4 Tips to Help You Choose Your Master’s For Studying Abroad

Sponsored by Montpellier Business School

For now, the prospect of studying abroad is uncertain, with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting international travel and moving lectures online. However, a recent QS survey found that – out of over 14,000 prospective international students – 90 percent are still planning to go ahead and study abroad at an EU university.

If you have your heart set on studying your master’s degree abroad, here are some things to keep in mind when finding the right one for you.

1. Think carefully about what your interests and strengths are

It can sometimes feel like you don’t know which way to look first when it comes to the comparing the differing curricula and specializations business schools and universities have to offer.

So first things first – think carefully about what interests you. What are your strengths? And then, consider what it is you want to achieve in your professional career.

For example, you might consider yourself as a bit of a leader, someone who thrives in a team setting, a person who likes to hit targets and smash goals. Or maybe you prefer focusing on intricate details, a critical thinker who enjoys finding innovative solutions to problems.

Whatever your interests, whatever your strengths, it’s important to recognize them as business schools and universities all offer something different and as you filter out which schools and degree programs align with your personality, interests and career ambitions.

2. Recognize what you value the most in your education

Being able to recognize what you value the most when it comes to your studies is really important. Do you want a curriculum that’s hands-on and offers experiential learning opportunities? Or do you prefer case-method learning and group work? What subject areas do you want to specialize in the most?

If you know you want to break into the field of business and management, a good place to start would be considering whether you want to specialize in a particular field, such as finance, international business or marketing where you can develop and sharpen your technical skillset. If this sounds like you, then a Master of Science could be the ideal program for you. 

Otherwise, you might want to find a more general management program that offers a solid foundation in all areas of business and management. The Master in Management at Montpellier Business School for example, offers in-depth courses in management sciences, including strategic management, human resources and diversity, legal issues, geopolitics, intercultural negotiation, and marketing. In second year, students can choose their own specializations according to their interests and career aspirations.

3. Experiential learning is just as important as learning the theory

Of course, quality of teaching is vital in order for students to understand how theory can be put into practice. But it’s the hands-on learning opportunities that can make a real difference – so be sure to look out for what opportunities for this a degree program offers if practical learning is important to you.

Degrees of a vocational nature, such as a Master in Management or a Master of Science, tend to place a large emphasis on the experiential learning opportunities they offer, whether they be in the form of internships, case studies, and group work projects.

You can undertake an internship that lasts for several months, and depending on your degree program and institution, you might be able to do this at a leading company. Montpellier Business School allows Master in Management and Master of Science students to do this in any sector of their choice, anywhere in the world, as well as taking part in a variety of group work and real-life case studies.

Some master of science programs at the school also include field trips, meaning students can achieve some of their learning goals during the academic year.

4. Does it have the official stamp of approval?

This is why accreditations and rankings are so important and worth consulting when doing your research for a school and program. 

Accreditations are a stamp of approval from accredited bodies which ensure institutions and degree programs adhere to the highest quality standards in regard to the latest research and professional practice.

You may sometimes see business schools boasting their ‘Triple Crown Accreditation’ – an accolade awarded by the world’s three largest and most influential business school accreditation organizations: AACSB, EQUIS and AMAB. The Triple Crown Accreditation is held by less than one percent of all business schools around the world – one of which is Montpellier Business School.