Short description
Picture this: Company A, Company B, and the Nigerian government walk into a bar... just kidding, they’re actually negotiating a high-stakes joint venture. The mission? To create a swanky international business complex in Nigeria that’s part logistics hub, part office paradise, and part conference wonderland. This place will be the ultimate hotspot for global trade and investment. Here’s the twist: Company A has the golden ticket (a.k.a. the solution) and is ready to sell it to Company B, who’s got the deep pockets to fund this grand venture. The Nigerian government is ready to ink the deal with Company B, but only after getting a nod from Company A, who’s got some serious sway with the powers that be. In short, it’s a three-way dance where everyone’s got a role to play, and the endgame is a business complex that’ll put Nigeria on the international trade map. Let the negotiations begin.
Duration: 2 on-line sessions (weeks of 13 and 20 October) previous to a full week of exchange on campus (from November the 3rd till November the 7th).
Learning outcomes
Hey there, future business leaders! Ready to dive into the world of international negotiations? Here are some key skills you'll need to help build an amazing international business complex in Nigeria. Don't worry if you don't master them all yet; just get familiar with these concepts. They'll be super useful!
Get ready to rock those negotiations and help make this international business complex a reality!
Hard skills
- Business Strategy and Planning: Learn how to create a solid business plan that works for everyone involved.
- Financial Analysis: Get good at reading financial statements, checking if investment projects make sense, and understanding the money side of different negotiation options.
- Legal Risks Awareness and Negotiation: Know the basics of negotiation, be aware of legal risks, and learn how to follow the rules and reduce these risks.
- Cross-Cultural Competence: Understand and respect cultural differences and learn how to communicate well with people from different backgrounds during negotiations.
- Business Communication: Improve your B2-level English skills to share ideas clearly, write reports, and give great business presentations.
Soft skills
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: Work well with others, think critically, and find win-win solutions to tough problems during negotiations.
- Relationship Building: Build and keep good relationships with everyone involved, understand their needs, and create trust and rapport.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Be flexible with changes, stay strong when things get tough, and be ready to change your negotiation plans if needed.
Target and requirements
The week is intended for students who are familiar with the soft and hard skills mentioned here above.
Communication
Effective verbal and non-verbal communication to articulate thoughts and proposals clearly and persuasively across languages and cultures.
Active listening
Paying close attention to the concerns, interests, and needs of all parties to build trust and rapport.
Emotional intelligence
Recognizing, interpreting, and responding to the emotions of others and managing your own emotions to maintain a constructive negotiating atmosphere.
Problem-solving
Identifying, analyzing, and addressing challenges creatively by developing mutually beneficial solutions for all parties involved.
Decision-making
Evaluating options and making informed decisions that respect the interests and limitations of all parties.
Adaptability
Adjusting strategies and tactics on the fly in response to emerging issues, shifting priorities, or new information.
Interpersonal skills
Building and maintaining positive relationships with counterparts from different business and cultural backgrounds.
Collaboration and teamwork
Working together effectively by leveraging the collective strengths and knowledge of different parties to achieve common goals.
Conflict resolution
Identifying, addressing, and resolving conflicts in a manner that fosters mutual understanding and cooperation.
Cultural sensitivity
Recognizing and appreciating the cultural differences between parties, and adapting negotiation approaches accordingly to create a respectful and inclusive environment.
Practical information
Format
BIP = Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (possibilities to get European fundings for non-Belgian students – please contact your International Office for further information)
Non-Belgian and eligible students will automatically be considered BIP participants.
Price - 300€
This fee includes:
- Meals (breakfasts, lunches and 1 supper)
- Accommodation from 2 to 7 November (5 nights)
- Social programme and material
Invoices will be sent individually to the students unless otherwise specified by the partnering institution.
Registration before 26 September 2025
The International Office of the sending institutions may download this form and return it completed by email to internationalweeks@ephec.be in order to pre-register the students (before 26 September). A registration link will then be sent out to the students.
Once the students have completed the online form, students are registered to the programme and no refunds will be made if cancellations are communicated later than 1 December 2025.
Agenda
Dates and location:
- Online sessions: 13 and 20 October 2025
- On-campus sessions: 3-7 November 2025 - University College Ephec, Brussels (Campus Schuman), Belgium
Online Sessions
Week of 13 Oct
Instructions presentation (live session) + explanations on the remote work (nego master class)
Week of 20 Oct
Master class on financial plan basics (incoterms and risk management in international payments)
On-campus
Monday 3 Nov
Stage 1 of Negotiation Process : Preparation
TO BE DEFINED
Tuesday 4 Nov
Stage 1 of Negotiation Process : Preparation (cont)
TO BE DEFINED
Wednesday 5 Nov
Stage 2 of Negotiation Process: Information exchange
TO BE DEFINED
Thursday 6 Nov
Stage 3: Bargaining
TO BE DEFINED
Friday 7 Nov
Stage 4: Closing
TO BE DEFINED
Contact
A question about pedagogical content? Send an email to Mathilde CALLARI m.callari@ephec.be
Other? Send an email to internationalweeks@ephec.be
FAQ
EPHEC will book the accommodation for students from foreign institutions (included in the 300€ registration fees) for 5 nights from Sunday to Friday.
Name and address of the hotel will be communicated later.
Included in the price: Breakfast, bed linen and towels
Type of room: shared rooms or dorms
Check in / Check out: Check in is generally from 15:00 and check out until midday but this will depend on the hotel booked.
The students themselves must book their own transportation to Brussels, as soon as possible once they are registered.
Arrival must be scheduled on Sunday at anytime (activities will only start on Monday morning, no activity scheduled on Sunday).
Departure should be scheduled on Friday afternoon/evening (activities will end around 13h, Brussels National Airport called Zaventem is at one-hour-distance by public transport, 15-minutes ride by taxi).
Your laptop and your curiosity
EPHEC Campus Schuman
Av. d’Auderghem 77 - 1040 Etterbeek, on Monday 3 November 2025 morning.
Reminder: there is no activity organized on Sunday 2 November evening.
You will receive on Monday morning a welcome bag with some surprises, among which some tickets to be used in Brussels public transport (metro, tram, bus STIB). Nevertheless, please note that you will have to pay the ticket to get to our campus from your hostel on Monday morning.
Information will be provided during the online session organized before the start of the physical week in Brussels (do not miss it !).
Yes! Whether you are Belgian or not! The purpose of an international week is to develop international relationships with other participants. Online sessions are also mandatory.