Is Europe a wise choice?

[uncbeers]

I'm looking at B-school for the Fall 09 year and have been looking at programs abroad. Specifically I have been investigating INSEAD (pending GMAT), Erasmus in Rotterdam and Purdue's GISMA in Germany.

Lately I have been wondering if it is smart to go abroad to get an MBA? I have picked programs that are of course at least AACSB accredited as I figure that will be the most important thing upon eventually returning to the US to work. I say eventually as I am not averse to relocating but I don't see myself becoming a permanent EU citizen someday. I live in CO and really, it seems the top programs and strong schools are not really within my region. I would be relocating for B-school no matter and the one-year European programs really appeal to me. I do a lot of international work right now so I especially realize the global awareness in today's business world and think this is also an advantage.

Is there a negative to European B-schools I am overlooking? Will it be tough to come back to the US with a MBA from Europe and land that 'dream career?'

Appreciate the feedback!

[lion147]

I'm looking at B-school for the Fall 09 year and have been looking at programs abroad. Specifically I have been investigating INSEAD (pending GMAT), Erasmus in Rotterdam and Purdue's GISMA in Germany.

Lately I have been wondering if it is smart to go abroad to get an MBA? I have picked programs that are of course at least AACSB accredited as I figure that will be the most important thing upon eventually returning to the US to work. I say eventually as I am not averse to relocating but I don't see myself becoming a permanent EU citizen someday. I live in CO and really, it seems the top programs and strong schools are not really within my region. I would be relocating for B-school no matter and the one-year European programs really appeal to me. I do a lot of international work right now so I especially realize the global awareness in today's business world and think this is also an advantage.

Is there a negative to European B-schools I am overlooking? Will it be tough to come back to the US with a MBA from Europe and land that 'dream career?'

Appreciate the feedback!

I can't speak for that situation, but I wouldn't suggest doing that based on my experience (I'm a UK->US emigrant).

U.S. employers see a qualification from a foreign university and they don't always take them as equivalent to a US qualification, regardless of whether it is or not.

I don't think this is favoritism by any means, it's just sometimes recruiters are not familiar with the universities or they think they might have a hard time verifying transcripts or references.

From a career point of view, I would suggest trying for the best program in the field you're best suited to and your academics/experience will allow, and given by the b-school you think you will best fit into, regardless of where the school is located.

But like I said, that's based on my experience, and I'm not a recruiter of MBAs!

(BTW: You forgot the London School of Economics)

[VP_MBA_Guru]

Hi UNC,
Another thing to consider is most top MBA programs have exchange programs with top European MBA programs. For example Wharton has a partnership with INSEAD (France and Singapore) - which allows students to do a semester abroad. This is a great way to get global experience and network with international students/alumni/recruiters.

Good luck -

NP

[uncbeers]

I should probably mention I'm especially interested in the one-year programs.

Does anyone know of the GISMA school (I guess it is technically Purdue)? It especially appealed to me as I speak German and have lived over there for a few months' time already.

Thanks for the responses so far!