How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Study for an MBA Abroad

Getting an MBA abroad has become increasingly popular. It’s a great way to build an international network and gain diverse professional experience. When you research potential programs, compile a list of business schools that specialize in your area of interest. Compare tuition costs, and consider whether you can afford to live in a program’s city. Give yourself months to put together your application, and be sure to convey your international experience in your essays. An MBA is a major investment, so explore funding options like scholarships and career development loans.

EditSteps

EditChoosing an International Program

Select programs that specialize in your area of interest. Evaluate location, faculty, and industry access, and narrow your list to programs that suit your needs. For example, if you specialize in finance, business schools near New York and London are among your best options. Their proximity to major financial institutions will give you access to internship, networking, and career opportunities.^[1]
- When researching MBA programs online, include your field as a search term. Your area of interest could be finance, marketing, real estate, IT management, or health care.
Compare program costs. An MBA is a major investment, and top programs in the United States and Europe cost well over $100,000 (USD). Your specialization can help you narrow your list of programs and locations. From there, compare programs’ costs and funding options.^[2]
- While the top-ranked programs are located in the US, UK, and France, expand your search beyond rankings. India and China, for example, offer competitive programs and scholarships to international applicants. Peking University's 2-year MBA is taught in English, and international scholarships could cover up to full tuition.^[3]
Factor in cost of living. Find out how much rent, utilities, a cup of coffee, groceries, toiletries, and other necessities cost in your potential programs’ locations. You might not be working full-time during your studies, so you need to make sure you can afford to live in your chosen program’s city.^[4]
- Enter a city into Numbeo's cost of living calculator: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living. It'll generate an exhaustive list of expenses, including groceries, utilities, and transportation.
Look into language requirements. Your potential programs will list language requirements on their admissions websites. If you’re applying to programs in the US or UK, English fluency is required. If you’re an English speaker, most reputable business schools offer courses or full programs in English.^[5]
- In addition to being proficient in the program’s language of instruction, you’ll most likely need to learn enough of the local language to get by day to day.
Research visa requirements. Once you’re accepted into a program, you might need to apply for a student visa. Every nation has a different application procedure, but your business school will help guide you through the process. Start the application process as soon as you get your acceptance letter. You’ll need your passport and other identifying documents, your acceptance offer, and other nation-specific requirements, such as medical certificate and immunizations.^[6]
- Language proficiency might also be required for a visa.

EditCreating a Competitive Application

Complete application forms as instructed. Visit your potential programs’ websites for specific application instructions. For most programs, you’ll submit a form and supporting documents online through a web portal.^[7]
Craft essays that convey your adaptability and international experience. You’ll need to answer 2 to 3 essay questions; these bear significant weight and must be well-crafted. Include specific personal experiences that convey your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.^[8]
- For example, the Wharton School of Business asks applicants how they’ll contribute to the Wharton community.
- International applicants must also affirm that they can thrive in foreign surroundings. Discuss experiences such as an undergraduate semester you studied abroad, an international trip you took (preferably longer than 10 days), or how you collaborated with an international firm in a professional setting.^[9]
Choose references who can make a compelling case for your admission. Your references should be familiar with your professional achievements, such as former or current supervisors. They need to paint a compelling, vivid portrait of your personal character and professional growth. Additionally, they should convey that you’re able to adapt to life abroad.^[10]
- A good recommendation might state, “It has been most rewarding to see their professional growth. Hiring and mentoring them has been among the most meaningful experiences of my career.”
Submit your GMAT or GRE scores. Most programs require either GMAT or GRE scores. Competitive programs usually look for section scores of 650 or higher. Begin preparing for the test as early as possible; it’s wise to enroll in a test prep course and to take online practice tests.^[11]
- Use Kaplan’s GMAT or GRE practice resources: https://www.kaptest.com.
- You’ll likely self-report scores at first, or simply enter your score into the application form, then have your official score sent to the program upon acceptance. If there’s any discrepancy between your self-reported score and official score, your acceptance will be withdrawn.
Translate or convert your undergraduate transcript. Since there’s no universal grading standard, you’ll need to explain how your transcript translates into the grading system of the program’s nation. Contact your undergraduate registrar for help converting your transcript.^[12]
- For example, if you’re applying to a US program, you’ll need to convert your undergraduate transcript to a 4.0 scale. Ask your undergraduate registrar to send a letter that explains how your nation’s grading system compares to the US scale.

EditFunding an International MBA

Start searching for scholarships as soon as possible. While your business school might offer scholarships, any awards you receive from them will probably total a fraction of your tuition. Your program’s national government might also offer scholarships to international applicants from your country of origin.^[13]
- Start looking online as soon as possible for scholarships. Apply for any that you’re eligible for, even if they’re only for a few hundred dollars or pounds.
- If you’re a US citizen applying to a program abroad, or a foreign citizen applying to a US program, you could apply for a Fulbright scholarship.^[14]
Investigate your student loan options. Student loans for international graduate studies can be tricky. You’ll most likely need strong credit in your program’s nation or a cosigner who is a citizen of that nation. You can also check if your government grants loans to citizens pursuing graduate studies abroad.^[15]
See if your company offers MBA sponsorships. Work sponsorships are a common way of funding an MBA. However, you’ll need to ensure your company sponsors international programs. Further, you’ll have to work for that company for years after you earn your MBA, so you might not be able to immediately take advantage of the international network you build during your studies.^[16]
Look into crowdfunded career development loans. About 35 percent of MBA candidates in business schools across the globe are international students. Since getting an MBA abroad is so popular, many schools offer low-interest crowdfunded loans for international students. Typically, alumni and other investors sponsor an MBA class, then the loan is repaid upon graduation.^[17]
- Contact your school’s financial aid department to find out if they have a career development loan program.

EditMaking the Most of Your MBA Program

Engage the local culture. Try not to spend every waking hour studying. Take time to relax and de-stress by going to museums, cafes, and other local attractions. Walk around your neighborhood, and try to build relationships with locals.^[18]
- Spark conversations in lines, at coffee shops or bars, or at a yoga or workout class.
Play the "MBA card." Contact local companies in your field of interest, and let them know that you're an MBA student. Set up informational interviews, ask about shadowing employees, attend conferences, and pursue other professional development opportunities. Playing the MBA card can open the doors to a host of experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible.^[19]
Introduce yourself to as many people as possible. One perk of studying abroad is the opportunity to build a robust, international professional network. Don't hide out in your room or at the library. Talk to your peers, strike up conversations with professors, and try to get to know a few new people every day.^[20]
- Try to have meaningful conversations with people outside of the classroom. Ask your peers or professors to grab a coffee or beer after class, pick their brains, and shoot the breeze about the latest news in global economics.
Establish long-term career goals. During your studies, you'll need to choose summer internships, explore post-MBA job opportunities, and figure out how to turn your MBA into a long-term career. Keep your long-term goals in mind at every step of the process. Be open to serendipity, but do your best to fit your studies into your larger professional strategy.^[21]