Shenandoah University is extending its global reach through several initiatives with China, including offering its first degree program overseas.

Global Executive Track MBA

The Global Executive Track Master of Business Administration, or GET-MBA, is a 36-credit, 12-month degree program starting this fall at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in Shanghai, China. Twenty-five Chinese students, who are professionals in upper and middle management positions in the tech and financial sectors, are enrolled and will ultimately graduate with an MBA from Shenandoah.

This brings Shenandoah University to the world’s most competitive market. Shanghai is one of the major financial centers of the world.”

Yvonne Chen, Ph.D | Associate Dean of Global Initiatives & program founder 

Seven faculty from the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business, led by Dr. Chen, will travel to China throughout the semester to teach the intensive program, along with faculty from SJTU. Courses taught by Shenandoah faculty will be conducted in English and simultaneously translated into Mandarin. The coursework consists of core business curriculum in key areas. Students will also obtain a Chief Executive Officer training certificate and participate in executive lecture series sponsored by Shanghai partners. In addition, the GET-MBA program offers high-value experiences outside the classroom, including large networking gatherings and alumni events.

The Chinese students in the program seek a quality education that strengthens their business acumen and provides an elite platform for professional networking, according to Dr. Chen.

Chinese executives are looking for a program that can be flexible for their busy work schedules and can provide the added benefit of developing their English proficiency and global perspective. GET-MBA is especially appealing for those students who would like to get an education abroad but can’t do so due to their professional circumstances.

Yvonne Chen, Ph.D | Associate Dean of Global Initiatives & program founder 

According to Financial Times, Shanghai Jiao Tong University was ranked sixth in the world in 2017 for its Executive MBA. The university is known in Asia as the MIT of the Orient.

Chinese Culture and Language Program

Starting this fall, Shenandoah University is offering two new Chinese-centric courses.

Introductory Mandarin teaches the basics of Chinese language to students.

The First-Year Seminar Chinese Cultural Immersion course provides insights into China’s past, present and future, including its culture, geography, botany, literature, customs, architecture, traditions, religions, and more. The course will include a trip to Chinatown in Washington, D.C., and hands-on activities such as the preparation of traditional Chinese food and making Chinese lanterns.

Professors Haixia Zhag and Qingyan Duan, both of Yangtze Normal University (YZNU) in the central part of China, will teach the course. Shenandoah has established a collaborative relationship with the Chinese university, which will send professors to America to teach the courses on a regular basis. These faculty members will be sponsored by both YZNU and China’s Ministry of Education.

Chen is hopeful this partnership with Yangtze Normal University will promote an ongoing educational exchange relationship with Shenandoah.

If we build our Chinese program here, there will be more U.S. students who want to pursue study abroad over there. This expands global perspectives for students in the world’s two largest economies and helps them appreciate the two cultures’ similarities and differences, not to mention preparing them for global job opportunities.”

Yvonne Chen, Ph.D

Professor Zhag taught English in China. She hopes the classes can help students learn more about the Chinese language and culture.

It’s a good bridge between China and America.” 

Professor Haixia Zhag

Also in the fall, Shenyang Normal University in China will send the Beijing Opera Facial Painting Exhibit to Shenandoah.