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.
Why become a Teaching Assistant at LNU in Dalian, China?
Cultural immersion in China will develop your understanding of different cultures,
equipping you with valuable skills for navigating the global workplace.
At LNU, you’ll receive guidance and support from experienced professors and a network
of colleagues, ensuring that your time as a teaching assistant is successful and fulfilling.
"Teaching at Liaoning Normal Campus in Dalian was an incredible experience. The students
were eager to learn, and the support from colleagues made all the challenges worthwhile.
My time in China was filled with great friendships, cultural experiences, and unforgettable
travel opportunities."
"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."
Compensation/Benefits
Teaching Assistant Duties
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)
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
At the time of application, you must:
Be admitted into a COB graduate program (MBA, MAcc, MHA, MS-IT, MS-PM) at MSU.
Maintain full-time degree-seeking status.
Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
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.
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,
and ends at the conclusion of final exam week (same as the Springfield campus). The
Spring semester also starts two weeks before the semester in Springfield. After two
weeks of classes, everyone enjoys a holiday (typically 5-6 weeks) for the Chinese
New Year. Classes resume in late February/early March and end at the conclusion of
final exam week (same as the Springfield campus). TAs are released from their responsibilities
at the end of each semester and may leave the Saturday following final exams.
