American MBA x European MBA

MANHATTAN, New York, Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Are you thinking about applying to MBA programs? In addition to GMAT prep, admissions consulting is an important part of the MBA application process. This is especially true if you are weighing the value of an American MBA program versus a European MBA program.

Many U.S. MBA programs historically focus on finance (e.g., Wharton) or entrepreneurship (e.g., Stanford). These programs are 20 months and include four school semesters. While top programs offer study abroad opportunities and international trips during the winter and spring breaks, overall exposure to international business is limited. In contrast, European MBA programs are typically 15 months with a strong international focus both in the student body and the program's curriculum.

Benefits of a European MBA Program

If you want to add international experience to your resume, then a European MBA may be the best way to achieve global credentials. Top European MBA programs, such as London Business School, France's INSEAD and Spain's IESE offer a diverse experience. According to a Businessweek's Mark Scott , an MBA from an international program may be key to landing a job even during the recent economic downturn. Scott credits the global perspectives offered by these programs, along with their strong links to multinational employers, for helping graduates secure lucrative offers upon graduation.

European MBA programs are also shorter than American MBA programs – saving students time and money. For example, an MBA at Wharton costs $121,000 for two years; an MBA at Stanford costs $118,020. In contrast, an MBA at the London Business School, the top rated European MBA program, costs £57,500, a little less than $93,000. While still expensive, that's close to $25,000 in savings over the top American schools. Plus, students finish on average five months earlier, which decreases opportunity costs due to foregone salary.

Are American MBA programs still a smart investment?

While European MBA programs are increasing in popularity, the demand for traditional two-year programs remains very strong at the top American business schools, including HBS, Wharton and Stanford. Forbes reports American schools awarded 168,000 business degrees in 2009 – a figure that is continuing to hold steady despite economic uncertainties. American MBA programs continue to deliver a strong bang for their buck. According to Forbes, the investment in an MBA degree, including tuition and foregone salary, is typically repaid within 3.5 years following graduation.

For many students, the most valuable part of an MBA program is not what's learned in the classroom. The most valuable benefit is the networking opportunities with fellow students and program graduates. If you have limited global experience but want to work overseas, then a European MBA program may be the kick-start your international career needs. At the same time, graduates from Wharton, Stanford and Harvard are still well positioned for international opportunities.

MBA House offers admissions consulting for European and American MBA Programs

If you are trying to find the right MBA program, an admissions consulting firm can help, says admissions expert Vivianne Wright . Wright, who holds a graduate business degree from Harvard and a coaching certificate from NYU, works with the New York based admissions consulting firm MBA House.

"There is more to choosing to study in an European or American MBA program than the location itself," says Wright. "The added value of an admissions consultant is being able to design an MBA admissions strategy that is tailored to your individual goals and career plan".

Wright works with prospective students to match individual career ambitions with MBA programs. By identifying and creating a list of target schools that best match their long-term professional goals, Wright helps to refine the candidate's applications for successful admission at both American and European programs.

Are you considering applying to a European MBA program?

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Media Contact: Meli Wells , MBA House NYC, 2129664605, meli@mbahouse.com

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SOURCE MBA House NYC

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