Why international MBAs thrive at this top business school in Germany

While international study brings myriad benefits, choosing to study abroad can be daunting. There’s the potential language barrier, the possibility of homesickness, and the challenge of adapting to a different culture while navigating life in a new city.

That’s why, when selecting a business school outside their home country, international students must be sure they’re making the right choice—one that supports both personal and professional growth.

Germany has become a top destination for MBAs seeking a global experience. Known for its high-quality education, relatively low tuition fees, strong economy, and promising job prospects, it offers an attractive path for students from around the world.

We spoke with international MBA students to find out why they thrive at one of the country’s top-ranked institutions, HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management.

Advanced support for a smooth transition

Having a strong support system is important for any business school student, but it’s especially vital for international students who may be far from their friends and family. Through on-campus events and schemes, business schools can help students get to know one another and build connections. 

At HHL, this support begins with welcome weeks that allow students to experience the campus together for the first time.

“I really enjoyed the team-building activities during welcome week. It was fundamental in helping me build initial friendships,” says Chaoran Lu, an MBA student from China.

One of the most common challenges international students often face is the language barrier. To help, HHL provides free integrated German language classes as part of the curriculum. For Ayush Mittal, an MBA student from India, these made a big difference:

“During our German language classes, the professor really makes an effort to help outsiders like international students get more acquainted with both the language and the lifestyle. The teaching has been simply unbelievable.”

This support continues beyond their time at the school. Anne Bergmann, MBA admissions manager at HHL, explains that international students receive consistent guidance throughout their studies and beyond, ensuring they feel part of a lifelong community:

“Support at HHL continues throughout their studies and beyond, as they become part of a strong, tight-knit global alumni network.”

© HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

Global cohort leads to a global mindset

Attending business school abroad offers the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and to learn from others. At highly international business schools like HHL—where an impressive 96% of the 2023 and 2024 MBA graduates were international students from countries including India, France, Egypt, the USA, and Kenya—opportunities for cultural exchange are built into daily life.

“It’s a really dynamic place to study. We’ve shared different perspectives shaped by our cultural and industry backgrounds, and I feel like I’ve learned something new from everyone,” says Ayush.

Being part of such a diverse cohort can also ease the transition to life abroad. For many, adjusting to a new country is easier when surrounded by peers going through the same experience.

“I felt like I settled into the school very quickly because of the international atmosphere,” says Chaoran.

“We learn from each other’s cultures and celebrate them together—Diwali with Indian classmates, Thanksgiving and Halloween with American students, and Chinese New Year with fellow Chinese peers.”

Practical learning that pays off

Teaching styles vary around the world, and for many students, studying abroad is an opportunity to experience new academic approaches. For those used to more traditional or theoretical systems, a program that emphasizes hands-on learning can offer a refreshing change.

“You do presentations, make posters—every class, you do something different. I love that there's less routine than back home. I really enjoy this immersive way of learning,” says Ayush.

At HHL, this emphasis on experiential learning extends far beyond the classroom. Among the 2023–2024 cohort, 59% of students undertook internships, including with leading companies such as Google, PwC, EY, and Amazon, gaining valuable professional experience and opening doors to post-MBA careers in Germany.

For Chaoran, internships have played a key role in discovering what career direction she wants to take. She first interned in project management at AUDI and is now preparing to begin a second internship in corporate finance, aligned with her long-term goals in general management and finance.

“I can't wait for my next internship. It will give me the access to the industry that I need.”

© HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

Career support that delivers

Studying in a new country is one thing, but building a career there is another challenge entirely.

At HHL, international students are supported throughout this process via the careers office, which offers personalized guidance, including one-to-one coaching, CV reviews, and mock interviews.

Ayush highlights the pivotal role the careers team played in helping him shift from engineering and sales management in India to a consulting role in Germany.

“The career development team helped build my resume for my desired field,” he says.

“They reviewed my CV, gave feedback on how to tailor it to the roles I was applying for, and advised on the keywords I needed to include.”

The careers team also helps students build strong professional networks that can generate exciting opportunities. 

“They connected me with alumni I could speak to and learn from. It’s been incredibly helpful in building relationships and finding opportunities here in Germany,” says Chaoran.

And, with 92% of HHL’s 2023–2024 cohort of highly international MBA graduates successfully launching their post-MBA careers in Germany, the results speak for themselves.