Second Post

Studying Abroad: Get an MBA in Europe

International business dictates that global corporations need managers who function effectively within different cultures and are fluent – in both speech and thought - in more than one language. European MBA programmes (including those in the UK) are generally considered to be ahead of their American counterparts when it comes to international diversity and focus; the advantage of a European MBA over one in the UK is, of course, the opportunity to learn another language. The rich mix of cultures at the majority of European institutes providing MBAs is ideal preparation for working in the international business environment.

If planning to study for an MBA abroad then Europe has several advantages as a destination over the United States. The style of teaching tends to be practical rather than academic. American business schools are often criticised for failing to adequately link learning to a real business environment, being too theoretical and thus ineffective. Secondly, the European programmes are normally shorter, on average 10–15 months in contrast to the two-year standard at American schools. This has the effect of saving time and money and is a real bonus to those who can’t afford to spend too long away from their family or current job. Finally, as mentioned above, the international diversity of European schools is significantly higher than American schools. For example, only 5 per cent of students at the Rotterdam school of management are Dutch whereas the most internationally diverse school in the United States, the Kellog school of Management at Northwestern University, has a non-national representation of about 45 per cent.

France
Just across the channel lie some of the most reputable business schools in the world. They have the distinct quality of being (relatively) cheap as they enjoy generous subsidies from the local ‘chambre de commerce’, of which both national and international students can take advantage. This close relationship with business has many benefits; not least the hands-on practical experience students receive during the MBA. This relationship also creates a very strong alumni network, which in turn means French companies increasingly employ large numbers of foreigners to management positions, a reflection of the continuing drive for globalisation. The ability to speak French is a bonus but not a necessity; most institutions teach their MBA programmes in both French and English, in order to compete with the large American schools.

The most prestigious business school in France is Insead, in Fontainebleau, directly south of Paris. Insead consistently reaches the top 10 in the Financial Times rankings, and also operates another campus in Singapore. Insead prefers to be labelled an international institution in France, rather than a French school, and as such exists outside the grandes écoles system and is not connected to any chambre de commerce. It does, however, boast a multicultural faculty of international business professionals and top professors from some of the world’s best universities. MBA graduates from Insead represent very appealing recruits to multi-national organisations aiming to thrive in modern global markets.

Spain
Spain is an increasingly popular destination for UK MBA students. In addition to its more obvious selling points – the climate, relaxed lifestyle and cuisine – applicants are being seduced by the prestige and international flavour of the programmes on offer. Spanish schools have seen a steep rise in British applicants who in addition to the internationally renowned courses, are keen to master Spanish, the second most widely spoken language in the world.

The IESE business school, attached to the University of Navarra, has campuses in both Barcelona and Madrid and is the most internationally renowned of the Spanish schools. IESE pioneered the idea of teaching an MBA in two languages and there are multiple avenues for achieving bilingualism by the end of the programme. Around 70 per cent of students are from countries other than Spain and drawn from 55 different countries. This international mix is enhanced by elements within the course such as working in multinational teams to complete projects and participating in international exchange programmes. The obvious drawback is when experiencing a deadline/sunshine conflict and having to turn your back on the beach for a while!

Other
European MBAs have a reputation for excellence across the globe and often provide training you simply cannot get in America. Surprisingly however, Germany, Europe’s biggest economic power, has no representatives at all in The Financial Times top fifty MBA programmes.

Another prestigious school is IMD International in Laussane, Switzerland but be warned as it also the most expensive MBA programme at around 50,000 Euros. (Average full-time MBAs range from 18,000 to 27,500 Euros.)

In today’s highly competitive job market, achieving an MBA from a reputable continental business school is another way to stand out from the crowd; half of all MBAs in Europe are in the UK. Employers know that MBA graduates from European business schools will possess international skills (including at least two languages), proven commitment and a flexibility that is a great asset in the eyes of an international corporation.