Top-ranked business schools abroad give a new dimension to you career path. Such An MBA brings in the opportunity of exploring a new country. Such a crucial decision of going abroad cannot be taken on the basis of a few digits alone: it will be prudent to look beyond the rankings. Here are 5 main aspects which you need to keep in mind while choosing a Business school abroad.
1. Connect your aspirations to the country’s offerings
What do rankings of the Business schools abroad mean to you? A means of short listing a Business school abroad, right? Rankings primarily aid in selecting the top Business school. After the MBA program abroad, it is very likely that you might settle down in that particular country. Therefore, it is a prudent act to choose a particular country abroad to settle down in and then use the rankings to choose the right Business school. The MBA should finally be the means to an end – a successful, rewarding career and stable settlement in the country where you have built your network! After the completion of your MBA, the country should continue to appeal to you. Here is a quick checklist on evaluating the abroad country’s offerings
- Immigration rules of the country : An MBA abroad will ensure you good job prospects and help you settle abroad. But a word of caution in this case – Immigration rules for foreign nationals vary from place to place. Only the United States, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia make it possible for foreign nationals to gradually settle down permanently.
- Economic and Political conditions abroad: A booming economy would always have jobs in abundance. Stable political conditions give a sense of security.
- Occupation prospects in the country: Since every country abroad doesn’t have the same economic growth levels, the opportunities vary. The occupation you are interested in, necessarily wouldn’t be flourishing in the chosen country abroad. For example, construction engineers are for more in demand in Canada than in the US.
- Environment of the country : Geographic locations, Climatic conditions, ease of communication and social-cultural environment (a broad minded culture with a focus on diversity) influence the comfort while staying abroad
2. Type of M.B.A offered
Global MBA programs tend to have a more diverse population in terms of nationalities, backgrounds (educational and professional), genders, etc, which enhances the quality of the environment and the learning. MBA courses tend to have a more global coverage of topics in their syllabus. Top MBA schools abroad also offer variety within their programs, giving experienced students the opportunity to enroll in an Executive MBA program, a fast-track MBA program, or special concentrations within a traditional MBA program. In a top MBA Business school abroad, the chance to specialize in a certain business area – like accounting, international business, or marketing – can help you find a specific job. General MBA programs in Business schools abroad may not be that helpful.
3. Your Investment
You may start with the assumption that a scholarship might not be immediately possible. Then, look at the resources at your disposal. Procedures, availability, and types of funding for foreign students at Business schools abroad vary tremendously. Consider whether or not you would financially be able to support yourself abroad in that chosen country. While studying for an MBA in a foreign country; you also need to factor in insurance, transportation expenses and restricted employment options. The exchange rates play a crucial role in determining your financial conditions while pursuing your MBA in a business school abroad and your earnings after settling down.
4. Long term Prospects
Many a times Business schools abroad have local or country-specific fame only. Hence, choose a Business school abroad with a possibility of settling out there.
Getting an MBA in the Business school abroad isn’t a simple weekend project. Leaving one’s home country and planning to settle abroad requires meticulous planning. An experience abroad in a top Business school is one that will stay with you for life. Then why invest in a wrong place abroad? While an MBA abroad will open you to a new canvass of opportunities, make sure that these opportunities give you a new lease of professional and personal life too
