Researching which online program is right for you can be a daunting task, especially if you currently reside outside of the U.S. You must take into consideration your country of residence, time zone and program fit.
Finding a program that consists of globally diverse faculty and students will help you balance the challenges of being an internationally-based student. When researching which online program is right for you, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Research the percentage of international faculty in the program: Programs that are truly diverse and global in nature tend to attract international faculty. Research the percentage of faculty born outside the U . S . , as this can lend international perspective to the course material.
[Consider these three statistics when assessing online faculty.]
2. Evaluate the number of students based overseas: Look for programs that have a population of internationally based students at 5 percent or higher , includin g expatriates working abroad and international students. The percentage also i dentifies programs that are complementary to the unique challenges students living outside the U.S. face when pursuing an education online .
3. Investigate course time offerings: When reviewing a program, take into consideration the course time offerings and compare those with your time zone to see if they will be compatible with your schedule. I take most of my classes in the middle of the night, as all class times are offered in the evening Eastern Standard Time, but a program with more flexible class times and days of the week might be a better fit for you. Remember, you are committing to a program that takes several years to complete, so you need to determine what will work for your schedule in the long term.
4. Ask about international networking events and opportunities: Many of us living outside the U.S. miss out on the in-person networking events and opportunities to which our classmates have access. Therefore, it is very important to ask the admissions and career services offices what opportunities exist within the program for international networking events. These opportunities can include conferences, social gatherings, career expos and immersions. As we live in an I nternet-based environment, meeting face-to-face when networking can be very effective , so ensure that the program you select allows you to do so .
[Take advantage of these three networking tips for online MBA students.]
5. Determine the worldwide alumni footprint: Research the presence of alumni around the globe by asking questions such as: How many countries do program alumni reside in? Are there heavy concentrations of alumni in certain sectors of the world? How active are these alumni groups?
Contact the career center to determine how these alumni groups are integrated into career services and networking opportunities. With the program’s approval, ask to speak to an alum based overseas about his or her experience in the program.
The takeaway : Figure out the global footprint of your program, determine if that footprint is compatible with your career objectives and research global networking opportunities throughout the way. Finding a program that celebrates the diversity of global experiences will assist with making your online program valuable in the global marketplace.
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5 Tips for Researching Online Programs as an International Student originally appeared on usnews.com