Master's of Arts in International Studies

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing
• Shanghai: 
Shanghai
• All Other Areas in China: 
Shenzhen

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer 
Length of Position: 14 months
Dates: Program Begins Every June

Description: Program Overview: The Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) degree has concentrations in International Business and International Education alongside a 12-month internship in the People's Republic of China.

Program Structure: There are three phases in the MAIS degree program. Phase 1 (Summer Semester) is an intensive, residential summer program offered at Concordia University in Irvine, California. Students will take coursework that will prepare them academically, culturally, professionally and psychosocially for their year in China.

During Phase 2 (Fall and Spring Semesters), candidates will be placed in one of China's most dynamic and influential cities: Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen. They will receive teaching positions at partnering educational institutions where they will teach Chinese students. Concurrently, candidates enroll in online courses and make progress towards their masters degrees.

After the end of their year in China, students begin Phase 3 where they will enroll in their final course(s) in research writing and complete their masters thesis under the guidance of an advisor.

Internship Benefits:

Candidates are provided the following benefits from their employer/sponsor in China:
1. Monthly interns stipend (dependent upon qualifications and placement)
2. Housing or housing allowance
3. Legal work visa in China
4. Reimbursement of your visa and round-trip economy class air ticket between the U.S. and China (requires successful completion of year-long internship)
5. Chinese language lessons available

Highlights: Opportunities: With a population of 1.3 billion and a sustained average annual GDP growth rate of over 10%, China is emerging as a world leader in business and education. Experience in business and education in China will prepare entrepreneurially-minded individuals with the necessary understanding, skills, resources and relationships to be able to be successful in a new global political-economy. The Master of Arts in International Studies program is designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to:

* Study, research and gain first-hand experience in the political, economic, cultural and social life of contemporary China.
* Explore the strategic opportunities in one of the worlds largest and fastest growing economies.
* Develop meaningful relationships with Chinese business leaders, educators, professionals and community members.
* Influence and impact the lives of a generation of young people in China.
* Acquire practical knowledge of educational and business contexts and practices, providers and clients, products and services, strategies and obstacles.
* Receive a graduate education with a year-long internship in China that prepares you for the future of international business and education.

Qualifications:
* Candidates for the MAIS program must have completion of a bachelors degree with a minimum 2.75 G.P.A.;
* Be native English speakers; and
* Possesses the following characteristics: cultural sensitivity, responsibility, diligence, resilience, independence, ethical character, desire to teach, and ready to learn, serve and lead. Candidates who possess prior business experience or teaching experience/credentialing may be eligible for a select number of special placements.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: Tuition: $505/unit (tuition rates are subject to change on an annual basis); Total Program Units: 34 units for MAIS; Total Program Tuition Cost :$17,000 (financial aid is available)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to China in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time Is 1 month

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Concordia University's Mission Statement: Concordia University Irvine, guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, empowers students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service and leadership.

Year Founded: 1976