Why we traveled from our home countries to study an MBA in Canada

There are many reasons why a student from Latin America or Southeast Asia would choose to pursue an MBA in Canada. The country is known for its world-class education system and many of its MBA programs perform highly in global rankings. Canada also offers students exposure to a rich cultural study environment—it is one of the most multicultural countries in the world.

GMAC spoke to international students who attended six Canadian business schools to discover what inspired them to travel across the world for their MBA.

Gaining work experience while studying

This is the case for Aylinda Yuwono, who came from Indonesia with a Bachelor of Management in International Business Management to study for an MBA at Dalhousie University Faculty of Management in Nova Scotia.

Believing that moving to Canada could help her grow, Aylinda gained work experience via an eight-month corporate residency with support from the Management Career Services at Dalhousie.

“The residency experience has equipped me with the required job skills to compete in the [data analysis] industry, which my home country could not fully offer,” she says.

Aylinda also says the MBA nurtures strong networks of students and employers that help alumni succeed in the professional world.

“My home country was already diverse enough, but Canada is much more diverse than I thought. Unlike in my home country, networking events are part of the professional Canadian culture,” she says.

The right MBA can broaden your career prospects

Canada’s high educational standards and reputable business schools were a big draw for Frances Marie Flores who came from the Philippines to study at McMaster University DeGroote School of Business in Ontario.

Frances says the MBA program inspired her to broaden her outlook on career growth: “Back home, I had a clear concept of the career path I wanted to take, but being here has shown me that I need to be flexible because there are a lot more opportunities available than I first realized.”

Charles Antoine, also from the Philippines, enrolled in his MBA at DeGroote and was attracted by its use of global case studies, which he says gives him an edge in understanding international business strategies that will serve him well in an era of globalization.

“Culture and quality of life are also major factors in my decision to study in Canada. The country is known for its safe environment, politeness as a standard norm, and diverse culture that fosters mutual respect,” he says.

International networking opportunities

Networking skills are essential to professional progress, and any MBA will offer a variety of networking opportunities where students can work and socialize alongside people from all walks of life.

For Jesús Mondragón, MBA ’20 from Mexico, an international environment was the main driver for deciding to pursue an MBA at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal.

“Studying in Canada and in Montreal more specifically had a profound impact in my career,” he says. “It has provided me with a global perspective, advanced skills, valuable networking opportunities, and international work experience. I am currently working in a new and exciting industry that otherwise would have been out of reach.”

The university’s diverse student body was also a draw for Xavier Esteban Alvarez, who is from Costa Rica.

“The professional culture in Canada is more accustomed to networking and sharing advice,” he says. Events such as dedicated networking sessions, coffee chats, and mentorships were new to Xavier, and all had a positive impact on his studies.

A Canadian MBA gives you access to a dynamic job market

Wherever you decide to pursue your business studies, an MBA in Canada can help students meet a diverse cohort of fellow peers from across the globe who will bring fresh perspectives and new approaches to problem solving.

“I chose Canada specifically because of its entrepreneurial environment, strong economy, and reputation for high-quality education,” says Daniel Vilela, who came from Brazil to study for his MBA at University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business.

Daniel believes that studying in Canada significantly increased his career prospects by providing access to a dynamic job market.

“I decided to stay and build my career here, which has been a phenomenal journey,” he says.

Thanks to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), eligible international students can work in Canada for up to three years after completing their MBA.

Canada is a welcoming country

Dezzalyn Amio originally planned to study for her MBA closer to home in the Philippines but was inspired to enrol at University of New Brunswick Saint John Faculty of Business by a cousin who was already there.

“My cousin assured me that the experience would not only enhance my professional skills but also contribute significantly to my personal growth,” she says. “Knowing that Canada is a safe country, especially for someone living alone for the first time, gave me the confidence to take this leap.”

Dezzalyn believes her MBA positioned her well for roles that demand strategic thinking and cross-cultural competence.

Both Dezzalyn and fellow UNB Saint John alumni Carlos Narvaez, from Ecuador, say their MBA significantly boosted their careers, opening doors and providing them with wonderful opportunities.

Dezzalyn is now working as a client manager for Xerox in New Brunswick while Carlos pivoted from commerce to the world of IT. “My MBA allowed me to compete in the global job market alongside top talent from various industries,” he says.

On choosing Canada for his studies, Carlos says: “It is a respected country, known for its high-quality education and welcoming culture. I was particularly drawn to the famous Canadian politeness.”

You’ll have access to buzzing business hubs

Jean Pier Poma chose to pursue an MBA at Western University Ivey Business School to gain international exposure and because of its connection to thriving business hubs such as Toronto and Vancouver. He also liked the university’s one-year format that provided him with accelerated yet comprehensive learning.

Laura Ramirez chose to do her MBA in Canada having fallen in love with the country as a child on an exchange visit from her native Colombia.

“I have connected with incredible professionals from different industries, opening doors to career opportunities I wouldn’t have had back home,” she observes.

“Ultimately, being in Canada will help me achieve my goal of building an international career at a multinational company.”

Jean Pier notes that an MBA is a significant investment and advises prospective students to clarify their goals and consider how their careers will evolve long-term.

While tuition fees for MBA programs can be high, Canada is often more affordable than other study destinations such as the US or the UK. Additionally, the cost of living in some Canadian cities can be lower than in other major global cities.

This article is sponsored by the featured business schools.