International Students from Select Universities Spend Their Summer at the Gabelli School, Earning a Dual M.S. in Finance

Graduate | Aug 10, 2023 | Gabelli School of Business

Seven-week program enhances their education and provides invaluable networking opportunities

In 2010, the Gabelli School of Business launched a Collaborative M.S. in Finance (MSF) program, an initiative developed in partnership with select universities around the world to provide individuals pursuing degrees at those institutions, with the opportunity to earn a dual degree from Fordham University. “Over the past 13 years, we have worked diligently to build relationships with some of the top universities around the globe, whose administrators and faculty members deeply understand the value proposition of their students earning an M.S. in Finance from a highly respected American business school,” said Francis Petit, Ed.D., associate dean of Global Initiatives and Partnerships.

This summer, international students from Italy, China, Peru, and Belgium arrived at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus for an intensive, seven-week period of study during June and July—a unique experience that culminated in their earning the Gabelli School’s M.S. in Finance. The program also afforded invaluable networking opportunities with thought leaders in the field, as well as the chance to live in the heart of New York City, the finance capital of the world. During their two-month stint at the Gabelli School, the cohort worked closely together to complete coursework and projects, while making time to socialize and to explore the City.

Some coursework was completed in advance of the summer program and relevant credits from their home institution were applied to shorten the time needed to earn the degree. While on campus, students took 18 credits – 3 per week. A full day in the classroom was complemented by guest lectures from industry experts and on-site meetings at organizations and companies around NYC. During a week-long break in early July, students traveled to other U.S. cities including Washington, D.C. and Boston.

Andres Gonzalez, a student and marine biologist from Santiago, Chile, completed his M.B.A. at the Universidad Alberto Hurtado in December, a member institution of the International Association of Jesuit Universities and a Gabelli partner school. “I was looking for a program where I could gain management knowledge and develop soft skills,” he asserted. “The Gabelli School’s Jesuit values and its rankings helped me to decide to enroll in the program.” Gonzalez hopes that earning a Master’s in Finance from a university in the United States will open new professional opportunities—he plans to pursue a career in the food industry. “In addition to the class content, we’ve had the benefit of hearing from guest lecturers who give us invaluable perspective and insights.”

Another student, Giorgia Balestreri, who is pursuing an M.S. in Corporate Finance at LUISS University in Rome, was encouraged to apply by previous graduates of the program. “I really liked the format of the program. Each week we learned something new. It was very intense and you work through a lot of subjects in a very short amount of time,” she commented. “All of the students worked and spent time together, so it was truly a shared experience. I will stay in contact with a lot of the people I’ve met.” One aspect she has enjoyed is the difference in teaching methods between Italy and the US. “In our classes here, we can share ideas and have more discussions, and we are able to ask a lot of questions.” Back home, she said, most students seek out a chance to study abroad. “I will recommend this program to other students at LUISS.”

The Gabelli School of Business continues to develop relationships with international institutions and is growing the list of partner schools. For more information, please contact Liza Wynns, assistant director for new partnerships and external programs, at wynns@fordham.edu, or Professor Lin Tong, Ph.D., program director, at ltong2@fordham.edu.

Written by: Michelle Miller, Associate Director of Communications at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business