Why Do People Return to Their Home Countries After Getting an MBA in the USA?

Returning to their home countries after completing an MBA in the USA is a common trend among international students. This phenomenon is not surprising given the globalized nature of today's business world and the strategic advantages that many regions offer to educated professionals. In this article, we will explore the reasons why people choose to return after their studies, along with the challenges they face and the opportunities they find in their home countries.

The Transition Back Home

Upon graduation, many foreign students realize that their path in the USA as an international student dies with the completion of their degree. A student visa is not a guarantee of permanent residency, but rather a limited authorization to be in the country for educational purposes. Time-bound and restrictive, it comes with a host of limitations and conditions. Once the course is completed, international students have to either:

Leave the country, adhering to strict deportation procedures Apply for another type of visa Resort to citizenship, which can be a drawn-out and complex process

The process can be daunting for any individual, especially those with high aspirations and a lucrative career ahead. However, the decision to return to one's home country is often influenced by a variety of factors beyond academic and professional considerations. These factors also encompass cultural and personal sentiments.

Cultural and Personal Reasons

For many international students, the allure of reconnecting with family, friends, and cultural roots after years of study can be overwhelming. They miss the comfort of their hometowns, the familiarity of the local language and customs, and the social network that exists back home. The transition back is often seen as a way to reconnect with one's roots and preserve a sense of cultural identity, which is lost during the period spent abroad.

Economic and Professional Opportunities

Those who return to their home countries are often motivated by the prospect of aligning their professional endeavors with national economic priorities. They seek to contribute to their home nations, often finding a more favorable cost of living, lower rent, and less pressure to support a high cost of living in the USA. Additionally, many organizations in their home countries offer attractive perks such as better work-life balance, higher salaries, and the convenience of networking with a culturally diverse expat community.

Perceptions of Success

The perception of success among international students who return tends to be rooted in personal, cultural, and societal contexts. In some cultures, returning to one's home country is seen as a sign of academic and professional success. It is viewed as a way to give back to the community and make a positive impact, aligning with the most-valuable attributes of a successful career. Other students may choose to return out of a sense of duty to contribute to the growth and development of their home countries, which often aligns with their personal and nationalistic aspirations.

Challenges and Support

Returning to one's home country after an MBA in the USA is not without its challenges. Despite the availability of international job markets, students often face unique cultural and legal barriers. The job market in their home countries may be different, with distinct requirements, job markets, and market structures. Language barriers and the need to adjust to different work cultures are other significant factors. Many returnees also face the challenge of building a new professional network, which can be time-consuming and competitive.

Support systems, both at the educational institutions and in the home countries, play a vital role in facilitating the transition. Universities often provide resources for graduates to navigate the job market and return to their home countries. Additionally, embassies and consulates offer support with visa applications, legal advice, and advice on cultural adaptation.

Conclusion

The decision to return to one's home country after an MBA in the USA is a testament to the global nature of education and the diverse motivations that drive international students. While the process can be challenging, the rewards of contributing to one's home country and connecting with family and culture often make the return journey a fulfilling and purposeful one.

References

[1] - US Department of State

[2] - Aruba U.S. Student Visa Site