5 Reasons Why Students Choose to Study at New European College

If you’re looking for a study experience in one of Germany’s top business cities, then New European College could be the place for you. NEC offers accredited degrees, awarded in partnership with Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, from a campus in the centre of Munich, Germany’s third-largest city. To find out more about the business school, we spoke to students and faculty, who told us why you should study at New European College.

Ariela Carreno earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communication from New European College in 2024. “I had taken some marketing courses before, so I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree,” she says. She chose to stay at the school to study a Master’s in Business Management, opting for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation specialisation.

Meanwhile, Anit is currently in his second year of studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communication.

“I decided to go for the Marketing and Communications stream because it appealed to my creative side – as an artist, architect and interior designer, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, visuals, and the human relationship with art,” says Anit.

Finally, you’ll also hear from Dr Paul Sudnik, a Professor of International Management who teaches at New European College. Together, they tell us what makes New European College special.

5 reasons students choose to study at New European College

Small class sizes

It’s rare to find small class sizes at business school; on popular business programmes across Europe, it’s not uncommon to have class sizes of 100 or more. Although larger class sizes offer more networking opportunities, for students seeking a more tailored business school experience, it’s not ideal.

However, New European College follows the American college tradition of prioritising smaller classes of around 25 students, offering a study experience that many larger business schools don’t.

Anit chose New European College in part because of the more personal learning experience that smaller class sizes encourage.

“The classes are smaller in size, which means each student gets one-on-one attention. It also allows us to have a personal relationship with each of our professors,” explains Anit.

International environment

Many business applicants opt for schools with a high proportion of international students. There’s a good reason for this: being part of a diverse student body can improve your communication and teamwork skills. Plus, networking with a wide variety of people can introduce you to professional opportunities that you wouldn’t have known about.

“I chose NEC as it offered an international setting in a more personal learning environment,” says Anit. At NEC, students become part of a community comprising over 30 nationalities and speaking 22 languages.

This diversity contributes to a “sense of a familial community,” as Anit says.

“The open-minded and international environment encourages critical thinking, and the professors genuinely foster a culture of innovation,” he adds.

Top Graduate location

New European College’s campus is in the centre of Munich, Germany’s third-largest city and a key European economic hub. Consequently, NEC graduates have numerous opportunities to network in key sectors throughout their studies and can tap into a thriving job market after graduating.

For example, global companies like BMW, Allianz and Siemens have their headquarters in Munich, and many other financial services, technology, and manufacturing companies have offices in the city.

“International students at NEC benefit from exciting internship opportunities, a high quality of life and rich cultural diversity,” says Dr Sudnik.

It’s not just the jobs that bring business students to Munich. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of culture to fill your weekends with. EDUopinions reviewers recently ranked Munich among the top 10 student cities in Europe; it also ranks in the top five student cities in the world on the QS Student Cities ranking.

“Whether exploring Bavarian traditions or building a global network, students experience both personal and professional growth in a city that offers a world-class education, excellent public transport and a welcoming environment for those coming from abroad,” adds Dr Sudnik.

Supportive faculty

Small class sizes certainly help business school students form strong bonds with faculty members. But Anit and Ariela also note that, regardless of the number of students in a class, New European College professors are unwaveringly committed to supporting students.

“You can have conversations with them unrelated to the class, on a one-to-one level, without them feeling superior to you because they are lecturers,” Ariela says.

“Our Chancellor, Sascha, has a personal relationship with every student at the college,” adds Anit. “The other professors are also very friendly and approachable. In short, you’re not just another face in a lecture hall.”

As part of the faculty himself, Dr Sudnik also points out the overall community atmosphere at the business school.

“[New European College] offers a supportive space for global students to adapt, thrive and build real business skills,” he says.

Close-Knit Community

Friendly, supportive teachers, small class sizes and a diverse, international location: all of these factors contribute to New European College’s close-knit atmosphere, which Anit says is one of the school’s stand-out features.

The school endeavours to strengthen the bonds between faculty and students both inside and outside the classroom, including memorable class trips. Last year, for example, Anit attended the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich with some of his new classmates and professors – an experience that not all typical business school professors would take part in.

“It was a very unique and fun experience, where I got to bond with new friends and professors outside of a classroom setting,” he says. “Honestly, moments like that made New European College feel like more than a school.”

Naturally, some students will prefer an expansive community over a smaller, close-knit one at business schools. But Ariela says that if you’re looking for a more personal study experience, NEC is the right place.

“It’s not for everyone, but if you like small classes, the lecturer knowing your name and knowing you personally as well as the academic department, then it’s why I would recommend it,” she says.

Conclusion

When you’re considering attending business school, it’s so important to choose a school that matches your career aspirations and general study preferences. For students who want to form deeper bonds with their classmates while studying in a large, bustling, international city, New European College offers a great blend of both.

If you’re about to apply to New European College, Dr Paul Sudnik offers some advice for making the most of your business school experience in Munich.

“International students thrive at NEC when they actively participate, ask questions and connect with peers from around the world,” he says. “Embrace Munich’s multicultural vibe, seek internships early and enjoy the journey. NEC is more than a college – it’s a launchpad for international success through a community that helps you feel truly supported.”

Anit says that students, like him, who come from non-traditional business school backgrounds can thrive at NEC.

“I would highly recommend NEC, especially to students from creative or unconventional backgrounds like mine,” he says.

Want to hear from more NEC students about their experience? Read genuine student reviews on New European College’s EDUopinions profile.