies' (IFBC) master's program, which is offered as a joint degree between the University of Castle and Fulda University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

What are the core subjects of the IFBC program?

The core subjects of the IFBC program include International legislation on consumer protection and food, International organic food markets and marketing, food product development, research methods, food quality management, recent developments in food and nutritional sciences, consumer science, and sustainable consumption.

What are some academic backgrounds that can be a good fit for this master's program?

Students with academic backgrounds in food science, food technology, food research and development, agricultural sciences, nutritional sciences, nutrition, and dietetics are well-suited for the IFBC master's program.

What are the admission requirements for the IFBC master's program?

To be eligible for admission to the IFBC program, candidates must have a bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits (or equivalent), a grade B (2.5 according to the German grading system), proof of sufficient English proficiency, a CV, a letter of motivation, and two letters of reference.

How long does the admission process take for the IFBC master's program?

The admission process usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Applicants will be notified by email or post once the formal requirements are met.

What are the visa requirements for students applying to study in Germany?

Students applying to study in Germany need a student visa if their country requires one. Required documents for the visa include a valid passport, proof of financial resources, a certificate of past academic work, an English proficiency certificate, and health insurance. The visa application process duration varies by country.

What are the financial requirements for studying the IFBC program in Germany?

Students must provide proof of financial resources, typically via a blocked account or a sponsor. The blocked account is currently set at 934 Euros per month (11,208 Euros per year). The total cost of living is estimated at 867 Euros per month, which covers accommodation, food, clothing, insurance, and other expenses.

Can students work part-time while studying in the IFBC program?

Yes, students can work part-time while studying in Germany. The student visa allows up to 20 hours per week during the semester or 80 hours per month. Most student jobs are flexible.

What are the career opportunities after completing the IFBC master's program?

Graduates of the IFBC master's program can pursue careers in product development, quality management, stakeholder management, certification, marketing, sales, research, and education, among others, in both national and multinational companies, especially those operating at the intersection of food business and consumer protection.

What is the process for obtaining permanent residency in Germany after completing the IFBC program?

After completing the master's program, graduates are eligible for an 18-month job-seeking visa. To apply for permanent residency, one must work in Germany for at least two years, earn a gross salary of at least 4,800 Euros per month, and demonstrate proficiency in the German language at a B1 level.