Advantage No. 1: Buying into the Brand

Brand names are important for European students who want to differentiate their profiles in a competitive job market. A name like Wharton represents a valuable brand that has been providing management education for more than 125 years. Europeans also want to be part of the excitement and involvement that goes with the brand, living and breathing the North American way of life. It is the brand’s driving force that really sets apart these b-schools. Other reasons European students want to cross the Atlantic include the propensity for alumni from highly ranked MBA programmes to recommend North American brands as their top choices.

Advantage No. 2: Partnering Faculty and Industry

In drawing up a list, European students should look at the companies that support the faculty and research at their selected b-schools. For example, Javier San Juan, President of L’Oréal Canada, met with HEC Montréal MBA students as part of the school’s Professor for a Day programme in 2006. He said one of L’Oréal’s main concerns was to attract and retain talented recruits. His lesson was music to the ears of the students who went on to win the 27th edition of the prestigious John Molson School of Business MBA International Case Competition in January 2008. At Wharton, more than 800 companies recruit their next generation of leaders every year.

Advantage No. 3: Knowledge Drives Curriculum

European students are spoiled for choice by the sheer range of options on offer at North American b-schools. Thunderbird’s top-ranked EMBA curriculum, a 16-month alternative weekend programme, weaves together the critical elements of global management — fundamental business knowledge, geo-political studies, cross-cultural sensitivity and language skills. Delivered in a lock-step format, each course builds upon the next to enrich and reinforce the new learning experience.

Advantage No. 4: Building Better Leaders

European students can be certain that leadership will be integrated in the curriculum at top North American b-schools. To mould students into effective leaders by the end of year one of its two-year programme, UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty members integrate the concepts taught in their core course to those taught in all other core courses.

Advantage No. 5: Living the American Dream

A two-year full-time MBA programme offers European students an opportunity to savour a rich educational experience and a unique lifestyle. Wharton’s recently built Huntsman Hall is one of the most sophisticated large-scale instructional centres of any educational institution in the world. Following graduation, European students might also be tempted to stay in the local area and seek employment opportunities.