What are the Differences between an International MBA and a Global MBA?

Business Schools around the world are providing more opportunities for aspirants to Study MBA with a global focus by facilitating students with “Global MBA” and promoting themselves as “international business schools”.

But if you think about it, are global and international MBA programs the same? If I am studying in an international business school in a foreign country, can I say that I have opted for a Global MBA program? 

Both the terms are almost similar and sometimes passed on as each other. Often students do not even know the real difference between the two. Read this blog to quell your doubts and understand the definition of, as well as the difference between, the two.

Types of MBA programs

There are various types of MBA programs that you will come across including traditional, modular, professional, global and international. The crucial difference between them is how they are structured. Among these, the international MBA program is very popular and in demand. This is because, in the business world, it is important to have an overview of global business practices. 

International MBA program and its purpose

Unlike the other professional and modular programs, most international programs will need a great deal of work, depending on where the instruction is being delivered. The international MBA program allows you to experience education in business schools abroad. These courses are full-time programs and are held in one or multiple international schools that partner together so that students can experience and immerse themselves in different cultures throughout the world.

The international program is more centered on helping students learn about global issues that businesses across the world usually face. This is why some schools have partner programs.

The Global MBA program and its purpose

If put in a simple statement, the global MBA program is structured in such a way that students can acquire international business skills. This program offers a global perspective to students and an understanding of how business management works. 

In a global MBA, students gain advanced knowledge of how the international economy works and how to handle the management of multinational companies. The course may include projects and internships and a few study abroad opportunities.

Major difference between both the programs

1. Curriculum: The major difference between global and international MBA courses is that the curriculum is relatively different. In the global MBA program, universities help students hone the skills that are useful in any global business setting. But when we talk about international MBA, it is important to have an understanding of international business functions, which is why the course covers broad aspects of business.

1. Location: Global MBA programs can be taught in local settings but the international programs are delivered overseas to help students gather a better understanding of the economy of different countries around the globe.

1. Diversity: The global MBA programs are more diverse in a local setting. This means that business schools tend to have a mix of local and international students on the course. The intention behind this is to have a class profile that is culturally diverse and has opportunities for students to build their network and understand the importance of communication. However, in the international MBA program, it is not necessary that there would be a diverse culture. You will be in a different country, so the culture there would be according to the country’s setting.

So how will you spot the difference between the two?

There are certain factors that define an MBA program as global or international. These factors include the diversity in the class profile and faculty team, course material, multiple locations of the business, opportunities for students after graduation, and partner programs.

The key is to not look for the word “global” or “international” in the title but to look at what they are offering and what the content of the curriculum is. If the school cannot offer students the fundamental business education that includes foreign languages, global political-economic skills, and the importance of communication, then they cannot claim to be truly global.

On the ending note, I would like to ask you as an audience about your thoughts on whether international degrees are better or the global ones?