The GBA is a student-run club that provides an interactive forum for MBA students who are interested in global issues, specifically from an international business or cultural point of view.

A list of our officers with contact information can be found here.

Our goals are to:

1. advance students' understanding and knowledge of the critical issues that are shaping the world of international business
2. connect students with the international business community abroad and here in the Pacific Northwest;
3. promote and expand opportunities for students whose career plans include the global business arena
4. provide informational assistance to international students who may be new to the Seattle area, and who may be unfamiliar with the MBA program procedures and operations
5. create a comfortable environment for American and international students who share similar interests to socialize and exchange ideas

Toward this end, the GBA partners closely with the Global Business Center to coordinate and plan on-campus and off-campus activities/events, all with an international flavor. We accomplish our goals through four primary means:

1. Travel.

Every spring, GBA and the Global Business Center direct, plan, and organize two to three study tours abroad. These study tours are intended to give students a broader perspective of countries selected for the tours via briefings, visits to companies, factories, and financial institutions, as well as sightseeing opportunities. Past tours spans across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. In Spring 2006, the Study Tour Program will visit Australia and New Zealand for the very first time!

2. Guest Speakers.

GBA works with the Global Business Center in bringing to campus local executives working in international organizations and companies to discuss vital and interesting business issues. The bulk of these activities takes place through the weekly Global Business Forum series of lunch lectures/discussions.

3. Networking.

Plans are in the works to organize periodic formal and informal networking events for GBA members with the local international business community. In the past, GBA and the Global Business Center have sponsored formal Global Business Night dinners. The form and frequency of these events are still being determined to best serve students' needs in the coming year.

4. Social Get-togethers for Members and Other Interested Students.

These are informal venues for students to come to relax and have a good time. These events are a great place for American and International students to get to know one another better in a setting where good food, drinks, entertainment, or a friendly exchange of ideas are the only rules! The new GBA leadership is in the process of refining the form and frequency of these events to best serve students' need in the coming year.

As you can see, GBA is working hard to give our members their money's worth by providing a package of comprehensive and well-rounded benefits. We want to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students. We invite all of you, particularly the international students, to join us in exploring and celebrating all the challenges and opportunities that make up the wonderful world of global business!

Requirements: you must be a current University of Washington MBA student or enrolled in a joint degree graduate program at UW.

Dues: $50/year or $80 for 2 year membership. This is probably the lowest fee you will pay for a club that is as active as ours.