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Many wonder what more an MBA overseas can give you when you have world-class institutions right here in India. The IIMs (just to name a few) have for years churned out leaders, some of who hold global positions today.

Let's clear some myths first. The quality of education at top-ranked Indian business schools is at par with some of the best in the world. But that applies to only a handful of schools across the country. Equally, not all international MBA programs stack up to the best-in-class that India has to offer.

Let us look at some of the major differentiating factors which should help you understand the value that an overseas MBA can bring to you: -

Experience

Most admits in an Indian business schools tend to be freshly minted under-graduates. While this is beginning to change, the better known global programs will typically have a class full of an average of three years of work experience, in a class of 70 that brings 210 man-years of diverse work experience in different industries, countries, environments and positions, compared to practically nothing in a similar-sized class in India.

Diversity

For many, the cultural setting of an MBA class-room is the most diverse formal environment they will ever encounter in their life-time. Imagine a class full of 70 students with over 25 nationalities represented amongst them compared to an Indian class-room where more than two or three would be an achievement.

Teaching Methodology

Top-ranked MBA programs use teaching styles ranging from a pure case-study based teaching system to a more lecture or simulation focused system. The general emphasis in Indian programs is on the tried and tested "spray and pray" process where a professor shoves concepts down the throats of a class that typically lacks management experience if not skills.

Program Content

The choice of courses offered overseas tends to be much broader allowing you to better structure your MBA around your career path with opportunities to share classes with other programs not only at the business school but also at other schools in the wider university campus enhances your options, e.g., law, public policy and government.

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Atul Monga graduated from London Business School with an MBA in 2005, and currently works in the transaction support space with a leading professional services firm. Prior to that, he was with the Kotak Mahindra Group, and also spent time as an independent advisor. He has been counseling international MBA candidates for the last several years, answering questions relating to the GMAT, international MBA programs and careers. He is active contributor at CoolAvenues and Moderator of CoolAvenues' GMAT Forum.