When it comes to getting a master's in business administration, a lot of graduate students look for options to pursue their MBA abroad. Many options exist for obtaining a master's degree in another country, but students should do a little research before enrolling in classes and moving overseas.
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The Value of a Master's Degree
The most important information to know about a foreign master's degree program is whether it is accredited — or at least recognized — by employers in the country in which you are a permanent resident. In the United States, master's degrees from abroad can be valued by employers if they come from a well-regarded school in a country known for its rigorous education standards. Usually, however, a degree must come from an accredited institution, which generally means that it will need to be granted by a university in an economically developed nation. Several less developed countries in Asia are known for awarding master's degrees to business students, and colleges in these countries can be good options for students looking for a slower-paced way of life and inexpensive tuition. The cost of living in Malaysia is much lower than in Japan, for example, but a business degree from a Malaysian university may not carry the same weight with American employers as a degree from a Japanese university.
Tuition and Housing
The next most important information to consider is the cost of obtaining a master's degree in another country. The cost includes both the price of tuition and the expense of living in the foreign country while studying. One way to save a significant amount of money on tuition expenses is to attend a school in a country with free education. German schools are famous for their high academic standards and excellent quality of education. They also happen to be free — or nearly free — in most German cities. According to Investopedia, free college degrees are also offered in Norway, Finland, Swede, and France. The cost of living in these European countries is significantly higher than in most US cities, but the money saved on education expenses could make up the difference, especially if you're willing to search for affordable accommodations. For example, camping anywhere on public land is free in Sweden, so a student could potentially spend a total of $0 on tuition and housing costs while obtaining a high-quality accredited degree in Sweden.
Learning a Foreign Language
One final piece of information to consider when studying abroad is whether or not the school you attend offers classes in English. Obtaining a master's degree could be prohibitively difficult if the classes are conducted in a foreign language. A large number of foreign universities offer master's degree programs entirely in English, so students at these schools can simply focus on their studies without the need to learn a foreign language before enrolling in classes. Most schools in less developed places like India and Saudi Arabia offer courses taught entirely in English. Some schools in Europe do, as well, especially in countries with relatively uncommon languages like Finland and Sweden. Germany, too, offers degree programs conducted entirely in English.
A master's degree can open many professional doors and provide leverage for employees during contract negotiations. If you want to earn a master's in business administration, you could save money while experiencing the culture of another country by pursuing your MBA abroad.