3 ways you can prepare for your international residency during MBA school

A global MBA program can offer a wide range of benefits for executives looking to upgrade their careers. It can equip you with new skills while updating old ones, expand your knowledge and your professional network, and allow you to explore ideas and push yourself. With an international residency, it can also provide you with the opportunity to make connections abroad, see how things are done in another country, and develop a more global perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses today.

Depending on the focus of your program, your international residency could include opportunities to meet with start-up founders and venture capitalists in Silicon Valley or New York, attend exclusive lectures from top schools, or visit leading companies in your field in the USA, the Middle East, Asia, or Brazil.

As with any other major professional opportunity, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared. With that in mind, here are some tips to consider before leaving for your international residency, so that you’re able to take full advantage of every opportunity you encounter.

Brush up on your language skills if necessary

If you’re studying in an English-language program and preparing for a residency in the United States, this might be unnecessary, but for those heading to places like Qatar or Brazil, learning even a few basic words and phrases in the local language can go a long way. By practicing greetings, pleasantries, and a few common words, you can make a good impression on any local experts and professionals you meet during your stay. Prior to beginning your global MBA program’s international residency, consider picking up a phrasebook or downloading some podcasts.

Do your research before leaving for your MBA school international residency

One of the most important ways that you can prepare yourself for your international residency is to do your research. During your stay, you’ll have opportunities to visit major companies and meet with a variety of experts and professionals in your field. The key to making a good impression and getting the most out of their advice and expertise is to gain a solid understanding of each company and individual’s background, mission, and specialization. It’s also worth spending some time researching the city and country that you’ll be visiting, which will help you feel more comfortable and confident during your stay. 

Formulate the questions you’d like to ask during your residency

While doing your research in preparation for your international MBA school residency, it could be helpful to start formulating the questions that you’d like your trip to answer. Is there any particular advice you’d like to get from any of the businesses or individuals you meet? Are there any particular aspects of the host country’s industry or way of doing business that you’d like to learn more about? Your international residency will expose you to many valuable sources of information that you might not otherwise have access to, so forming these questions clearly ahead of time will help you take the fullest advantage of every opportunity you encounter.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with a global MBA?

Contact WU Executive Academy for more information about our part time MBA program.