Shanghai MBA students make connections, celebrate in Cedar Falls
Shanghai MBA students make connections, celebrate in Cedar Falls
The Wilson College of Business' top-ranked MBA program stands out for its blend of academics and commitment to genuine global connections. And during commencement this year, seven MBA students from Shanghai embarked on a journey to Cedar Falls, not just to graduate, but to solidify those connections with their American peers and faculty.
Highlights from their trip included a cookout, campus tours, dinners in Cedar Falls and a special acknowledgment from President Mark Nook during the commencement ceremony. The result was an unforgettable experience.
“I think it was a great opportunity for us to understand and get to know each other,” said Shilei (Stone) Shen, a supply chain manager at Shanghai Disneyland and one of the visiting students. “It’s quite amazing to get a chance to visit the U.S. and be a part of the ceremony.”
UNI, recognized among the Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report, offers a unique hybrid global MBA program in Shanghai, China. All international students are working professionals who complete most coursework online, but they also receive in-person instruction on weekends from professors who travel to China in two-week blocks.
The hands-on, face-to-face instruction, combined with virtual opportunities, provides a robust and engaging learning experience. So even students on the other side of the globe have an opportunity for a top-tier and practical business education from UNI.
“For us to have this program where we send faculty members, and the students commit to showing up despite their work commitments, is special,” said Alicia Rosburg, MBA program coordinator. Rosburg traveled to China to teach the cohort of graduating students. “When hosting the Shanghai students on campus, we wanted to recognize all of their efforts throughout the program, as well as their efforts to come all the way to campus. We wanted to make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the students and their families."
Shen said the in-person connection, as well as the core business classes, was a significant factor in his decision to choose UNI’s MBA program. The trip to the U.S. was a valuable addition to his learning. Shen highlighted meeting American peers, which fostered better understanding between cultures, both in academic and professional environments.
“In China and the U.S., we sometimes have different angles for the same question, and I think it’s good to meet and have conversations,” Shen said. “American students are willing to share opinions, discuss and debate. So, we can understand each other when we work. It’s a good connection between us.”
The culmination of the Shanghai students' trip was their recognition at the commencement ceremony. Nook's acknowledgment of their effort to travel to Cedar Falls was a moment of profound pride for the students and the university.
"That really meant a lot to them. It meant a lot to our program. And it recognized all of the effort they put in to come and how much it meant to be a Panther graduate," Rosburg said. "That was a very special moment and well deserving.”
