Why study abroad? International master's students give 8 key reasons

Studying a master’s degree abroad presents an exciting opportunity to learn new skills, discover alternate pathways for your future, and make lifelong friends. But deciding where to study can be a challenge.

After all, there are a variety of factors to consider. From the subject material, to the cost, to the location, it can be difficult to pinpoint what makes the right program for you—or even which elements you should prioritize. 

A good place to start is asking yourself what exactly is it that you want to get out of the program? Are you looking to reskill, make connections, or launch an industry-specific career? Or are you more focused on having new experiences? 

To learn more about how to approach making your choice, we asked recent master’s graduates and current students from top business schools exactly why they chose their international programs.

Download our Which Business Master's guide

Why study abroad for your master’s?

Kickstart a global career

“As a Moroccan-Canadian, I wanted to enter the European job market with the right foundations: a degree recognized across Europe, a strong network, and an education shaped by the realities of European businesses, while studying in major tech hubs like Paris and Berlin.” 

Ali Chadi, MSc Business Analytics & AI class of 2026, ESCP Business School, data engineer intern at IBM Paris

“The program challenged me academically while giving me the 
confidence and practical perspective to navigate the UK financial services industry, and I’ve continued to draw on that foundation throughout my career. Studying at Warwick Business School was a defining step in my journey from Ghana to establishing my career in the UK.”

Queen Latifa Lampo, MSc Finance class of 2023, Warwick Business School, credit operations analyst at IG Group

Be part of an international cohort

 “One of the most valuable aspects of the program is learning alongside such a diverse and international group of classmates, each bringing different professional experiences and perspectives. Being based in London and having the opportunity to engage with the city’s financial sector has also been a particularly valuable part of the experience.”

Julian Drago, Master in Finance class of 2026, London Business School

“The strong footprint of our graduates in strategic financial hubs like Paris and London perfectly demonstrates the program's value in the marketplace. The large cohort of international students and the English-taught curriculum also enabled me to further my professional development in a truly diverse and international environment.”

Lucas Debree, Master in Management & MSc Corporate Finance and Banking class of 2026, EDHEC Business School, investment banking analyst at TMT & Infrastructure Finance & Advisory

Experience a new culture

“Culturally, it was an incredible experience to immerse myself in a new environment and learn how business operates on an international scale. Successfully delivering projects while adapting to a completely new culture and working style was highly rewarding.”

Francisco Javier Prieto Jeanty, MSc in Business Analytics & AI class of 2025, ESCP Business School, central operations coordinator at Uber 

Develop your skillset

“Being surrounded by a diverse and ambitious cohort allowed me to strengthen my skills and build meaningful connections. The year was not only about academic growth, but also about developing a global mindset and a solid professional network.”

Paolo Parziano, MSc Finance class of 2017, Warwick Business School, counterparty research analyst at Fidelity Investments 

Broaden your perspectives

“Studying in both France and the US gave me a look at how American and French companies approach data differently, and meeting people from diverse backgrounds really opened my mind to new ways of thinking. It also helped me build an international network of classmates and professionals.”

Afaf Kabil, Master in Business Analytics class of 2026, NEOMA Business School

Learn a new language

“I have always wanted to build an international career. Learning a new language, adapting to a new environment, and meeting people from different walks of life, not only makes my life more enriching and colorful, but also transforms me in a positive way. I have previously lived abroad in several English-speaking countries, and for my master’s, I was looking for a new challenge where I really had to step out of my comfort zone.”

Yaerin Ku, Master in Management & MSc in Accounting and Finance class of 2026, EDHEC Business School, intern analyst at Alvarez & Marsal

Study in multiple locations

“I didn’t want to study international management from just one place. I wanted to really experience it. The program gave me the opportunity to build my master’s across
continents, starting in Sydney and continuing in Singapore, while learning alongside people with completely different perspectives. For me, that combination of academic learning, cultural exposure and real-world business interaction made the choice very easy. “

Amelia Hinderer, Master of Management (CEMS) class of 2028, University of Sydney Business School

“What attracted me to the program was that the international aspect isn’t just something which is written on the website, it’s really built into the program. I had already studied in Canada and Chile during my bachelor’s, so I knew I didn’t want to come back to Europe and have a very traditional, single-campus experience. The possibility of studying across different campuses really stood out to me.”

Emily Bailey, Master in Management class of 2028, ESCP Business School

Push yourself outside your comfort zone

“I wanted to immerse myself in a multicultural environment that would push 
me out of my comfort zone and usual habits. Studying in Berlin was a new city and country for me to discover. Even with no knowledge of German, no friends, and a completely new culture, I couldn't have been more excited.”

Alessandro Lagi, Master in Management class of 2025, ESCP Business School, junior auditor at KPMG Luxembourg