To learn more about studying in Europe, we spoke to African students and alumni from leading European business schools. Here are their six top study tips.
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6 business school study tips from African students
1. In your application, reflect on what makes you unique
As an African student, you have unique experiences, perspectives, and knowledge to bring to a European program. And it’s important to remember that during your application. For George Nettleton, a South African student who attended Spain’s Esade Business School, the advice is simple: back yourself.
“As an African candidate you will bring the most unique perspective on resilience, determination, and collaboration that will bring value to others,” he says.
European business schools are always looking for diverse students to place within the classroom, which puts you in an advantageous position as an African applicant. So, think about how to weave elements of your personal story into your application, and highlight the experiences you’ve had which are distinct from other applicants.
2. Connect with current students and alumni
Many African students cite the importance of connecting with students and alumni during the application process. It’s something that Nigerian student Chuks Umeche made the most of during his application to Spain’s IESE Business School.
“A way to get a feel of a school is to engage alumni before and during your application process,” he explains. “IESE alumni were very responsive, excited about their experience, and always willing to give back. IESE has always stood out for its values, and you can get this by engaging with alumni whether they left last year or 20 years ago.”
Fellow Nigerian alum Opeyemi Oyewole echoes these thoughts, pointing out the useful “insights and advice” that alumni gave him when applying for London Business School. He adds that they made a huge difference when it came to making his final decision.
3. Ask your school about scholarships
African students are more likely to finance their studies through financial aid than any other region¾which means scholarships are always going to be a point of interest
The good news is that in Europe, there are plenty of available scholarships. The bad news is that it can be difficult to research all the opportunities out there.
However, one useful piece of advice from current students is to reach out directly to the school you’re applying to. Schools often have their own scholarships which can cover all or part of your tuition.
Clifford Asegiemhe received the MSc Academic Excellence Scholarship to study at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in Ireland, which covers 25-50% of a student’s total tuition.
“My scholarship was important because it gave me an opportunity I would not otherwise have had,” he says. “The scholarship creates a bridge for people to achieve their dreams.”
As for how to boost your chances of winning a scholarship, Clifford advises to emphasize your leadership potential, non-academic skills, community involvement, and academic excellence, while also making sure you have a compelling personal story.
4. Learn the local language
Although English is widely spoken—and spoken well—across Europe, that doesn’t mean you should rely on it to get by. After all, English is the native language in just two countries across the continent (United Kingdom and Ireland).
To get the most from your European experience, it’s well worth trying to learn the language of the country you’re studying in—even if it’s just a few basic phrases. Emma Rugazoora, a Ugandan student currently enrolled at IE Business School in Spain, says learning Spanish helped her acculturate into the local community.
“Living abroad, particularly in a country where I do not speak the language, has challenged me to grow outside my comfort zone, widen my world view, as well as become more adaptable and adventurous,” she says.
It was a similar case for George when travelling from South Africa to study at Esade in Barcelona: “Being in a country where I was learning the language and customs allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and engage with a different way of life,” he explains.
What’s more, trying to learn the local language is also a show of respect to your host country. Simply put, you’ll feel much more at home in a country where you can communicate in the official language.
5. Be prepared for practical learning
One of the most common insights that African students highlight about studying in Europe is the difference in teaching style. Across European countries, teaching tends to be more hands-on, with experiential learning and case studies generally preferred to theoretical, solely classroom-based learning.
“The classes were very interactive with lots of case studies, and we had a diverse group of students that exchanged their experiences,” says Donald Muchiri Kariuki, a Kenyan alum who studied the MSc in Business with a Major in Finance at BI Norwegian Business School. The program allows students to specialize in one area of business during the two-year duration.
As for Marianne Keketso Mbatha, from South Africa, IESE Business School’s focus on practical, case-based learning was a big reason behind her decision to apply for the Spanish school. It meant she felt she would be better equipped to transfer the knowledge she gained during her MBA straight into her career.
6. Immerse yourself in the diverse community
Europe is a diverse place, and its classrooms are no different. Some programs have an international student ratio of more than 90%, meaning you’ll be studying with people from all over the world during your time in Europe. Smurfit MBA student Doris Ndaskoi says the experience has been beneficial on both a personal and professional level.
“One unexpected outcome was how quickly I was able to adapt to new cultural environments and develop close friendships with classmates from all over the world,” she says. “Also, the exposure to new industries and career paths I hadn’t considered before has been a pleasant surprise.”
And, according to LBS graduate Opeyemi Oyewole, studying in the cultural melting pot of London was an enriching experience that broadened her horizons, something she is now channelling in her career as a business intelligence analyst with Armada Associates, a consultancy based in Africa.
“What I appreciated most was the multicultural energy,” she says. “You are surrounded by people from every part of the world, and that diversity fosters open-mindedness and innovation.”
For more info about what it's like to study in Europe, the opportunities for personal and professional development, and tips on how to make it a reality, download our BusinessBecause Study In Europe Guide
