Although an MBA is a rigorous and challenging academic experience, some students choose to test themselves further by seeking out degrees in new countries or regions. China is a destination offering a uniquely immersive student experience, particularly for those coming from Europe or the US.
“If you want to experience something that’s as different as possible from your home setting, in my case, Germany, then I think you cannot go more extreme than China,” says Marten Tesdorpf, who left his home in Berlin to study an MBA in Beijing at Peking University Guanghua School of Management.
So, how exactly does the MBA study experience differ in China from elsewhere in the world?
An MBA in China means studying within a distinct learning culture
The core MBA curriculum focuses on business fundamentals such as finance, marketing, management, and strategy. However, there is often variation across the globe when it comes to particular modules, electives, and specializations.
Studying at a top business school in China’s capital city, PKU Guanghua students learn about core theories while also developing an understanding of business within the region through modules such as Business Chinese and China in the Global Political Economy.
Within small classrooms often comprising fewer than 30 people, and led by expert professors who have studied and taught in various locations across the globe, the learning environment is unique, says Marten, who enrolled in the PKU Guanghua MBA after spending a semester abroad in China during his bachelor’s degree and desiring to return.
“Because the class is a bit smaller, professors try to be more engaging,” he says. “Sometimes they will call you out during the class, which is nice because this way you have more of a discussion.
“Professors bring a different perspective on the same teaching material, it’s interesting,” he adds.
Students applaud professors at the end of each session, a custom that reflects China’s distinctive culture that values respect for authority figures. This is just one of the unique cultural norms that permeate everyday Chinese life and extend into the business environment.
An MBA in China provides access to a unique business environment
By studying in China, MBA students gain the opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique business ecosystem. For Megan Huang, who grew up in the US with Chinese parents, this was a driving force behind her decision to enroll in the PKU Guanghua MBA.
“I wanted to come here and really understand the country and see it from my own perspective, but also with the background that my parents and family have taught me about China,” she says.
Coming from the West, she highlights significant differences that are notable on a daily basis. This includes the brands that are predominant in Chinese business but are unique to the region, such as Tencent and Taobao, and the incorporation of technologies such as digital payment systems which have shaped life in China.
“Almost nobody carries cash or credit cards. Everything is paid for on your phone,” she explains. “You just scan a QR code and pay—it’s really convenient.
"Being able to reconnect with my roots and see how the country is developing and also how the culture is shifting as technology, AI, and the economy change is really eye-opening,” she adds.
An MBA in China exposes students to a different lifestyle
Technology is one of the key ways daily life in China differs from elsewhere, making for an enlightening experience for MBA students who come from other regions.
For Marten, equally influential have been chances to explore Beijing, a city with its own architectural and culinary history that provides ample opportunity to broaden your horizons during time spent outside the classroom.
He says he has enjoyed delving into the city’s older districts, where traditional alleyways known as Hutongs are flanked by the iconic Siheyuan residences that are synonymous with Chinese architecture. More modern areas of the city have allowed him to sample shopping and nightlife in Beijing, as well as the city’s culinary scene.
To make the most of these experiences, international students in China should connect with their Chinese peers who can help them scratch beneath the surface, he advises.
“It's a completely different culture with completely different people,” he adds. “You need time to adapt and you have to be a little bit patient to find the right people that you want to connect with.”
An MBA immerses you in China’s networking culture
Networking is a core component of the global MBA experience, one that can lead to career advancement opportunities and can continue to bear fruit years after graduation.
The MBA classroom at a top business school in China, such as PKU Guanghua, is full of highly capable and driven students. Often they have ambitions to launch their own companies, or are involved in family businesses and intend to advance their academic and managerial knowledge before returning after graduation.
Within this landscape, Megan notes the particular importance of networking for international MBA students in China. This can lead to valuable connections and even employment opportunities, she says. However, understanding how networking is done in China is crucial.
“It's really important that it's not just a transaction when you become business partners or when you meet people in a network, a lot of successful networking is just being able to communicate on a personal level.
“When navigating business in China, I think people really just want to see that you're positive and that you're willing to make an effort to expand your circle,” she adds.
As an international student, studying in China can therefore immerse you in a challenging environment that ultimately can lead to both personal and professional development.
“I think it’s a very good opportunity for people who are curious about experiencing what is basically a different universe,” says Marten.
Student Reviews
Peking University Guanghua
