Commuting abroad for your Executive MBA

As the make-up of business school classrooms becomes ever more diverse, QS TopExecutive takes a look at the benefits of crossing borders for your EMBA degree.

Most Executive MBA students are likely to have to travel some distance to attend courses, but for a top program, some are willing to go the extra mile and cross borders to obtain their education.

Within Europe, for example, it is not unusual for a German student to attend business school in Switzerland or the Netherlands (19% of Nyenrode Business School’s EMBA cohort is international), while it is also comparatively easy for an Italian student to fly to the UK to attend program modules there.

Similarly, many students from Canada may choose to cross the border to the south and study in the US or vice versa. In the Darden EMBA program Class of 2014 at the University of Virginia for example, 17% of EMBA students are born outside of the US, hailing from countries as diverse as Argentina, France, India, Italy and Peru.

Set up for the commuter

EMBA degrees, by nature, focus on flexibility and high levels of mobility and aim to accommodate the vastly differing and demanding schedules of executives. Modules and courses are often offered in blocks to make it possible for students to take dedicated time out of the office and commute to the classroom.

So, what are the benefits of commuting abroad for your Executive MBA?

International orientation

Today’s global business environment has given rise to an ever-increasing demand for an international outlook. This is reflected in many, if not most, EMBA programs and is an asset to students and employers alike.
In addition to in-depth business knowledge and cutting-edge management skills, EMBA students commuting abroad for their studies also experience a culturally diverse environment and increased levels of international mobility.

A global edge

Even though a growing number of top business schools are partnering with foreign institutions to open campuses abroad, brand names like Wharton, London Business School or INSEAD continue to make the (somewhat) arduous long distance trip worthwhile for many international students. In fact, international students make up 33% of the Wharton MBA for Executives Class of 2014.

Not only does this indicate a willingness and ability to travel, it also demonstrates a sense of commitment and an extraordinary amount of dedication and discipline. Top it off with an Executive MBA from one of the world’s top business schools and this combination is invaluable in giving the internationally commuting EMBA student a distinct edge in today’s employment market.

Sole focus

Travelling internationally for EMBA studies also has the benefit that it creates an environment in which the student can focus solely on the task at hand, avoiding distractions such as problems at work, or commitments involving family and friends.

When commuting great distances, EMBA students have the possibility to fully immerse themselves in the program, in a new and stimulating academic environment. Some international commuters also highlight the fact that time spent in airport terminals, on planes or trains offers a respite from the daily chores and provides some much needed down time – or reading of textbooks!

Air miles

Commuting abroad for an EMBA degree might be financially strenuous – and it’s certainly an extra consideration to take while undergoing your program research – but it does have its upsides. Booking international travel on your credit card will allow you to clock up air miles (for students who have chosen this particular rewards program). Upon completion of the program, a healthy total of air miles will have accumulated which can be put to further trips of the vacation kind!

Commuting abroad for an Executive MBA will require an extra bit of effort, but if a student is able and willing to cross boarders for a top quality education, he or she can reap enormous rewards in the long run.