Watch the MBA Exchange AY 23/24 Info Session
Review the MBA Exchange AY 23/24 Info Session PPT
Eligibility
MBA exchange students must be registered, matriculated MBA students at the Foster School of Business. Eligible applicants will have a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application, maintain it through the time of departure, and be in good standing with the Foster School. A current list of exchange partners can be seen under the Exchange Partner Schools & Program Descriptions header below. Not sure which program you’re interested in? Schedule an advising appointment!
Exchange Application
The exchange application will ask for the following information:
- Personal Interest Essay: Please limit your answers to the following questions:
- Why do you want to participate on an exchange program?
- How does an exchange program fit into your educational/career goals?
- Why do you want to study at the school listed first on your application?
- Current Resume
- MBA Transcripts (unofficial acceptable)
- Recommendation Survey (instructions here)
Application Timeline
| Exchange Program Process | Time of Year |
|---|---|
| Research options and apply online | November – January |
| Exchange application deadline | January 31 |
| Application deadline for ScanDesign Fellowships (CBS only) | January 31 |
| Exchange placements announced | February 15 |
| Application deadline for GBC Scholarships | May 1 |
| Exchange pre-departure orientations | Scheduled individually |
Exchange Partner Schools & Program Descriptions
The tables below outline facts about each program including: location, whether the program is offered in English in addition to the language of the country, timing of the partner schools’ terms, and additional information.
Key: A=Autumn Quarter / W=Winter Quarter / Sp=Spring Quarter / Su=Summer Quarter
| Africa | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Partner School | Language(s) of Instruction | Foster Compatible Terms* | More Info | |
| South Africa | University of Cape Town | English | A, W | Fact Sheet | |
| Asia | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Partner School | Language(s) of Instruction | Foster Compatible Terms* | More Info | |
| China | Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | English | A, W | Fact Sheet | |
| China | Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Antai College of Economics and Management | English, Chinese | A | Fact Sheet | |
| India | Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore | English | A, W, Su | Fact Sheet | |
| Japan | International University of Japan (Niigata) | English | A, W | Fact Sheet | |
| Japan | Keio Business School (Tokyo) | English | A, W | Fact Sheet | |
| Singapore | Nanyang Technological University | English | A | Fact Sheet | |
| South Korea | KAIST Graduate School of Management (Daejeon) | English | A | Fact Sheet | |
| Europe | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Partner School | Language(s) of Instruction | Foster Compatible Terms* | More Info | |
| Denmark | Copenhagen Business School | English | A, Su (6-wk intensive) | Fact Sheet | |
| Finland | Aalto University (Helsinki) | English | A, W, Su (2-wk intensive) | Fact Sheet | |
| France | Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris | English, French | A, Su (4-wk intensive) | Fact Sheet | |
| Netherlands | Rotterdam School of Management | English | A, W | Fact Sheet | |
| Spain | Instituto de Empresa (Madrid) | English, Spanish | A | Fact Sheet | |
| Switzerland | University of Zurich | English, German | A, Su (2-3 wk modules) | Fact Sheet | |
*Partner school terms shorter than 9 weeks during the Academic Year, and shorter than 4.5 weeks during Summer Quarter, do not qualify for federal Financial Aid.
Download the MBA Course Matrix for more information about our exchange partner’s programs and specializations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many MBA students can attend each program?
A: Generally, the Foster School of Business is allowed to send 2 MBA students to each host institution. This number
could be higher or lower based on past exchange student activity with a specific partner school.
Q: Can my spouse, significant other or children join me?
A: This can be an option. Some on‐campus housing is for single students only, so you would need to find alternative
housing options. Your host school will provide the necessary documents to obtain your student visa. Neither the host school nor UW will assist you in obtaining a visa for a spouse, significant other or children. This responsibility is given to the UW MBA exchange student.
Q: Do I have to fill out a separate application form for each MBA exchange school?
A: No, you’ll only need to fill out one UW exchange program application form.
Q: Can I list more than one exchange school on my application form?
A: Yes. You are encouraged to list multiple schools on your application form in the event there is more demand for a specific exchange program than the number of spots available. Every effort will be made to honor your first choice of an exchange program.
Q: Are MBA students with foreign language proficiency given preference for an exchange program?
A: Not necessarily. If there are multiple applicants for a program that offers MBA courses in English and a foreign language, preference may be given to students who can wish to courses in the designated foreign language in order to improve their business language skills.
Q: Is it possible to obtain an internship in conjunction with an exchange program?
A: Maybe. Past UW MBA exchange students have found internships either prior to their term of exchange or after their term of exchange. Some schools have formal internship programs that are open to exchange students. The host institution exchange program coordinator can assist in providing contact names and possible internship resources.
Q: Will I be asked to advertise the UW MBA program at my host institution?
A: Possibly. Many host institution hold information sessions for interested exchange students. You’ll be asked to talk about the UW MBA program and general life in the USA. These events are usually informal and don’t require advance preparation. The MBA website is the best resource for interested students to begin.
Q: May I go on exchange to a school that doesn’t have an exchange with the Foster School?
A: Yes, but it will require more legwork for you to get courses approved and credits transferred. The University of Washington has institutional agreements with schools around the globe. To find out about those programs and your eligibility for them, visit International Programs and Exchanges in Schmitz Hall room 459.
Q: Do exchange schools have financial aid or scholarships?
A: It is rare that schools have even limited funds available to incoming exchange students. A common requirement of student visas is proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay. Don’t assume that there will be financial aid available to you from a host school.
Q: Why do I have to apply to my host school after being nominated by the Global Business Center?
A: Host schools require incoming exchange students to apply formally. This is a formality and serves as a way for the school to enter the student into their system. Only in extreme cases will students be rejected by the host school at this point in the process.
Non-Business School Exchange Programs
MBA students often inquire about participating on an exchange program beyond the 13MBA exchange programs. This arrangement may be possible through a general exchange program agreement with the University of Washington and a partner institution. Pursuing a non-business school exchange requires additional student initiative to arrange and confirm an exchange program.
A great place to start is the University of Washington Study Abroad Office [link: https://www.washington.edu/studyabroad/]. UW has numerous exchange agreements with various universities all over the world and MBAs may be permitted to enroll in one of these programs under a general UW exchange agreement. The UW Study Abroad office coordinates general exchange programs beyond individual departments. These programs also operate under the home tuition model.
If a successful program is identified, the UW Study Abroad office will work with you to obtain program and course information from the host institution. The MBA Program Office must approve all courses taken at an institution beyond one of the 13 MBA exchange partner programs. Be certain that your courses are approved before agreeing to accept a non-business school exchange program.
UW Study Abroad Office
Schmitz Hall 459
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 206.221.4404
Email: [email protected]