European vs US schools

Question

BTW- anyone have comments on the US vs European system. I know that traditionally the US schools were far superior but i think that has changed a lot today with European schools offering a much more international perspective. Any thoughts? 

I am bringing this question to this forum from â€œShare your experienceâ€

tareks · Answer

yeap I agree. As an international student myself, looking to work in the international arena, Europe might be a better option. It has a much more international perspective, and is closer to other parts of the world. I dont see myself living or working in the US. Not my cup of tea, especially with the current hysteria going on there. 

I am lebanese by birth, Canadian citizen and Lived in 11 countries, including the US for my under grad. So I am really a global nomad. 

The only weaknesses with European schools is the recruitment and networking but i heard both have improved. Any thoughts?

Hjort · Answer

There are some outstanding MBA programs outside of the United States. Initially, some of these programs were a bit derivative and tried to replicate the US model to some extent. However, over the past 20-30 years the funding and institutional development of programs outside of the US has been impressive.

Puilunchristin · Answer

Do you think students who attended US business school would still be able to have international opportunities and careers that are outside of the US? or would European business schools provide them with more opportunitieS?

Hjort · Answer

Not to duck the question but it would really depend on which school in the US and which one in Europe.

Puilunchristin · Answer

Then do you know which schools whether it is in the US or Europe that would allow the graduates have the option of working within or outside of the US? Not everyone exactly have an idea of which country they would work in, sometimes it really depends where the opportunities take them.

Hjort · Answer

I see your point- it is just a difficult question to answer since it is so open-ended. A top cluster school in the US, especially one strong in International Business would be a good place to start your search. Another good place to start is to look at recruiter lists of the US and European schools to see if they are from regions/countries that interest you. You will find that the major European schools tend to have the impressive list of the usual MNC suspects as well as local recruiters. Placement stat.s of the major programs is another way of gaining insight into the strength of a given school in a particular region. If a program does not have the information readily available on its website, you can contact them and get the information.

The major MBA schools in the US and Europe have extensive networks of exchange programs as well. If you have a very strong interest in a particular region, you can take advantage of an exchange to that region. 

If you can pin your question down to a specific set of schools, it is easier to perform a comparative anaysis.

Andrea_ · Answer

i heard a number of complaints about some limitations for foreigners who is willing to build a career in western europe. (it seems that there is some sort of discrimination towards foreigners)
probably you should think about this.
hower I personally have never been working in western europe.

Hjort · Answer

I agree, possible restrictions on immigration and work authorization should be examined carefully before enrolling in an MBA program.

Puilunchristin · Answer

Do you think there's a possibility that US students get an MBA in Europe and would be able to come back to the US to find work? Or would there really be no point to get an MBA in Europe? If not, then what's the reason for foreign students to get an MBA in Europe due to work authorization issues?

Hjort · Answer

Yes, it is certainly possible for a US national to attend an MBA program in Europe and return to the US for employment. Some Americans do this so they can gain exposure to international business practices even if they plan on returning to the US in the near or intermediate future. Some students attend programs in Europe to sharpen their language skills and others are essentially academic tourists.

Another factor to keep in mind is that there are quite a few EU/US dual nationals (technically nationals of a member state of the EU who hold American citizenship). These students have relatively few work authorization concerns. Even with the legal barriers removed, however, there are a number of social barriers that can complicate employment for the "outsiders" of any economic system.

Puilunchristin · Answer

As you have mentioned earlier regarding the social barriers of the economic system, did you mean that even European students with American citizenship have a hard time finding jobs in Europe? Do you think that US students who studied in Europe would have a better chance finding a job back in the US then in Europe? What about in Asia? Is it the same way?

Andrea_ · Answer

i think degrees from elite/ultra-elite schools would be recognized worldwide.
however, the good solution is getting degree in Europe if you'd like to stay there or getting american degree if you plan on working in US.

richardj · Answer

If you want to work in Europe but for a large multi-national corporation then you would be fine with a US degree, and would be judged on US norms.

If you want to work in Europe for a smaller or national firm then you would be in a much stronger position if you had previously lived, worked or studied in Europe.

You can assume that hiring educated Europeans have heard of the Ivy League universities, but would not have much idea about the relative standing of the rest, and would not necessarily know how this relates to the strength of the MBA course.

European vs US schools

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