General Information return to top »
1. How do I obtain additional information?
The website is updated regularly with current information. In addition, you may email gpmba@gsu.edu to ask specific questions regarding the program or contact Robin Mladinich at 404-413-7296. Be sure to check out our Open House and World MBA Tour schedule as well.
2. Who are the partner schools involved in the GPMBA?
Robinson College has teamed with leading business schools in Paris (IAE the Graduate Business School at the Sorbonne) and Rio de Janeiro (the COPPEAD Graduate School of Business, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) to create the Global Partners MBA program.
3. What will I gain by participating in the GPMBA?
a. First-hand, real experience in four different cultures
b. The skills to manage, lead and succeed in the global marketplace
c. Special emphasis placed on leadership, commercial diplomacy and navigating government and political systems
d. Degree/Diplomas: Georgia State University MBA diploma, master's degree from IAE, certificate from COPPEAD
4. What sort of work will I be qualified for upon completing the GPMBA?
Upon completion of the GPMBA program, you will be qualified for a wide range of career choices, depending on your interests and previous background. As Georgia State University MBA alumni, you will have complete access to the Robinson Career Center office (http://www.robinson.gsu.edu/career/index.html). You also will be an alum of COPPEAD and IAE, our partner institutions. In addition, the diverse networking opportunities provided through your company visits, corporate exposure, international travels and internship will aid in your job placement after completion of the program.
5. What is the background of the ideal candidate for this program?
Rising junior managers and individuals with language skills and some business experience who seek a career in global business make great candidates for this program.
Admissions return to top »
6. What are the requirements for admission into this program?
Requirements for this program include a bachelor's degree or equivalent, practicing knowledge of a second language, an official GMAT exam score, an official TOEFL exam score (if required), and two to three years of work experience are preferred, but not required. Applications will be reviewed as a package, taking into consideration past experience, GPA, essays and recommendations, as well as the GMAT score.
7. What is the minimum GMAT score you will accept? Can I take the test abroad?
The average GMAT score for Robinson is 620; upper-500s is the lower range. It is highly encouraged that you prepare for the GMAT exam through any of a variety of preparation courses that are available. More information about the GMAT exam can be found here. This site lists how to prepare for the exam, offers practice tests and preparation techniques, tells you what your score means, and allows you to schedule your exam date and time. International Testing centers are located all over the world. Go to the "Registering for the GMAT" link for options in your city. If you are in the Atlanta area, the Robinson College offers a GMAT prep course. Details can be found here.
8. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications for fall 2008 is April 2, 2008. Please note that international applicants may require additional time to gather the necessary paperwork, so early submission is recommended.
9. Where can I get an application?
The application is available online here >>
More information on the admissions process is available here >>
10. Are there any prerequisite courses required for entrance into the program?
No. This is a turn-key program designed for students coming from all academic and professional backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in global business. Business foundation courses will be completed during the first module of the program.
Language Component return to top »
11. What is the language of study in the various locations?
All instruction is in English. Therefore, advanced mastery of English is required.
12. English is not my first language. How do I demonstrate my English language proficiency?
If English is not your first language, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score may be required for admission. The minimum TOEFL score is 260 (600 on the old scale). Any student who has earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university is exempt. Any student from a country in which the primary language of daily life and education is English is also exempt. An official document accompanying transcripts stating that the completed university program was wholly conducted in English is required for students wishing to exempt from the TOEFL who do not meet the above criteria. Students from India, Nigeria, Singapore and Uganda are NOT exempt from the TOEFL. While English may be one of the official languages in these countries, in most cases it is not the primary language spoken by the people. For addition information and registration for the test, pleas visit http://www.toefl.org.
13. Are there a limited number of languages that qualify?
There is no preferred second language. English may be your second language if it is not your native tongue.
14. How and when do I demonstrate proficiency in my second language?
You will need to include which language you want to be tested in on your Global Partners MBA application. You will be asked to demonstrate your language skills during your admissions interview. After your acceptance, you are encouraged to continue to develop your language skills until the start of the program.
15. Do I need to be fluent in a second language before starting the program?
You should be proficient in a language in addition to your native language before the start of the program. Your proficiency should be sufficient enough to go beyond simply placing a restaurant order but may not be of fluency level. You should be able to navigate in a day-to-day setting and in a business environment. The stronger your language skill, the more options will be available to you for internship or international field study placement.
Curriculum return to top »
16. What courses will I take in the program?
A list of courses can be found at http://www.robinson.gsu.edu/gpmba/program/course.html. All courses are in an international context with two themes: leadership and commercial diplomacy.
17. Who are the faculty in the program?
The faculty will come from each of the home institutions when studying in its respective location. Names and biographies of the Global Partners MBA faculty can be found at http://www.robinson.gsu.edu/gpmba/faculty/index.html.
Fees return to top »
18. What does the program cost?
The $49,000 program fee covers tuition and fees, required books and materials, airfare to Washington, D.C., Europe, Asia and South America; accommodations in Washington, D.C., Brussels and China; and daily transport to classes in Rio de Janeiro.
You should prepare to have about $70,000 - $75,000 available for the duration of the program. This would include the $49,000 program fee, about $15,000 for housing and $10,000 for personal expenses. Your personal expenses may differ significantly.
Internship return to top »
19. Will I undertake an internship?
The internship or international field study is an important and unique part of the Global Partners MBA curriculum in which all students will participate. This practical component will last approximately 14-16 weeks.
20. In what country will I do my internship? In what language will I do my internship or international field study?
The country of location depends on your language skills and career goals. For example, if your second language is Spanish, you mostly likely will be placed in either Spain or Latin America. You will complete your internship or international field study in the native language of the country where you are placed.
21. Will my internship be paid?
All efforts will be made to secure some form of compensation. However, if there is a particular opportunity that interests you and is only offered unpaid, it is up to you whether or not to accept the assignment.
22. With what type of company am I likely to do my internship?
The type of company will depend on individual skills, interests, backgrounds and availability. You and our staff will work together to find the best match possible in the placement of your internship.
Financial Aid and Scholarships return to top »
23. What financial aid is available for this program?
Financial aid is available to cover the full cost of the program. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply, please see: Financial Aid 2008-09
.
For some loan resources, see: Financial Aid Resources.
24. Are there any scholarships available?
Scholarships will be available on a competitive basis reflecting the quality of the applicant. No additional application is necessary to qualify. Please note that the scholarships will reduce the total fee of the program, and there is no fixed amount.
Financial Statements return to top »
25. On the Financial Statement, what is the difference between the Family name and the Given name?
The Family Name section is requesting your father's last name. The Given Name section is asking for your first name and then your middle (second) name.
26. I am not a permanent resident or a citizen of the United States. What type of visa will I need for this program?
You will need to obtain a multi-entry, F-1 visa, which is for students who want to pursue full-time academic studies in the U.S.
27. Does the letter of commitment from my sponsor have to be taken to a notary public?
The Affidavit of Support letter does not have to be notarized; however, it must include the following information: your full name, the relationship between you and the sponsor, the duration of his/her support and the sponsor's original signature. The sponsor must include his/her telephone number and address.
28. At the end of Section III on the Financial Statement, it asks for the amount of funds available for each subsequent year of study. Since the program is 14 months long, do I need to fill that out?
No, you are only required to show proof of finances for the duration of the program.
Housing return to top »
29. How is housing provided while I am studying at the partner schools?
In Rio de Janeiro, housing is pre-contracted. All GPMBA students stay in the same location. The price is approximately $1,900-$2,200, depending on currency fluctuations. In Paris, we will provide assistance in securing housing. The rates are approximately $1,900 - $2,900, depending on location, size, number of roommates and currency.
Travel return to top »
30. How will I be transported to each partner school and to program and company visits?
In Atlanta, you will be close enough to walk or take public transportation to your classes. In Paris, public transportation will be available. However, in Rio, you will be bused from the housing location to COPPEAD. Group transportation for program and company visits will be provided by the program.
31. What travel arrangements will I be responsible for?
You will be responsible for confirming your housing arrangements and planning your breaks and weekends. Group airfare will be arranged to Washington, D.C., South America, Europe and Asia. Internship or international field study travel arrangements will be made by the student on an individual basis.
