The number of international students in the U.S. hit an all-time high of 1.09 million in 2018.1 Students are attracted to the U.S. because of its top-rated academic institutions and cultural diversity. And because a Master of Business Administration is one of the most valuable postgraduate degrees in academia, pursuing one is a popular path for international students. Here are some of the advantages of earning your MBA from a U.S. institution.
Diversity of Programs and Specializations
Top MBA programs in the U.S. ensure that all students receive a solid foundation of business knowledge across discipline areas, including marketing, economics, supply chain management, and accounting. They also typically offer specialization tracks depending on a student’s background and career interests. Such specializations could include healthcare management, social entrepreneurship, human resource management, and corporate finance. One advantage of choosing a specialization is the opportunity to study a career field in more detail—for example, an MBA student focused on human resource management might choose to take courses on business information systems, human resource analytics, or conflict management.
Real-World Experience
U.S. business schools tend to stress real-world experience as an important facet of an MBA education. Students explore case studies or participate in problem-solving partnerships with real companies as part of their curricular requirements. These experiences prepare students to face real problems in their present or future career roles. Many of the U.S.’s best business schools also require internships, which provide valuable on-the-job experience and often lead to job offers.
Cross-Cultural Interaction
With one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world, the U.S. offers a welcoming environment for international students at its academic institutions. Students often connect with others from their home country on campus while enjoying many opportunities to interact with fellow students from other cultures and backgrounds. Many U.S. institutions place a high value on cultural diversity and strive for diverse student populations, creating an atmosphere that fosters mutual respect, openness, and a willingness to learn from one another.
Leadership Training
Most business administration degree programs in the U.S. make leadership training a pillar of their curriculum. In fact, students at some institutions can choose to specialize in leadership. The study of leadership begins with promoting self-awareness—understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, decision-making processes, and methods of dealing with difficult problems. From there, students are encouraged to explore effective methods of collaboration, motivating others, and making ethical decisions.
Online Learning—The Simplest Path to a U.S. MBA
Relocating to the U.S. to get an MBA degree can be difficult to negotiate. Submitting paperwork, uprooting from a current career role, facing separation from friends and family members for an extended period of time, and undertaking a large financial commitment make it an impractical decision for many international students. But there’s good news—online education is making it more convenient than ever to earn a degree. For example, Walden University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program allows students to earn a degree from an ACBSP-accredited program in as little as 12 months.
As a Walden student, you are free to retain your current professional role while working toward your degree.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.