With successful MBA programs already established in Europe (Czech Republic) and the Middle East (Bahrain), DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business is looking east to expand its current overseas graduate degree ventures. The highly regarded Chicago business school recently welcomed a second cohort of students to its new MBA program in Taiwan, and a third group is being recruited to start in early 2008.

DePaul’s expansion in Asia is part of a higher education trend. China, Singapore and India are among “global hot spots” for American colleges seeking to launch degree programs abroad, according to “Venturing Abroad: Delivering U.S. Degrees Through Overseas Branch Campuses and Programs,” a report issued by the American Council on Education. In China, for example, more than 60 percent of foreign university-sponsored programs focus on business, according to the report.

“As Asia’s economy continues to grow, so does the demand for business education, especially degree programs presented in partnership with well-respected Western universities,” said Michael Jedel, director of Kellstadt’s international business degree programs. “DePaul has established a record for providing high-quality international degree programs; and that allows us to make a long-term commitment to offering our MBA in Asia.”

Kellstadt formed a partnership with Pan Asia Education Co. Ltd., a private, non-government human resources and educational institution, to open the 18-month MBA program to the public in Taipei, Taiwan, last fall. Eighteen students are enrolled in the first cohort of the program, and a second cohort of nineteen students started in July. Cohort three is planned for early 2008.