| This week we will explore Wharton’s Lauder Program, examining what it is, what completion of the program entails, and what kind of student should consider applying.
Upon completion of 24 months of study, Wharton/Lauder students receive a joint MBA/MA in International Studies. Lauder participants begin classes three months earlier than students in the traditional MBA program, completing one month of intensive language study and a two-month study abroad/in-country immersion program before beginning Wharton classes in September. Once MBA classes begin, Wharton/Lauder students lead an especially busy life, since they must complete Wharton’s full core curriculum and course requirements alongside the Lauder M.A.’s language, elective and thesis requirements.
To apply to the program, prospective students must complete two additional essay questions and demonstrate near-fluent language proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish. Because of the language proficiency requirement, the Lauder program is only appropriate for students who have already developed strong foreign language competencies (although the Arabic and Portuguese language tracks tend to be more willing to offer space to less proficient speakers). Once enrolled, the curriculum is tailored to MBA students who seek to develop the capacity to conduct high-level business in another language, whether in the U.S. or abroad.
Though demanding, the Wharton/Lauder joint degree program is an excellent way for students to prepare for global business leadership, integrating language and in-country immersion into the MBA experience. For more information on the Wharton/Lauder joint degree program, be sure to visit the Lauder Institute website. | 
