China Graduate/Teaching Assistantship

Live and work in China

The College of Business works closely with our partner school in Dalian, China and offers business courses on-site and remotely. LNU-MSU Teaching Assistantships offer COB graduate students the opportunity to travel to Dalian, China to assist faculty in our LNU-MSU College of International Business. This position is a two-semester commitment.

*Travel dependent upon government and university regulations.

Graduate Assistant on LNU Campus

"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."

- Priscilla Waweru, MPM, Spring 2024 - Fall 2024

Compensation/Benefits

TA stipend and tuition waiver*
Free round-trip airfare to Dalian, China
Visa processing fees paid
Free furnished apartment (in Dalian)
Free travel consult and recommended vaccinations (provided by Magers Health and Wellness Center)

Teaching Assistant Duties

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

*Waiver covers up to 15 hours in the fall or spring. Students on a full GA during the spring semester are eligible for a fee-waiver scholarship of up to 6 hours during the following summer semester as long as minimum eligibility is maintained.

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).

Am I Eligible?

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.

How to Apply

Submit the following materials to the Director of International Business Programs:

Application for Graduate Assistantship
Cover Letter
Resume
Transcript(s) - undergraduate and graduate
Two Letters of Recommendation

Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

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.