What Makes an International MBA Truly International?
As globalization continues its course, more and more young professionals are considering acquiring an “international MBA”—a term that up to now lacks a clear definition. While some students understand “international” as the more price-conscious alternative of doing their MBA abroad instead of in their home country, others hope that it will open doors to the global job market. An international MBA has become an attractive option for international job seekers looking to develop a global network and become equipped with the ability to work anywhere with anyone on any issue. Of course, the term “international” alone doesn’t ensure that those purposes are actually met. A look at one of Asia’s leading business schools, Fudan School of Management in Shanghai and their Fudan-MIT International MBA program, illustrates how “international” an international MBA can actually be and for many has been found to be the ideal MBA program for launching a truly international career.
The Fudan-MIT International MBA program is a collaboration between the Fudan School of Management and a leading business school in the US, the MIT Sloan School of Management, since 1996. Apart from the possibility of acquiring a second degree from MIT or Yale, the cooperation is embodied in faculty training, curriculum development, student projects and sharing of alumni networks. So what makes this international?
1. International curriculum and learning approach prepares for global issues
Fudan-MIT International MBA Program’s curriculum is carried out in accordance with that in MIT Sloan, contains both international and Chinese features and gives students the option to acquire a second degree from MIT or Yale. The importance of global learning and practice-orientation is also reflected in the iLab. As a project-based learning program, the iLab allows case developments and simulations in cooperation with various multinational corporations, private companies and start-ups so that students can directly apply their knowledge in an international context, for example by conducting a consultancy project or an industry analysis.
2. Maximize international experience
Another important criterion of an international MBA program is that it enhances the international experience of its students. Apart from the natural international environment that the economic hub of Shanghai offers, the school boasts several other benefits: The students benefit from the school’s partnerships and get access to a strong global network to support their international careers. Furthermore, an international exchange program with 40 renowned business schools provides the opportunity to take the international experience even further. There are also short courses, immersion programs and summer programs abroad for those who wish to have just a small taste of another culture. “After graduation,” states a recent graduate, “I realized that I hadn’t just studied in China –I had studied in the most multicultural place one can imagine. I feel like a citizen of the world and I really hope that my career will provide me with many interesting challenges which will allow me to apply my intercultural understanding.”
3. International body
Roughly 40% of the faculty is international and many courses and lectures are delivered by MIT professors. For the ultimate international experience, the student body should be as international as possible and for 2013, students from more than ten countries have enrolled at Fudan School of Management. This enhances the international experience on a daily basis, helps students to build up a global network and contributes to a truly international MBA approach that develops tomorrow’s global leaders. “Who knows where I will be in one year,” says Sojung, a current student from South Korea, “I study with people from all over the world, experience Chinese culture in my daily life, have gotten to know many international companies here in Shanghai, and will receive a second degree from Yale. I feel prepared for any challenge anywhere in the world and am eager to grab the opportunities lying ahead. Wherever they might be.”
To learn more about the program: http://www.fdsm.fudan.edu.cn/en/
SOURCE Fudan-MIT International MBA Program