The Global Cohort of Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives is opening up a lot of doors for ambitious students around the world who otherwise would be unable to attend had it not been for this new hybrid format. But how exactly does this work? Do students in this cohort have the same learning and bonding experiences as the San Francisco and Philadelphia cohorts?
We asked two second-year students in the Global Cohort to tell us about their Wharton journeys. Here is what they said:
Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25
On Choosing the Global Cohort:
“I live in a rural town in Indiana, and traveling to Philadelphia would take an entire day. On top of that, I manage a global team and frequently travel for work. With family commitments, commuting to the East Coast every other weekend just wasn’t feasible. The Global Cohort offered the flexibility I needed to pursue my MBA at Wharton.”
On a Typical Class Weekend:
“Classes are held on Thursday evenings and Friday and Saturday mornings. The virtual classroom is highly interactive, and the professors are genuinely engaged with us. You can raise your hand, ask questions, and receive real-time feedback. What I really appreciate is the global diversity within the cohort. Class discussions bring in unique perspectives from various industries, markets, and countries around the world, which enriches the learning experience. We stay connected through online discussions and chats—it’s truly engaging.”
On Student Bonding:
“Outside of class, our community thrives through Slack and WhatsApp groups where we celebrate birthdays, family milestones, and even festivals. The sense of community is so strong. For example, when we had an in-person class in Panama, a classmate organized a one-day sailing trip. Though I’m afraid of water, my classmates’ support encouraged me to join in, and it turned into an unforgettable experience. There’s no shortage of bonding opportunities.”
Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25
On Choosing the Global Cohort:
I had been considering an MBA for a long time, but taking two years off became less feasible as I progressed in my career. I looked into Wharton’s EMBA program, but the requirement to fly to San Francisco or Philadelphia every other weekend wasn’t compatible with living in Benin. When the opportunity arose for the Global Cohort, it was a perfect fit.”
On Student Bonding:
“We are so thankful for opportunities to spend time together and make the most out of it. We are really intentional about making dinners and non-virtual coffee chats happen when possible.”
On Academic Rigor:
“It is very rigorous and there are no days off from juggling work and school. The time difference to the East Coast can also be challenging because classes are sometimes in the middle of the night for me. But the classes are highly engaging, as the professors don’t just teach, they encourage us to engage in thought-provoking discussions. It’s not just about learning from the professors but also learning from our peers.”
By Meghan Laska
Posted: June 16, 2025
