Why studying abroad is the best option for MBA students

MBA student succeeding, connecting, socializing

Although their popularity seems to have waned in recent years, Master´s in Business Administration degrees (or MBA, as they are referred to by many) have not lost their value when it comes to developing important figures in the world of business. Especially for future global leaders. But one key factor that has come into play has been where students go to get their education, with the rise of European universities now becoming pioneers in the field.

MBAs abroad offer numerous benefits: helping you understand the global market, acquiring new communication skills, increasing employment opportunities, and developing leadership abilities. Additionally, students can gain specialized knowledge in areas like Accounting, Finance, and Marketing. Today, I want to focus on maximizing this global experience and achieving an extended global network.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”  – Marcel Proust

The article discusses the importance of cross-cultural management in MBA programs. Understanding cultural differences highlights how students can develop essential soft skills and build a global professional network. Recognizing and managing these differences from the start can give students an edge in this new stage. It’s all about developing critical soft skills, building international connections, enhancing overall learning and innovation, and expanding their effectiveness in problem-solving.

Classroom and study team dynamics can be different according to the cultures present in the group, including your professors. Enjoy and learn!

The Intercultural Dimensions related to studying abroad

The two top dimensions that need to be considered by students to further enhance their MBA experience and outcomes are:

  • High & Low Power Distance: the degree to which less powerful members of a society accept and expect power to be distributed unequally
    • It is essential for MBA students to understand cultural differences in power distance. Students from high power distance cultures are more comfortable with hierarchical structures and may be less participative, preferring to take notes and debate less. In contrast, those from low power distance cultures prefer egalitarian interactions.  They are more open to debates and teamwork, engaging more freely with professors and peers regardless of their status.
  • Individualism vs. Collectivism: the extent to which people feel independent, as opposed to being interdependent in groups, or communities
    • The implication for MBA students is that individualist cultures emphasize personal achievements and foster healthy competition. Individuals often seek to shine in team settings and focus on personal success. Conversely, collectivist cultures prioritize group success and collaboration, emphasizing unity and harmony. Professors tend to foster group cohesion and a familial atmosphere to encourage strong team bonds.

Other Intercultural Dimensions MBA Students need to remember

The understanding of these other four different dimensions is no less important for students.

  • Long-term and Short-term Orientation: the degree to which cultures value long-term commitments and respect for tradition, while short-term means that students (or even professors) are more concerned about the immediate results
    • Long-term-oriented cultures may focus on future rewards and persistence. They may have in mind the result of their studies or even their career goals for when they are back to their hometowns. Short-term-oriented cultures emphasize quick results and adapting to change. They may be focusing on their immediate exam results or the quality of their projects.
  • Masculinity vs. Femininity: refers to the distribution of roles between the genders
    • Masculine cultures value competitiveness, assertiveness, and material success. These students will be searching for recognition and challenges. MBA Students from masculine cultures tend to excel in competitive environments.
    • All the while Feminine cultures value relationships and quality of life. They are more consensus-oriented, prioritizing teamwork and work-life balance. Their search is continuous for a pleasant environment, and good relations between all students regardless of hierarchy, status, experience, etc.
  • Uncertainty Avoidance Index: the degree to which culture members feel uncomfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity
    • MBA Students with High Uncertainty Avoidance may prefer structured and predictable environments, assuming clear project objectives and professors´ expectations. Meanwhile, low Uncertainty Avoidance cultures might thrive in flexible and innovative settings.
  • Indulgence vs. Restraint: defines the extent to which society allows relatively free gratification of basic human drives related to enjoying life and having fun
    • Indulgent cultures may encourage expression and leisure, while restrained cultures prioritize regulation and self-control.
World

Cultural Examples of MBA Students’ Focus

  • North America: In Canada and the USA, low power distance encourages students to view professors as equals and engage in open dialogue. High individualism focuses on personal achievements, with common individual assignments. Moderately high masculinity emphasizes competition and performance metrics. Moderate uncertainty avoidance fosters comfort with ambiguity and innovation. Low long-term orientation favors short-term results, while high indulgence emphasizes enjoying life and creating an engaging classroom environment.
  • Europe: Germany, France, and Spain value independence and teamwork, while Italy favors collectivism. Low power distance encourages open dialogue with professors, except in France. Masculinity varies, with Italy showing high competitiveness. Northern Europe emphasizes work-life balance and comfort with ambiguity, while Southern Europe prefers clear structures. Indulgence is higher in Northern Europe, balancing work and leisure differently from Southern Europe.
  • Asia: China, India, and South Korea value collectivism, group achievements, and harmony. Japan, more individualistic, prefers formal recognition for top achievers. High power distance shows respect for authority and hierarchical classrooms. High masculinity reflects a focus on achievement, while high uncertainty avoidance favors clear instructions and structure. Long-term orientation focuses on sustainability, and low indulgence emphasizes restraint and self-discipline.
  • Latin America: Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil are more collectivist, focusing on group harmony and collective success. High power distance shows their respect for authority, making them less likely to challenge professors. Argentina balances individualism and collectivism, reflecting both team cohesion and individual efforts. High masculinity emphasizes competition and success, balanced with social aspects. High uncertainty avoidance indicates a preference for structured environments. Their low long-term orientation leads to a preference for immediate results. High indulgence makes Latin American culture lively and social in classroom environments.
trust, team, collaboration, growth, leadership, leaders, workers

Challenges and Solutions for MBA students

  • Be aware that you are different and that your classmates are different. Take your time, there is no need to jump in and adapt or adopt. No “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Be yourself but act with respect.
  • Assess the communication styles of your different colleagues and faculty members with the information provided above. Adjust the degree of formality, directness, and emotional expressions according to the cultural background of the team (or individual) you are communicating with.
  • One important tip is to avoid hanging around only with your regional colleagues. Take advantage of all the richness in your new space! It will likely seem easier to socialize with fellow students from your own country or culture, or similar cultures, but the experience will never be the same. I´ve repeatedly heard stories of students who, once they´ve returned from studying abroad, where not only did they not learn the language, but they didn’t learn and live with the other cultures. Enrich your experience in the time you spend in the MBA program. Expand your network!
  • Join or build yourself a Support Network. Don’t shy away from finding mentors, joining student groups, and forming study teams.
  • Make lifelong friends, and make sure the company you are with extends beyond the classroom and projects. Let perhaps some local outings, travel, and adventure extend your learning of other cultures.

Simple exchanges can break walls down between us, for when people come together and speak to one another and share a common experience, then their common humanity is revealed.“ – Barack Obama

Conclusions

As always, I will point out that it’s important to approach Hofstede’s cultural comparisons with caution. These dimensions provide a general framework and can offer valuable insights, but they may not fully capture the nuances and diversity within a culture. Always consider individual differences and avoid stereotyping based on these models.

Today’s article is for MBA students who are planning to go abroad for their studies. Nevertheless, this information and these tips work equally for:

  • Faculty members or Professors of MBAs
  • People getting their degrees like bachelor´s, doctorates, other masters, etc.
  • Online students and professors working together across different time zones
  • Even students in international universities, since you might meet people coming from abroad

An Executive Intercultural Coach can be invaluable in helping leaders create an effective Reward and Recognition program tailored to different cultural contexts by raising awareness of the cultural differences stated in this blog. As a coach, I help leaders navigate diverse cultural landscapes.

By leveraging the expertise of an Executive Intercultural Coach, MBA students can gain a fresh perspective and receive crucial support when intercultural issues arise. This guidance can help them navigate and overcome challenges, making their global MBA experience more enriching and successful. An Intercultural Coach can assist students in developing critical soft skills, fostering better communication, and building stronger relationships across diverse cultures, ultimately enhancing their overall learning and professional growth.

Further Reading:

You may read more about these types of cultures in my previous blogs:

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