Study Abroad
Where in the world do you want to get a graduate management education?
Thanks to the global recognition and wide availability of MBA and management education programs across countries, you can go just about anywhere to pursue these degrees.
Why Study Internationally?
Half (50%) of all GMAT test-takers sent their score to a program outside of their home country in testing year 2011. And, of the more than 16,000 global prospective students surveyed in 2011, about one in three (38%) individuals are interested in the degree to increase their opportunities for having an international career.
According to 2011 Global Management Education Graduate Survey, 27% of today's students are graduating from a school outside their countries of citizenship. Historically, their main reasons for seeking a degree internationally have been to:
- Get a better quality education than was available in their own country
- Improve career opportunities
- Broaden their international experience and gain exposure to other cultures
- Attend a school with an international reputation
Wach the Videos: Learn Why these Students Chose to Study Abroad
Many students who choose to study abroad gain invaluable networking opportunities. Hear from Lin Quing and Raj.
Take thke GMAT® Exam
Quality graduate management education programs around the world require the GMAT exam as a major prerequisite for admission. You may need to take the GMAT exam well in advance, as testing sites are not available everywhere in the world. Typically, GMAT preparation can take several months, so you should schedule your test appointment well in advance of school application deadlines.
Need to Measure Your English Language Ability?
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a new computer-based test of international academic-level English. PTE Academic is designed for students applying to institutions where English is the language of instruction.
The test will provide a true reflection of your English language proficiency. You can register for and schedule your test online at a time and date that suits you. The test takes approximately three hours to complete, and your scores are available online in five business days. You can also prepare for the test using practice materials designed to help you predict how you will do on test day.
For more information about how to register for the exam and the growing global list of institutions which take PTE Academic scores, visit www.pearsonpte.com/gmat.
Study the Academic Environment
Develop a good understanding of the country’s educational style and culture. Are you expected to participate in group projects? What about class participation? Are you comfortable being challenged in front of your classmates? How are grades calculated?
You may be surprised to find yourself confronted by an unexpected style of teaching. For example, in many US MBA programs, students are expected to express their ideas, even if they do not agree with those of the professor. In some other cultures, that action would be considered disrespectful.
Support for International Students
To determine if a school is right for you, you need to look at more than just the percentage of international students. What countries do they represent? What resources does the school provide for international students? Can the school help with visa requirements? Put you in touch with its alumni in your country? Is the school willing to be flexible if you have special dietary or religious needs?
Figuring Your Finances
The cost of a graduate management education varies greatly around the world. It helps to take a pro-active approach to developing a strategy that works for you and your family, and that aligns with your career aspirations. To prepare a realistic budget, you need to have a clear idea of these costs, including living expenses. School financial aid offices should be able to provide information and counseling on costs, student loans and other financing. A recent OfficialGMAT blog entry offers guidance about what prospective students typically consider in their plans to Pay for School.
Understand Job Placement Issues
Many students start an MBA intending to remain and work in the same country after graduation. But it may be difficult to get a job outside your country of citizenship, particularly if you don’t already have the required visas and work permits.
GMAC® research shows that historically, corporate recruiters prefer to hire people who already have the required permits to work in their country. So make sure you have realistic expectations regarding your international study and post-MBA employment.
Get Answers from Schools
Ask what a school’s job placement office can do for you if you aren’t a citizen of that country. Even the best schools may have a significantly lower placement average for their international graduates than for others.
Ask such specific questions as:
- How many companies that interview on campus are willing to hire international students?
- What kinds of industries are willing to hire international students?
- Are summer internships available to international students?
- How homesick will you be?
- If you have never lived away from home before, or if your family and personal relationships are very close, it’s important to consider whether you’re prepared to spend a year or two without hearing your language spoken or eating your favorite foods.
A school in the urban center may have a larger expatriate community than a more isolated, rural campus. Check with your country's embassy or consulate to find out if there are other expatriates in same area as the school you are considering.
Visas and Immigration
Visa issues have become more complicated in recent years. The schools you are considering can usually refer you to the correct government agency for student visas. Getting a student visa in some countries can take a long time, so plan ahead.
For more information applying for a visa to study in the US, download our Quick Guide Immigration Primer (PDF).
Network, Network, Network!
Just as networking is essential in the business world, it’s also important for prospective international students choosing an MBA program. Talk with people from your background who either attend the school or have graduated recently. See if the school admissions office can put you in touch with any alumni in your area.
And don’t forget to check online resources for other students. Ask specific questions about what it is like to live and study at the school you are considering before you make a final decision.
Other Options
There are many ways to study internationally besides applying to a school as an international student. Some schools offer international exchange programs. Others offer study abroad experiences, either through partnerships with schools in other countries or at their own satellite campuses in other countries. Some programs help students secure an international internship. Because so many of these programs are school specific, the individual school is the best source of information about these options.
