An image from an electron microscope shows SARS-CoV-2 (orange), the respiratory virus that causes COVID-19, emerging from the surface of cells (green) cultured in a lab. Stanford Medicine image

COVID-19 and International MBAs

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected how MBAs in America continue their studies. But how has it affected international MBAs?

Ilana Kowarski, a reporter at US News, recently spoke to experts about what COVID-19 means for international MBAs.

VISAS

Last week, the U.S. State Department announced that it would suspend routine visa services around the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“It is nearly impossible to accurately predict how COVID-19 will continue to affect U.S. study visas,” Samantha Nesper, director of graduate admissions at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business, tells US News.

Additionally, Nesper says, it’s difficult to predict how long the suspension will last as institutions must adhere to government guidelines.

“Universities are as much at the mercy of governmental decisions as our prospective students are in that regard. The what-ifs and unknowns surrounding this crisis are frankly dizzying. What I can say confidently is this: we want international students here. International students are valued members of our community, enriching the classroom with diverse perspectives and backgrounds,” she tells US News.

INTERNATIONAL MBAs STILL OF INTEREST

Despite the unprecedented times and unclear future, one thing remains constant: US b-schools still remain interested in recruiting international students.

“Business is a global enterprise,” Susan Fournier, Allen Questrom professor and dean at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, tells US News.

A number of b-school officials have stressed that they intend to continue supporting international students during these tough times.

“Our hearts are with them, because I know it’s a difficult time,” Kelly R. Wilson, executive director of masters admissions at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, tells US News. “My advice is to try to stay positive about the opportunities that are ahead. There is a lot that can happen between now and the start of the program.”

Sources: US News, US Department of State