Introduction
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) Program is an 18-month course of study offered since 1997 through a partnership between the University of Washington Business School and Sangnam Institute of Management at Yonsei School of Business. GEMBA offers experienced managers an outstanding MBA education and essential international exposure. This program is open to anyone, worldwide, who meets the admission requirements and who has the ability to study in Korea and the United States.
Program Overview
Each January 35 to 40 executives begin the 18-month Global Executive MBA Program at Yonsei University in Seoul. Managers with leadership potential and demonstrated English language skills spend six intensive months learning business principles and practices at the Sangnam Institute of Management before coming to Seattle in early July.
During summer quarter at the University of Washington, students are introduced to the Seattle community and are enrolled in English language classes and a business communication course for international managers. Beginning in late September, managers spend nine months studying a series of core and elective graduate courses on global management strategies.
In June, upon successful completion of program requirements, Global Executive MBA students participate in graduation ceremonies at the University of Washington. They are awarded a University of Washington MBA degree and a joint certificate from Yonsei University and the University of Washington.
Organizational Benefits
The Global Executive MBA Program does more than provide a higher education for individuals. GEMBA delivers stronger leaders, better-networked executives and access to cutting-edge management research. Companies whose employees are in the GEMBA Program benefit because they gain the tools and concepts needed to take their organizations to the next level, and they develop and experience a global perspective on business and culture.
In supporting an employee's education, employers are making a wise business decision. This investment will yield returns in the form of better decisions, innovative ideas and new processes, and integration of cutting-edge research into a company's operations. The value of the education, its immediate applicability, and the professional network that is gained are clear benefits to both participants and employers. Employers receive a quick return on their investment as new concepts are brought into action.
Sponsoring companies also find that supporting participation in the Global Executive MBA program also helps attract and retain talented employees, and prepare them for future leadership roles within the company.
Curriculum
Yonsei University
Taught by Yonsei faculty, the core examines the fundamentals of business management. Students receive initial instruction in economic and financial analysis, the role of individuals in an organization, marketing management, corporate finance, and managerial accounting. They also study consumer marketing, operations management and how people behave in work systems. They also learn methods of data analysis, gain practical skills using computers and the Internet, and explore information technology. The courses at Yonsei University are separated into three categories: Pre-MBA Study, Foundation Courses, and Functional courses.
University of Washington
Study at the University of Washington will include three major academic components: Business English, GEMBA Core Courses and MBA Elective Courses. Additionally, GEMBA students are required to participate in 16 hours of community service and an ongoing series of lunchtime cross-cultural conversations on contemporary issues.
In the first quarter, students enroll in an intensive English language course and one or two core business courses. During Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarter, students enroll in a combination of core and elective courses. Core courses are customized especially for the GEMBA students and build upon the learning that took place at Yonsei University. Elective courses are open to GEMBA students to take with other MBA students at the University of Washington. Students are encouraged to think broadly in planning their studies at the University of Washington, build on prior educational or professional experience, and branch out into areas that give them a higher degree of versatility and proficiency.
Services learning is an important component of the educational experience. Each student must volunteer in the community for a total of 16 hours. The purpose of this requirement is to provide each GEMBA student with an experience with Americans outside of the university context. This "service learning" experience will add to their ability to converse in English, and it will also provide them a better appreciation of every-day life in the United States.
