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