New program enhances international MBA students’ English skills

Kingston – Feb. 25, 2014 - Shanghai native Jennifer (Chenyin) Li couldn’t be happier about having taken the Queen’s School of English’s new customized course for students entering the School of Business’s MBA program.

An eight-week intensive course, the pre-MBA QBridge program is designed especially for international students who have been conditionally accepted to the MBA program and need a boost in their English skills prior to commencing their studies at Queen’s.

“It made for a very smooth transition,” says Ms. Li (MBA’15), who took the QBridge program in November and December, and started her MBA in January. “The teachers were very good – not only did they help me improve my reading and writing skills, they also taught me so much about Canadian culture. I felt immersed in the culture by the end of the program.”

The pre-MBA QBridge program was initiated by Queen’s School of Business’s Matt Reesor, now the director of strategic planning and new initiatives, who recognized a need for the program, noting that among the excellent international students applying to the MBA program, there were some who needed a little more help with their English, and business speak in particular.

“We meet thousands of potential students every year from around the world,” says Matt. “Many of them have graduated with outstanding academic records from top universities and have gone on to successful careers at highly reputable firms and organizations. The only thing missing is sufficiently advanced English language skills. Pre-MBA QBridge was created to ensure that we can attract these top candidates and partner with them to ensure their success as students.”

More on the pre-MBA QBridge program