Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

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 or IELTS 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.
What is the minimum GMAT score you will accept? Can I take the test abroad?: The average GMAT score for Robinson is 600; mid-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.
What is the application deadline?: The application deadline for fall 2011 (October start date) is May 1, 2011. After the deadline, applications are accepted on a space-available basis. Please contact Robin Mladinich at +1-404-413-7296 or robinm@gsu.edu for more information.

The fall 2012 admissions deadline is April 1, 2012.
Where can I get an application?: The application is available online here.

More information on the admissions process is available here.
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.

General Information

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.
Who are the partner schools involved in the GPMBA?: Robinson College has teamed with leading business schools in Paris (IAE de Paris, Sorbonne Graduate Business School) and Rio de Janeiro (COPPEAD Graduate School of Business, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) to create the Global Partners MBA Program.
What will I gain by participating in the GPMBA?: - First-hand, real experience in four different cultures
- The skills to manage, lead and succeed in the global marketplace
- Special emphasis placed on leadership, commercial diplomacy, and navigating government and political systems
- Degree/Diplomas: An MBA from Georgia State University, an MBA from IAE de Paris and a certificate from COPPEAD
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 Career Management Center. 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.
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.

Language Component

English is not my first language. How do I demonstrate my English language proficiency?

In addition to meeting the regular admission requirements, an international applicant whose native language is other than English must submit official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) before admission can be considered.

Exceptions: Neither the TOEFL nor the IELTS is required of permanent residents, U.S. naturalized citizens or international applicants who have received a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Documentation of citizenship status or proof of a U.S. degree must accompany the application.

The communication skills of all students are key to their success in our graduate program. The TOEFL standards we would like to see at the Robinson College of Business include paper version scores of at least 610, computer version scores of at least 253 and the new Internet version scores of 101 with a score of at least 25 in the area of speaking.

To electronically send TOEFL scores to our office, please use the college's TOEFL code number for master's-level programs, 5251 and the college's department code number, 02.

The acceptable English proficiency scores bands for the IELTS are 7 (Good User), 8 (Very Good User) and 9 (Expert User). Please send all IELTS scores to:
Georgia State University
Global Partners MBA
Tower Place 200, Ste. 400
3348 Peachtree Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Countries where English is the one-and-only language
(The TOEFL, IELTS and GSTEP are not required):

Australia	Jamaica
Bahamas	Kenya
Barbados	New Zealand
Canada, excluding Quebec*	St. Lucia
Ghana	St. Vincent
Great Britain	Seychelles
Grenada	Trinidad & Tobego
Guyana	U.S. Territories, excluding Puerto Rico**
Ireland

*Quebec is primarily French-speaking
**Puerto Rico is primarily Spanish-speaking

What is the language of study in the various locations?

All instruction is in English. Therefore, advanced mastery of English is required.

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.

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.

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

What courses will I take in the program?: A list of courses can be found here. All courses are in an international context with two themes: leadership and commercial diplomacy.
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 here.

Fees

What does the program cost?: The program fee is comprehensive and covers many costs associated with an international MBA. The $67,000 program fee covers tuition and fees; required books and materials (including an iPad); 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. For more details, click here.

You should prepare to have about $90,000 - $100,000 available for the duration of the program. This would include the $67,000 program fee, about $15,000 for housing and $10,000 for personal expenses. Your personal expenses may differ significantly.

Internship

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.
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 most 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.
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.
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

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 Overview. For some loan resources, see Financial Aid Resources.
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. Applications must be turned in by April 1 to qualify.

Financial Statements

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.
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.
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.
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.

Travel/Housing

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.
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.
How is housing provided while I am studying at the partner schools?: We will provide information to assist you in finding housing. Students are required to stay in Ipanema or Leblon in Rio de Janeiro and in Arrondissements 1-13 in Paris. The rates vary depending on currency fluctuations and individual preferences. In Rio de Janeiro, students pay between $800 - $1,500 USD. In Paris, the rates are typically $2,200 - $3,200 USD for the program duration.

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