The College of Business works closely with our partner school in Dalian, China and
offers business courses on-site and remotely. LNNU-MSU Teaching Assistantships offer
COB graduate students the opportunity to travel to Dalian, China to assist faculty
in our LNNU-MSU College of International Business. This position is a two-semester
commitment.
*Travel dependent upon government and university regulations.
Priscilla Waweru, MPM, Spring 2024 - Fall 2024
"My experience in Dalian flew by because of the wonderful students, supportive colleagues,
and the vibrant city. The friendships I made, along with the chance to explore China
and other countries in Asia, made this opportunity truly unforgettable."
One of the best things I can recommend about being a China TA is to talk to your professors
and find previous teaching assistants that have been there before. They will be able
to give you the best advice.
If you’re in Springfield wondering if you should take the opportunity and come to
Dalian, my advice is simple: Do it! The growth you experience in a completely new
culture is something you can’t get from a textbook.
Eligibility
China TA applicants must meet all eligibility requirements as outlined by the Graduate
College. Preference given to students admitted to a COB graduate program (MBA, MAcc, MHA, MS-IT,
MS-PM).
Note: As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you will be expected to maintain your full-time,
degree-seeking student status and minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for the duration of your
employment.
Fall 2026 applications closed.
How to Apply
Submit the following materials to the Director of International Business Programs:
Facilitate distance learning lectures conducted from Springfield campus, teach class
sessions, review material, work problems, present recorded lectures by professor,
collect and grade homework, administer and grade exams, hold office hours, answer
student questions, review homework and exams, discuss grades
Currently the Teaching Assistant assignment is a two-semester commitment.
No, housing is covered for the semester in China. Apartments are provided and typically
no more than two students will be assigned to each apartment.
MSU pays for all flights directly to and from Dalian, visa documents, a health consult,
and a comprehensive medical policy for travelers (which contains emergency medical
and political evacuation). The cost of obtaining a passport is the responsibility
of the student.
Yes. China has many beautiful places to explore on weekends and during holidays. Some
TAs choose to travel independently before returning home. TAs are responsible for
personal travel before, during or after the time of appointment.
We typically hire two TAs per semester, so you will work with one other colleague
holding the same position. Student enrollment affects the number of TAs hired in any
given semester, so we might hire more or less.
Yes, but we ask you to take only two online classes to ensure you will be able to
manage your TA duties and enjoy your semester in China. Speak to your advisor and
professors to make sure the resources you need for the class are available. Online
resources such as Respondus lockdown browser, U.S. government websites and WSJ might
be blocked or unavailable in China. Classes which require high amounts of collaboration
with other students may also be difficult due to the 13-hour time difference.
The University travel policy is dictated by U.S. Department of State and CDC travel
warnings. If the warnings do not recommend travel, TAs will be asked to support classes
from Springfield.
We have never encountered any problems, as Dalian is a very safe and friendly city
to live in. Hospitals are readily available should someone become ill, and the local
staff will assist with translation, if needed. On the few occasions someone had a
pressing need to return to the U.S., the University helped the students make travel
arrangements.
We have been sending TAs to China since 2004. Most found this to be a very valuable
experience personally and professionally.
Yes, via direct deposit in the U.S. Graduate assistants are paid at the end of the
month.
COB offers a variety of classes each semester. Some COB core classes are taught each
semester, in addition to classes from several departments such as Marketing, Management,
Accounting, Finance and Economics. Students selected for this position should have
taken the COB core classes at a minimum. The remaining classes offered each semester
will influence the students selected to serve as a TA.
No. The Fall semester typically starts two weeks before the semester in Springfield.
The fall semester then ends two weeks prior to Springfield campus, followed by a 3-week
intersession course. The Spring semester starts in late February/early March and ends
at the conclusion of final exam week (same as the Springfield campus). A summer intersession
course immediately follows the spring semester, with classes ending by early June.
TAs are released from their responsibilities at the end of each semester and may leave
the Saturday following final exams.
