What is International Business?

What is International Business?

Overview

International business has become a prominent field due to the economic agreements between Vietnam and partner countries. These agreements have opened numerous new opportunities, fostered economic growth and enhanced international integration.

This article aims to address

  • what international business is
  • what the career opportunities are as the graduate of an international business degree; and
  • what the advantages of studying international business are 

What is international business?

The field of international business revolves around the commercial activities conducted between individuals, enterprises and economic organisations among countries. It is characterised by its global nature and high level of integration.

International business encompasses activities such as the exchange and trade of goods, services, resources, people, ideas and technology between different countries. It involves cross-border commercial transactions, facilitating the global flow of economic activities.

This field of study provides comprehensive knowledge on business administration, as well as cross-national business strategies and tactics. 

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What you learn in international business

Core international business fields of study

What are the principles of international business? Students in this field will learn both fundamental and advanced knowledge about business activities between countries in the context of the global digital technology development. The program includes nine mandatory core subjects*:

  • Cross Cultural Management
  • Fundamentals of Finance
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Tactical Analysis and Strategic Planning in International Business
  • International Investment and Economic Development
  • International Business Law
  • International Marketing
  • E-Commerce
  • International Payments

*The Bachelor of Business program is subject to change over time, refer to the program page for the most up to date details.

Skill acquired

To be prepared for future careers, in addition to foundational knowledge, international business students are also trained in professional skills such as international payment, foreign trade insurance, international trade dispute resolution, and methods of entering foreign markets. These courses equip students with negotiation, compromising, and problem-solving skills when dealing with real-world situations.

The nature of the Bachelor of International Business program requires students to have a strong proficiency in English. Consequently, almost all universities currently place a key priority on language training. However, with RMIT students, English proficiency is not a challenge as it is also one of the entry requirements of the university.

What can you do with an international business degree?

Career opportunities and workplaces for international business graduates

A degree in international business opens a wide range of attractive job opportunities, such as:

  • Import-Export Officer: Compiling, reporting, and analysing import-export data and figures.
  • Sales Executive, Foreign Trade Bank Officer
  • Market Research Specialist: Conducting surveys, monitoring projects, and compiling data to establish industrial funds and export processing zones.
  • Supply Chain Management Specialist, International Marketing Specialist: Managing projects, overseeing international brands, representing foreign offices in Vietnam and vice versa.
  • Researcher and lecturer in International Business
  • International business graduates are often employed by
  • Multinational corporations, import-export businesses, foreign exchange companies, trading companies, representative offices, and banks both domestically and internationally.
  • Foreign companies involved in international business.
  • Universities and colleges that offer courses in international business.

Typical salary in the international business field

The international business sector currently has a high demand for young, dynamic and high-quality professionals. Recent graduates have no need to be concerned about job prospects. The salary level largely depends on the job position, the candidate's capabilities and the salary policies of each company. Salaries in international business range from 8 to 30 million VND*, depending on qualifications, experience, position and whether the company is domestic or international..

  • In Vietnam, the salary range for fresh graduates in business roles is between 8 to 12 million VND. Experienced or long-term employees can earn between 15 to 20 million VND. Higher-level positions such as department heads or directors can expect salaries starting from 20 million VND.
  • In the United States, an Analyst Manager can earn around USD 97,580 per annum. Sales Officers can expect annual salaries from USD 99,680 and Marketing Directors can earn approximately USD 154,470.
  • In the United Kingdom, salaries range from 38,000 to 92,000 USD per annum.
  • In Canada, salaries range from 47,000 to 131,000 USD per annum.
  • In Australia, salaries range from 71,000 to 104,000 USD per annum.

Compared to both domestic and international standards, the salary levels in the international business sector are notably attractive.

*as of 2025.

what is international business

Studying International Business at RMIT Vietnam

At other universities, international business is an independent program. At RMIT Vietnam, International Business (often referred to as global business) is one of the nine majors within the Bachelor of Business program.

In addition to the majors, there are minor specialisations that provide a broad understanding of various fields. This equips students with diverse skills to meet the increasing demands of the market and adapt to changes, opening numerous career opportunities. Students have the freedom to choose from various subjects within the economic disciplines, including the global business major. This flexibility allows students to tailor their study program over the three-year course.

When opting for the Global Business specialisation within the Bachelor of Business program, students will learn to understand business indicators, analyse situations and propose appropriate solutions for the international operations of enterprises. The subjects covered may include:

  • Global Business
  • Financial Markets and Institutions
  • Cross-Cultural Management
  • Global Trade Operations
  • Political Economy of Global Business (Capstone)
  • Global Corporate Responsibility
  • International Human Resources Management
  • Organisations
  • Innovation Management
  • Business in the Globalised Economy
  • Entrepreneurship and Global Challenges

For the most up to date subject offerings, please refer to the Bachelor of Business program page.

Work Integrated Learning

From their first year, students benefit from the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) approach offered at RMIT Vietnam. Work Integrated Learning allows learners to work directly on projects for businesses - RMIT's partner companies and corporations - enabling them to apply their acquired knowledge in real-world settings and engage with potential employers while being a learner.

For more detailed guidance, please contact RMIT Vietnam for further consultation. We wish you the best in finding a clear career direction and selecting a suitable study path at university!

16 May 2025