Frequently Asked Questions

Academics and Program Structure

• What is a cohort and when does each GlobalMBA cohort begin?

  A cohort is a group of students who stay together throughout an entire program. In the GlobalMBA, each university in the consortium admits up to 10 students who are then combined to create the GlobalMBA cohort. Traditionally, the GlobalMBA includes 30 – 35 students who study together every term. A new GlobalMBA cohort curriculum begins every fall semester. View the curriculum for an outline of dates and courses.

• What degrees will I earn?

  You will earn two master's degrees upon completion of the program:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Florida (UNF)
  • Master of International Management and Intercultural Communication from Technische Hochschule Köln (TH-K) and the University of Warsaw (UW)

  Visit the Curriculum & Degrees page for more information.

• Does the GlobalMBA include electives?

  The GlobalMBA curriculum has been planned carefully to maximize the benefits of the four universities' strengths. In order to complete the requirements of two master's degrees in only 15 months, students carry heavy loads each semester. There is no time available for elective coursework during the GlobalMBA.

• Will classes be like the ones I'm used to at home?

  As with international business, educational practice is based on the culture of the country. Since the underlying cultures differ significantly, you should expect the methods of instruction to vary, too. For instance, textbooks are almost always required in Germany and the US, but Polish and Chinese instructors might provide their published works for classes. Also, in Germany and the US, you will be expected to devote two to three hours of study outside of class for every hour that you are in class. Polish courses tend to be more intensive than the semester-long teaching model that the others use. Courses in China follow a module system, whereby two or three short courses make up one three-credit module. At the beginning of the first semester, the GlobalMBA holds an orientation session designed to prepare you for studying and living in abroad.

• Can I take the GlobalMBA on a part–time basis or work part-time while I am in the program?

  The nature of the GlobalMBA cohort requires full-time participation. Due to the rigorous academic schedule, consisting of class sessions, group meetings, business visits, thesis preparation, and more, it is not possible for students to hold part-time or full-time jobs during the program.

• Will I need to write a master’s thesis?

  A requirement for the master's degree awarded by Technische Hochschule Köln (TH-K) is completion of a group thesis. Typically, thesis groups are assigned and topics are selected during the fall semester in Germany, research takes place during the summer semester in China, and the final thesis is submitted during the fall semester in the U.S. Students defend their theses the week before graduation at UNF.

Costs and Travel

• How much will the GlobalMBA cost?

  You can find detailed cost estimates on the Tuition & Fees page, which lists both tuition costs as well as travel and living expenses. Students pay a one-time $1,300 program fee, which covers the cost of orientations, business visits, workshops and alumni events throughout the program. Aside from tuition and the program fee, the largest expense is typically airline tickets throughout the program. Living expenses are similar to those you would face in the US, so the incremental cost is low (depending upon exchange rates).

• What kind of financial aid is available?

  Once accepted, GlobalMBA students are encouraged to visit the UNF Financial Aid office to discuss options for aid. Most students pay for the program with a combination of personal savings, public and/or private loans, and scholarships. The Coggin College of Business offers three to five merit-based graduate fellowships to GlobalMBA students, for which you would automatically be considered. You may also apply for UNF's Student Affairs International Learning Scholarship (SAILS) for each semester that you are abroad.

• Will I need a student visa?

  Visa requirements vary across countries and change over time. You will be provided information during the GlobalMBA pre-departure orientation in Jacksonville, and periodically during your time overseas. You may always visit the U.S. State Department website for current visa information.

• Who will make arrangements for my travel?

  Students are responsible for making their own international travel arrangements. Designated student-services staff from each consortium university will provide advice.

• Will there be time for personal travel?

  You will be very busy with the GlobalMBA curriculum, but we strongly encourage you to explore as much as you can. The more varied experiences you have while you are abroad, the better prepared you will be for a career in international business. Students typically do most of their personal traveling during the one to two week breaks between semesters. View the travel schedule page for the current cohorts' program dates.

• Where will I live?

  Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Each consortium university provides resources for local housing. Many students choose to live in shared apartments or dormitories which allow you to experience local culture more intensively. Visit each consortium university's page on the GlobalMBA website for detailed housing information in each country.

• If I have problems abroad, will I have anyone to help me?

  Every consortium university has a designated student representative for the GlobalMBA who will ease your transition and to help you succeed in the program. View the GlobalMBA YouTube channel to hear from representatives from all universities, or visit our contacts page.

Admissions

• Who is eligible for admission?

  Each consortium institution selects approximately 10 students per year to participate in the GlobalMBA program. In order to participate, students must have earned an undergraduate degree in any discipline prior to beginning the GlobalMBA program. Students must also meet certain admission requirements. If you need to take the business prerequisites for the GlobalMBA, you may do so at UNF the summer before the program begins. Previous work experience is not required.

• Do I need to know a foreign language to study in GlobalMBA?

  All instruction is in English, regardless of the country in which you are studying. All students and faculty participating in the GlobalMBA are fluent in English.

• What can I do now to make myself a more competitive applicant?

  Beyond the basic academic requirements for admissions, it's helpful to have previous study or work experience overseas. The more independent and extensive the experience, the better, but even an eight-day faculty led study abroad or personal travel overseas can give you an edge. Alternatively, you can gain intercultural awareness by participating in a club or volunteer organization that focuses on international issues or works with people from diverse backgrounds. We're more than happy to talk with you in more depth in-person or on the phone.

Careers and Alumni

• What do employers think of the GlobalMBA?

  The business community is very excited about professional education that features a multinational focus. While many alumni choose to travel for career prospects, many choose to remain in the Jacksonville, Fla, area. Jacksonville hosts numerous multinational companies and is attracting more each day with inviting incentive programs. This results in myriad opportunities for students with a truly international education. Visit Jacksonville's Chamber of Commerce for details on business in Jacksonville.

• What kinds of positions do students typically take upon graduation?

  Since business degrees are very versatile, alumni of the GlobalMBA go into various fields: marketing, finance, economics, hospitality, technology, government, education, non-profit, and more. Position titles recent alumni have had immediately upon graduation include project manager, analyst, and coordinator. After two to three years, they have typically been promoted at least once, and we have several vice presidents, presidents and CEOs among our alumni network. Alumni have also served in the Peace Corps, worked for the United Nations and created entrepreneurial ventures, in addition to working for multinational companies like Deutschebank and Disney World.

• Will I have an opportunity to meet alumni?

  The GlobalMBA international alumni network becomes more impressive every year. Once admitted to the program, students are granted access to our GlobalMBA LinkedIn group to begin making connections right away. Networking events with alumni are held in each country, at each consortium institution. Alumni are also invited to participate in several events throughout the program. View the GlobalMBA YouTube clips to hear more from our alumni.

• What kind of career support does the GlobalMBA offer?

  Throughout the GlobalMBA, in each country, you will participate in networking events and business visits that are often attended by high-ranking professionals within each company. During your final semester at UNF, you will be required to complete S.T.A.R. certification, which provides professional development training and additional networking opportunities. Beyond program-specific events, GlobalMBA students are invited to all of the networking events provided by the UNF Career Management Center, including on-campus interviews and a university-wide career fair during the fall semester.