Your Global MBA Journey: Deciding Between Studying in Asia or Abroad

Choosing where to get your MBA is one of the most important decisions you will make in your career. You may be contemplating whether to stay in your home country or come to the Philippines to study abroad. Both alternatives have their advantages, but the best option is determined by the type of leader you want to be and your future goals.

Professionals around the world have long debated whether to pursue their MBA at home or overseas. Some believe that the only way to gain global experience is to study in Western countries, while others recognize the value of obtaining a world-class education in Asia—today’s fastest-growing economic region. The truth is that an MBA can open global opportunities no matter where you are. What matters is the quality of learning, the strength of your network, and the international relevance of your education.

In this blog, we’ll outline the benefits of pursuing your MBA in the Philippines versus in other countries, and why many global professionals are choosing the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for a truly international experience rooted in Asia.

For Filipino Professionals: Should You Pursue Your MBA Abroad or at Home?

For many Filipinos, studying abroad has long been seen as the key to a world-class education and global exposure. While that remains a valuable path, there’s now a growing realization that you can gain the same advantages without leaving the country. In fact, when comparing a local versus an international MBA program, it becomes clear that success depends more on the quality of learning, network, and global relevance your program provides.

1. Value for Money

Taking an MBA in the Philippines means lower living and travel costs compared to programs in the US, UK, or Australia. It also means spending less time away from your work, family, and professional network.

At AIM, you receive a global-standard education. With international faculty, diverse classmates, and case-based learning modeled after the best global business schools, the value you gain extends far beyond affordability—it’s a strategic investment in your future.

2. Global Exposure

You don’t need to travel across the world to gain international exposure. The MBA in international business at AIM integrates global frameworks, international case studies, and cross-cultural collaboration directly into its curriculum.

You’ll study with professionals from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, discussing business challenges that reflect both developed and emerging markets. You experience the diversity of a global MBA, grounded in Asia’s fast-evolving business environment.

3. Professional Network

The AIM iMBA builds a network that truly matters for your long-term success, one that’s deeply connected to both the ASEAN and global business communities. The Institute’s alumni include leaders in top corporations, government, and entrepreneurship across more than 50 countries.

When you graduate, you join a powerful international community that’s not only diverse but also deeply influential in the regions driving the world’s next wave of business growth.

4. Relevant, Immersive, and Immediately Applicable

The AIM iMBA immerses you in an environment that reflects the realities of today’s interconnected world. You learn alongside professionals from different countries, industries, and cultural backgrounds, giving you the global perspective and regional insight needed to lead with confidence.

Through case-based and experiential learning approach, you develop strategies that are globally informed yet regionally relevant, preparing you to thrive in both international and Asian markets.

For International Students: Why Study Your MBA in the Philippines

For professionals around the world, studying in the Philippines offers something unique: a global education experience at the heart of Asia’s growth story.

1. Live in a Global Hub

The Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking nations in Asia, known for its openness, safety, and hospitality. Makati—where AIM is located—is the country’s financial capital and home to multinational headquarters, startups, and innovation labs.

Here, you’ll experience the vibrancy of Asian business while enjoying a culture that welcomes international students.

2. Global Learning, Regional Immersion

Taking an MBA in the Philippines combines global best practices with regional depth. You’ll engage with case studies and simulations based on real companies across ASEAN, learning how strategy, leadership, and innovation play out in emerging markets.

You’ll also work alongside classmates from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, learning as much from their diverse perspectives as from your professors.

3. A Launchpad for International Careers

Studying in the Philippines positions you at the crossroads of global trade and innovation. The country’s connectivity to major Asian markets, like Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok, makes it an ideal launchpad for professionals aiming to build cross-border careers.

The Asian Institute of Management’s strong alumni network and corporate linkages open doors to opportunities not just in the Philippines, but throughout Asia and beyond.

iMBA: A Global Education Rooted in Asia

At the Asian Institute of Management, you can gain all these advantages. The International Master in Business Administration (iMBA) brings together global perspectives, international faculty, and diverse peers in a 12-month, full-time, onsite program. It’s designed for professionals who want to think globally, lead strategically, and make an impact wherever they go.

With this program, you’ll have:

• International Faculty and Diverse Peers: Learn from global professors and work alongside professionals from across Asia.
• Practical, Case-Based Learning: Engage in discussions and simulations modeled after real-world business challenges.
• Asian Context, Global Standards: Apply global frameworks to emerging markets, preparing you for leadership roles in international or regional settings.
• 12-Month Full-Time Program in Makati: Immerse yourself in a transformative year of study at the center of business growth in the Philippines.

This program is ideal for professionals who want to accelerate their global careers without putting their lives on hold for two years abroad. It’s a modern, rigorous approach to business education designed for impact-driven leaders.

Advance Your Career with an MBA at AIM

Ultimately, deciding between studying for your MBA in the Philippines versus abroad depends on your priorities. If your goal is to gain international exposure, expand your professional network, and build a career rooted in Asia’s rapidly growing markets, a program like the iMBA offers the best of both worlds.

For Filipinos and international professionals alike, it delivers the benefits of pursuing an MBA locally—accessibility, strong regional networks, and learning grounded in real business contexts—while offering the benefits of pursuing an MBA abroad, such as a world-class curriculum, international classmates, and global faculty. The iMBA is designed to help you lead confidently across borders and make an impact in today’s interconnected business landscape. Explore our International MBA program today and take the next step toward leading in the global marketplace. Inquire now!