Over the past decade, business schools in China have seen a year on year increase in students from the west. Despite potential cultural and language barriers, the biggest reason for these international students to study in China is that an MBA from a China-based school will subsequently give them a recruitment advantage since China now is the second largest economy in the world. But actually, studying MBA in China can offer you much more that beyond your expectations.
- Language Opportunity
Apart from the truth that English-taught MBA programs are offered in most of Chinese universities, you can also get a huge opportunity in learning Chinese language since nearly all MBA programs will offer different levels of Chinese language study. Though some students, especially non-Asian ones, do not learn Chinese or make little effort, yet this is one of the greatest benefits as Chinese language provides an insight into cultural understanding. Thus, advice to all students coming to China is not to ignore Chinese study, and not only learn to speak Mandarin but to learn to write and read Chinese characters, which is far easier than many think.
- Attractive Joint Programs
As more and more western universities are establishing partnership with Chinese universities, joint MBA programs offered by a leading Chinese university and a respectable western business school are becoming a favored option for international students. One good example could be the International MBA program offered by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, which is co-founded by Xi’an Jiaotong University from China and University of Liverpool from the UK. In these joint programs, the faculty members, well-balanced in experience and specialties, are equipped with leading academic capability and devotion to the cause of education, all being professional and dedicating in teaching.
Besides, perhaps even more attractive may be a program offered in China by a western university directly, which is something Nottingham University has offered at their Ningbo campus since 2003.
- Booming Job Market
One of the chief benefits of a China based MBA is the booming job market. There is rapid growth in many sectors including financial services, healthcare, and consumer goods. There are also emerging industries that China supports with economic policies i.e. high value-added manufacturing, new materials, renewable energy and other clean tech fields. All of these sectors have a great need for managerial talent. At the same time, more and more Chinese firms are going global and consequently are seeking internationally capable managers. So opportunities abound.
Moreover, a large number of Chinese firms are exploring overseas markets now, therefore, they tend to hire a foreign national to help them build a customer and distribution base in the employee’s home country. So really, a China MBA has value no matter what you do, and getting an MBA from a Chinese school will stand you in much better stead to work in China after graduating.
