My Grown Up Gap Year: Why I decided to Pursue my MBA Abroad

Pursuing an MBA is a big life decision that requires big dedication. Moving to another country is also a big life decision that requires big dedication. Doing them both at the same time? Well, that's just a recipe for the most challenging, life-changing, roller coaster, mind-stretching experience you may have had so far (unless you are very lucky).

Curious? Read on.

A Little Background

If you've been reading my blog you may already know that I've been living in France for the past year. You also may know that I moved to France to pursue a global MBA. I have made a few promises (in previous posts) to elaborate on this experience, and my reasons behind the decision to pursue an MBA in France, so here it is. Why I decided to pursue my MBA in France.

Now, before we dive into the cost-benefit analysis of my decision, I should really give a little background.

I'm not sure exactly when I decided I wanted to pursue my MBA. I'm also not really sure when the idea first came to me to pursue a global MBA. But I do know that I fell in love with France in 2014 when I first visited Paris. I knew I wanted to experience France - and Europe - on a deeper level. And so when I started to marinate the idea of pursuing a MBA, it occurred to me that I could knock out two major life goals in one daring feat: attend a MBA program while living abroad! And that's when the little seed of attending a MBA abroad really started to take root, and eventually transform my whole life.

Part 1: Why I decided to pursue an MBA abroad

It's important to point out that I didn't just decide to pursue my MBA, or to attend a program abroad, on a whim. This was a well thought out decision backed by quite a bit of research and logic (after all, I did decide to go back to Business school people)

But while doing my homework to determine whether to pursue my MBA, and whether to do it abroad, these are the factors that really helped influence my decision.

1. Opportunity Cost (and actual cost)

This was a major influence in my decision. If, like me, you are a U.S. citizen, and you want to attend a decent MBA program, you are likely looking at a hefty investment for your MBA. Perhaps well over 100k. You may still be in debt from your undergrad. Let's face it. Education in the U.S. is crazy expensive.

On the other hand, top MBA programs in Europe can be half as much as a top U.S. MBA program. In my case, I paid about 30% of what I would have expected to pay for an MBA program in NYC. On top of that, I was able to attend the MBA in France for one year without working, living entirely off savings, which would have been impossible in NYC (if you know the cost of rent in NYC you will understand).

In addition, while most U.S. MBA programs are 2 years in length, the majority of European programs are between 12 and 18 months long. This is huge. Not only are you saving money, you're saving time (which is much more valuable).

So essentially, by staying in NYC (or the U.S) I would have been giving up the opportunity to focus 100% on my education for one year, losing a year of career advancement (due to the longer program) and would have ended up with quite a bit more debt.

Seems like a no-brainer so far, right? Keep reading. It gets better.

2. International Experience

Another very important factor in my decision was the international experience I would gain by attending an MBA abroad. The Global MBA program I attended at EDHEC Business School enrolls students from about 32 nationalities in each cohort, which provides an extremely valuable learning experience, not only for business, but for life. My global mindset and knowledge of other countries and cultures expanded exponentially just by talking and working (and drinking) with my fellow classmates from around the world.

I really think an added benefit of attending an international program is that all of the students are leaving their homes, their families, their jobs, to attend an MBA in a foreign place. This creates the perfect environment for bonding, creating life-long friendships, and immersing yourself 100% into the program, with no outside distractions.

In addition, living and studying in France adds a whole new meaning to "educational experience". Experiencing a whole new culture and language really does wonders for forcing you out of your comfort zone and into a learning mindset. Your brain literally turns to putty for a while while it's adjusting, but somehow emerges a little stronger, and maybe a little wiser.

3. Opportunity to Travel and take a "Grown Up Gap Year"

Like most, I never had the opportunity to do the infamous "gap year". Really, since I turned 16 and legally able to work, I never stopped working. I worked through high school, through college, and true to American form never took a vacation longer than 10 days. I'm not complaining. This is "normal". It was life. But I needed a break. And I knew that it was now or never.

Most people don't think of an MBA as a break. But for me, it was the perfect opportunity to have a break from the grind of the rat race, and dedicate a year to learning, self-development and travel. A break I could feel good about. My Grown Up Gap Year.

The greatest thing about attending an MBA program in Europe is that travel in Europe is crazy cheap. You can find round trip flights for as low as $40, and hostels or Airbnbs can run as little as $20/night (or if you go outside of Europe, as low as $5). So essentially the perfect stage to travel on a grad student budget.

The EDHEC Global MBA (and many other international MBAs) also included two study trips. One to Cape Town, South Africa for a Sustainable Development learning expedition, and a second trip to Singapore, Paris, London or San Francisco (depending on your specialization).

During my year of studies I was able to visit 7 countries (not including France) including Thailand, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Italy, Spain, and England. It would have taken me at least a few years - and 30X the funds - to have the same experience traveling from the U.S.

4. The Opportunity to Learn a New Language

Ok. So I'd taken two semesters of French in High School and College...but we all know that language courses in the U.S. are a joke. Or at least mine were. I learned from a text book and could read a little in French, but couldn't speak or understand French to save my life. So I had a desire to study French in France - where I had the best chance of actually learning something.

Many people asked me (when I told them I was attending an MBA in France) if the program was taught in French. NO. There is no way I could have attended a French school that taught in French. I would have never made it past admissions.

A big plus of international Business schools is that most of them teach the program in English - the international language of Business. Also a big plus of my MBA program was free French courses twice a week, taught by actual French people, in actual French (no English allowed). In addition, just being immersed in French culture for a year forces you to pick up some survival French - even if you're not trying.

Living abroad IS the best way to truly learn and practice a new language.

5. The Opportunity to Launch an International Career

One of the best reasons to pursue your MBA is the opportunity to take your career to the next level: whether it's changing direction, gaining management skills that make you eligible for a promotion, or, in the case of myself and many of my classmates, giving you the opportunity to launch an international career.

I've always had the desire to live in many countries over the course of my lifetime. But let's face it, many companies won't consider you for an international position unless you've had some experience working, studying and living abroad.

Attending a MBA program in another country gives you the preliminary experience and skill set (not to mention the tough skin) to launch an international career. It also gives you the best possible window of opportunity to land a job in another country post-grad. That being said, it's not easy. It takes real dedication and jumping through a host of hoops...but it is possible.

During my MBA program my classmates and I continually heard about the famed "Triple Jump". The ultimate manifestation of your Global MBA. Landing a job in a different industry, function, and country. This was the dream. This is the reason people not only pursue an MBA, but pursue it abroad.

I was a little shocked when I realized I had achieved the Triple Jump. I hadn't necessarily counted on it. But I had decided by the end of the program that I really wanted to stay in France, and work with a startup, and now I find myself doing just that.

Conclusion

So...what is the final takeaway from my MBA abroad experience? It was nothing I thought it would be...it was so much more. I gained so much more than an education; I gained valuable global perspective, a new language and cultural exposure, a wealth of experiences and opportunities, and new friends from around the globe.

It was the best investment I've ever made. I wish I could do it all over again.

Are you considering going abroad for your education? Or have you had a similar experience? I'd love to hear from you!

Post a comment below or shoot me an email, and don't forget to subscribe to become a member of the Wanderlust Femme community!

-The Wanderlust Femme