Student Experience

The Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) at the University of Washington Foster School of Business offers an immersive executive learning experience designed for internationally experienced professionals and senior leaders. Students learn alongside a global cohort while developing leadership, strategic decision-making, and cross-border business perspectives through collaborative coursework, executive engagement, and applied learning for the real world.

What Defines the GEMBA Student Experience

Global Executive Cohort

GEMBA students learn alongside experienced professionals from diverse industries, countries, and leadership backgrounds. The cohort-based format creates a collaborative environment where students exchange global perspectives, expand professional networks, and learn from one another’s executive experience.

Executive-level Learning

Coursework focuses on leadership, strategy, innovation, and global business decision-making. Students apply concepts directly to complex business challenges while strengthening communication, analytical thinking, and executive leadership skills.

Immersive residency format

The GEMBA format combines intensive in-person residencies, MBA treks and global immersion with collaborative team-based learning. Students participate in an immersive academic experience designed to support working professionals while fostering deep cohort engagement and international collaboration.

Global business and network access

Students engage with faculty, executives, alumni, and industry leaders throughout the program. Seattle’s global business ecosystem and Foster’s international network provide exposure to companies, industries, and leadership perspectives across global markets.

Executive Learning in Practice

The Global Executive MBA combines executive coursework, global perspectives and collaborative learning in an immersive format.

Coursework: Develop leadership and strategic decision-making skills through executive-level business education
Global Perspective: Learn alongside internationally experienced professionals across industries, markets and functions
Collaboration: Work closely with a cohort of senior professionals through team-based, cross-cultural learning and discussion
Professional Network: Build long-term global relationships with peers, alumni, faculty, and business leaders within Seattle’s innovative ecosystem

Student Perspectives

Hear from GEMBA graduates about their experience in the program, including cohort collaboration, leadership development, and building a global professional network.

Hear from Sowmiya Sudhakar, a seasoned banker from India, as she shares her experience in the Foster Global Executive MBA program.Watch the video

Elevating Your Business Expertise with the Foster Global Executive MBA

Yetro Garcia, a Global Executive MBA student at the University of Washington Foster School of Business, hails from Lima, Peru. With a diverse background in product marketing across multiple industries, Yetro shares his reasons for choosing the GEMBA program.Watch the video

Yetro Garcia Discusses the Global Executive MBA Experience

Hear from Global Executive MBA students about their experience in the program.Watch the video

UW Global Executive MBA Student Experience

Support for International students and families

Seattle - Location and Lifestyle

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. 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 and Seattle Reign FC soccer teams, the Seattle Storm, a women’s professional WNBA team, and the Seattle Kraken, the National Hockey League (NHL) team. 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. 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:

University of Washington - Information and Resources

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
The International Student Services department is 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.

Resources for Families

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

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.

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

Public Schools
Seattle

Shoreline

Bellevue

Edmonds

Private Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GEMBA student experience like?
The GEMBA experience is collaborative, immersive, and globally focused. Students learn alongside experienced professionals from around the world through executive-level coursework and team-based learning.

How experienced are GEMBA students?
Students bring significant professional and leadership experience from industries across global markets and business functions. Typical experience ranges from 7-20 years.

How international is the cohort?
The GEMBA cohort includes professionals from multiple countries and industries, creating a globally diverse learning environment. It is common for 8-10 countries to be represented.

How does GEMBA support professional networking?
Students build long-term professional relationships through cohort collaboration, executive engagement, alumni connections, and exposure to Seattle’s business community. Learn more about how the Career Services Team facilitates GEMBA networking strategies and opportunities.