Facebook Skip to main content


Student Experience

Hear from GEMBA graduates about their experience in the program.

With a mild climate, a lively arts and culture scene, and a natural environment that attracts visitors from around the world, Seattle has consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the United States. TIME recently ranked Seattle as one of the “World’s Greatest Places” of 2021. Seattle combines the benefits of a big city – an international airport, a diverse population, and a thriving business community that is home to some of the most innovative companies in the world – with the safe family neighborhoods of a smaller town.

Recreational Activities
Hiking, bicycling, skiing, golfing, and kayaking are just a few of the popular recreational activities available in the Seattle area. The city borders Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, providing miles of shoreline and glorious views. Nearby mountains are visited by hikers in the warmer months and snow sport enthusiasts in the winter. There are also many opportunities for beautiful nature walks within the city; there are about 400 public parks and open areas in the greater Seattle area. There are many organizations that can help you to learn a new sport or explore outdoor activities with a group.

Shopping and Dining
Shopping can be found all over the city including the famous tourist destination Pike Place Market, downtown, the International District, and near campus. Seattle is known for its food scene with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, and great seafood options. Visit Eater Seattle to start picking out the restaurants you want to try!

Sports Teams
Seattle is home to several professional sports teams with state-of-the-art stadiums. Some of Seattle’s nationally recognized teams include the Seattle Mariners baseball team, the Seattle Seahawks football team, the Seattle Sounders soccer team, the Seattle Storm, a women’s professional WNBA team, and the Seattle Kraken, the newest team in the National Hockey League (NHL). The University of Washington games are also popular with locals and are a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Arts and Culture
There are many opportunities to enjoy the arts in Seattle from museums such as the Seattle Art Museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park, or the Asian Arts Museum, to gallery walks, ballet performances, public libraries, community and cultural centers, theater, concerts, and films. There is always something entertaining to do with your time off from class.

Housing and Transportation
The Seattle area offers a variety of housing options and neighborhoods each with their own unique character. Learn more about Seattle’s top neighborhoods. The city has an extensive public transit system that provides access to the University of Washington from most neighborhoods. Our office can help you to determine the best way to get to campus.

For more information about our beautiful city, go to visitseattle.org.

Watch a short interview about moving to Seattle for the Global Executive MBA Program:

The University of Washington is one of the world’s preeminent public universities that educates more than 54,000 students annually.

Get general information about the UW campus.

As a graduate student at the University of Washington, you will have access to numerous benefits and resources such as:

International Student Resources
Graduate International Student Resources and the International Student Services department are here to help our international students as they prepare to depart to Seattle and upon their arrival in our beautiful city.

Veterans Resources
The UW Veterans Benefits Office supports our U.S. veterans and their families navigate their higher education experience with VA funding options, state waivers, scholarships, and a thriving community network.

Housing Resources

The Foster School of Business does not provide housing; however, many resources are available to help you find housing during your stay in the Seattle area.

On-campus housing options for graduate students are plentiful and varied. Singles and families are encouraged to contact Housing & Food Services for information.

Graduate Student Housing Website:
Email: [email protected]

Your housing location determines which public school that your children would be able to attend. There are also a variety of independent schools that your children can apply to. See the “Resources for Families” section below for more information.

More information on UW resources.

The Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington serves 2,500+ students annually, approximately 1,800 of which are undergraduate students and 700 are graduate students.

The UW Foster School of Business focuses on ways that businesses can innovate and help the greater good. In addition to being driven, UW Foster students are supportive of each other and collaborative both inside and outside of the classroom.

Learn more about the Foster School.

Take a virtual tour of the Foster School of Business campus.

The GEMBA team is here to help you reach your educational and professional goals every step of the way. With the smaller class size of GEMBA, you can be assured of getting the attention and support you need to be successful throughout the program from both the faculty and staff.

Questions about the program and application process after reviewing our website? Attend an information session or connect with the GEMBA team at a one-on-one meeting.

With an inclusive culture and safe environment, Seattle is an ideal city for families to live in.

Watch a short interview about moving to Seattle with your family to attend the Global Executive MBA program.

Events for Families of UW GEMBA Students
Getting an MBA is a big commitment not only for the students, but also for their families. Recognizing this, the GEMBA program has a specially designed support program for spouses and partners of the GEMBA students to help them settle in. These include an orientation session just for them; social gatherings to help them get connected to one another; organized family-friendly outings; and access to assistance from the UW GEMBA staff.

Childcare Assistance Program

The Childcare Assistance Program is designed to assist UW Seattle campus students in covering the costs of licensed childcare for their children (ages birth – 12 years old) while enrolled in an eligible program of study. This award is funded by Student & Activity fees paid by students attending the Seattle Campus.

Read more about the childcare assistance program and additional parent resources.

Schools
The Seattle area provides many public and private school options for families.

Public Schools
Seattle

Shoreline

Bellevue

Edmonds

Private Schools