What To Know As An American Applying To A Business School Outside The US

Gaining an MBA might already be in your career plan, but how do you know which business school is right for you?

In the US alone there are hundreds of business schools to choose from, and it can be difficult to differentiate how each will make you stand out in a competitive market. We caught up with current LBS MBA student, Alissa Del Toro, and recent alumnus, Ben Lewis, to find out why they decided to study outside the US and what advice they would give to anyone considering following suit.

Could you tell us about your background?

Ben: I graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago with a chemical engineering degree but then decided instead of doing a PhD, I’d do nothing related to my studies. I lucked into a position at BCG Chicago and spent the next three years there working across industries. Eventually I settled down into a mixture of healthcare and private equity work. Work was great, but I realized I had a lot of “unknown unknowns” when it came to the business world so decided to go back to school.

Alissa: I grew up in a small city called Margate, just north of Miami. My journey to my MBA is a windy one. I attended Cornell University and received my BSc in bioengineering. Then I did a brief teaching stint back in Miami, moved to DC, became a tech consultant for Accenture and, after about two years there, took a sabbatical. It was then that I started to really delve into this idea of “product” and participated in a programme in Chicago to learn more about the wonderful world of UX/UI design.

Fast track to about a year later, I moved cross-country to the PNW to work in product design for a variety of companies. I was working as a Product Manager for a health-tech startup in NYC when Covid-19 hit. That had me reconsidering how I wanted to impact technological innovation and the rest is kind of magical. I joined up with two co-founders from Spain via an online incubator at the end of 2020. I packed up my things and ventured out to Germany in January of 2021 to build out the concept before joining LBS in fall of 2021.

Why did you choose to study outside the US and why London in particular?

Alissa: In short, diversity! I wanted more diversity in thought, voices and solutions in the room. And I got that and then some, in attending LBS. In my study group alone, I was able to interact with folks from India, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and England. Of the top non-American schools, the UK had two that gave me enough time to suss out my post-MBA goals. This left me with LBS and potentially Oxford’s 1+1. I decided to stick with the structure and have a summer of exploration. Additionally, I wanted a program that matched the branding of the M7, providing me with flexibility to go back to the US post-MBA if I desired.

I have benefited tremendously from studying for an MBA outside of the US and at LBS. In the second year, I also hope to travel a bit more since travel restrictions have lightened. LBS has brilliant opportunities as part of the curriculum as well as through the clubs to experience so many amazing things. I am set to do my Global Business Exchange in Tel-Aviv to learn about Israel’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem. I also am planning to potentially take a class or two at our Dubai campus. With the flexibility of my second year, I am excited to sign up for a few treks in 2023 including Kenya, Japan, and an outdoor adventure through the Expedition Club.

Ben: I had spent my entire life in the Chicago area and realized I needed a change. Getting outside the US opened up new options and seemed like it would have a positive impact on work-life balance. London and LBS felt an easy fit so for me, it was a pretty clear choice. I wanted a two-year program so I could do an internship (ended up with half a dozen), I spoke the language and I wanted to go abroad. LBS was pretty clearly the best option, and London itself added a ton of value.

I met a new type of person I wouldn’t have met elsewhere (e.g. non-Americans). My study group represented six different countries, my best friend is a Kiwi, and I’ve just learned so much from people who have a completely different background. I think in a US school I would have ended up with people similar to those I already work with and similar to myself, so I wouldn’t have been pushed.

The other benefit is the number of options open to me in terms of where I live and work after my MBA. I’m returning to the London office of my old employer (BCG), but I received job offers in France, Germany, and Switzerland. I’m confident these opportunities wouldn’t have been on the table if I’d stayed in the US.

It can be a bit of a taboo to talk about, but how did you approach funding your MBA?

Ben: I ended up self-funding for a few reasons. First, between a start-up called Juno and federal government loans, I was able to cover tuition and some of my living expenses at a very cheap rate. Securing funding myself rather than through sponsorship allowed me to retain flexibility in my post-MBA plans and keep my options open. I also realised in the grand scheme of things the tuition fee isn’t going to make a big difference to my lifetime earnings.

Secondly, LBS is a top-tier global business school but compared to the top US schools the price point markedly better values; I originally thought my tuition total was per year! I also received some merit scholarships from LBS, which helped a lot.

Alissa: Funding wasn’t my focus at first during my MBA application journey. I was very strategic about where I applied, and I also made sure to get to truly know the culture and community of each school. This enabled me to present myself in the best way to the Admissions Committee, and in a way that enabled me to receive the scholarships and assistance I needed to eliminate funding as the limiting factor in my decision process.

Essentially, I approached funding from a branding perspective. I submitted for every and any funding I was qualified for and consistently promoted myself to the schools even after admission to showcase how valuable I could (and would) be as student ambassador. I am thankful that this upfront hard work has paid off in dividends in landing me a full tuition scholarship from LBS as well as unlocking other networks for me: I am a fellow for the Laidlaw and Forté foundations.

What is your top tip for other Americans applying to business school in the UK?

Ben: I applied to a number of the M7 and was accepted to several with scholarships. Once I got in and revisited though, I realized I didn’t particularly want to attend. I got in to LBS on the first try too and my strategy was just convincing them that I’d really thought through and was excited about the implications of moving to London.

Moving to another country is a big decision so you need to show that you’ve really thought through the reality and what that means for the next two years. Show you know what you’re in for and that you really want the international experience for the right reasons.

Alissa: Do the research, get uncomfortable, and be honest with yourself! Attending a UK school will definitely be a different experience than that of the US, but you must be open to the possibilities. Sometimes I talk with applicants who are wanting to “live in London for a while.” I always dig deeper when I hear this response and ask them: “Why?” Why London? Why not Paris? Why not take a sabbatical to travel the UK and EU for some time instead? Why not study abroad as part of a US-based program?

Really question the purpose, the motivations, the value, and the benefits of doing the MBA in general. The application process is a very introspective time. Use it wisely to make the most out of your experience.

Your journey is your journey, so I recommend checking in constantly with yourself and those closest to you to ensure you are uncomfortable but excited about taking the leap and moving across the pond. Being an expat has been challenging but one of the most rewarding and insightful experiences of my life.

Want to find out more about London Business School’s MBA programme? Download the brochure or visit the website for more information.