Closer to home is better than far away abroad?

Hello all

A cousin, who lives in an Asia Pacific country and is in line to run my family's business there (unfortunately) is thinking of going to the US or the UK to get his MBA or masters in management. What I suggested is that he look at NUS Singapore or INSEAD Singapore or HKUST or Melbourne, to stay closer to home since his goal is to bring back more knowledge to the family business. My reasoning is that since he's coming back, might as well develop a more relevant network of people who are interested in/will be working in Asia Pacific/Asia. I really don't see the point of going to a tier 2 school in the US or the UK just because it's in the US and developing a rather irrelevant network for work after school; the business in Asia Pacific.

Kindly tell me what you think

6 Comments
 

To be very honest he's not a star applicant at all (weak English skills, experience isn't that amazing, etc.), so he's asking me where to apply and I'm suggesting decent state schools since he's so adamant about the US. I still think he should aim at INSEAD Singapore/HKUST/Melbourne since he's heading straight back to the business. The network is way more relevant than, say, what he could develop in Indiana.

Greed is Good.
 

As someone who has a family business in Asia, I can say that an American degree is more respected in certain parts of the world than let's say a NUS degree. Also, tier 2 is hard to define Berkeley in Asia has the same reputation as HYP. Notre Dame has a lot lower prestige than here internationally. It kinda depends but usually big state school have better reputations internationally than in States. But I see your point also but if it is MiM degree then it is going to be like 1 year so go where ever he wants to go.

On a personal note, if you don't mind answering @"konig" why aren't you taking over?

 

I understand, but since he's heading straight back to the business prestige isn't as important. INSEAD, Melbourne, HKUST are great schools. I really think it depends on the person more than the school. Bigger name gets your foot in, but if you suck at walking then nothing else can be done.

PM'd you ;)

Greed is Good.
 

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