Why study an MBA abroad? We spoke to Katherine Franchois about her experiences moving from the US to the UK to study for an MBA. She reveals five compelling reasons to study an MBA abroad.
One of the most compelling reasons to study an MBA abroad is that it forces you to break out of your comfort zone. Taking the leap and immersing yourself in a foreign business school can be a transformative experience that fosters personal growth.
Moving abroad to pursue an MBA means getting to know new people, acquiring insights into a different business culture, and evolving into a more globally-aware person. A foreign academic journey can help equip you to face life’s varied challenges with an enhanced perspective. After moving abroad, other challenges may seem a little less daunting.
Studying abroad isn’t for everyone. It’s perfectly natural to be worried about such a monumental decision. If you’re leaning towards taking the leap, it’s crucial to choose a university that aligns with your needs. A helpful approach is to connect with your potential institution’s current students or alumni. They can provide firsthand insights into life in the country and the academic experience at the university.
Another benefit of studying abroad is that you’ll become exposed to different ways of thinking. You’ll encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds who might perceive challenges differently or express themselves in ways you’re not accustomed to. Such rich diversity may be particularly prevalent in the global milieu of an international business school.
Katherine Francois moved from Philadelphia in the United States to study the full-time MBA program at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) in the United Kingdom. The Manchester MBA cohort includes students from more than 30 countries, making it one of the most international programs in the UK. Katherine says that immersing herself in this diverse setting helped her to grow personally and professionally.
“You get to work with those people every day and understand them and learn how they work and how they think,” she explains. “Having that diversity of thought, I think, is really critical for any business person.” (09:09)
When exposed to different people, opinions, and ways of thinking, you can learn to see problems in a new light and from multiple angles. Embracing diversity molds you into a more adaptive and comprehensive thinker and makes you more well-rounded.
Katherine has always held a deep affection for the United Kingdom. Having been a huge football fan since she was young, the chance to move to a football-mad country was an appealing prospect for her. While personal reasons influenced her decision to study in the UK, the move also helped her clarify her professional ambitions. She decided to turn her passion for football into a career.
“Moving here, that passion [for football] has only grown,” she says. “And it makes me realize where I want to be [in my career].” (13:15)
Since starting at AMBS, she has realized a career in the football industry is a real possibility. Moving abroad was a catalyst in reshaping her career trajectory.
After connecting with a guest speaker who came to AMBS during the first term of her program, Katherine was presented with an exciting opportunity to intern with the Premier League, the highest level of the English football league system.
“For the next four months, I’ll be working specifically for the Premier League,” she explains. “They have a program called The Elite Academy Managers, and it’s a pathway for academy managers and senior leaders within clubs who aren’t necessarily from the business world to have an academic path to learning the business side.” (11:33)
This opportunity wouldn’t have come about if Katherine had stayed in her native US. Moving abroad to be closer to the heart of the football fandom has opened up a new career opportunity for Katherine. She’s turning her ambition to work in the football industry into a reality.
An MBA, by its very nature, is a degree focused on business, management, and leadership. Therefore, it makes sense that those who embark on an MBA journey aspire to emerge as more adept business professionals. But, studying for an MBA degree abroad can help you sharpen your business skills outside the curriculum. An international context can serve as an expansive classroom in its own right, complementing formal education with real-world experience and perspectives.
“I think having experience abroad – whether it is in the UK or another country – is really important for business people,” Katherine explains. “Because you do have exposure to those different cultures. Not just the country you’re in, but the diversity that you get from being at those schools is important.” (08:46)
If you decide to study an MBA abroad, it’s important to choose a program that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Choose a country that’s an excellent fit for you. Find a school that aligns with your values. And opt for a program that will help you achieve your goals.
If you find the right program, choosing to study for an MBA abroad might just be the best decision you ever make.
If you want to learn more about the MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School, why not reach out to one of our AMBS ambassadors? They will be happy to answer any questions you have about studying for an MBA abroad.
