<p>Hello all,
I'm an international student from Singapore, and I have received an offer from indiana university bloomington as a direct admit to the kelley school of business. Locally, i've been accepted to local universities, and have been offered a place in a local business school. (Singapore management university).
Going to the US for studies will undoubtedly be a great experience, and will broaden my perspectives. However, the cost for this will be a great deal more than studying locally, and will easily cost about 150k more. This is inevitable as an international student if i would like to obtain an overseas education.
Just wondering if this 150k is a worthwhile investment in the long run? Have been receiving comments that 150k is certainly not worth it for a school like Kelley, and it would only be worth it for a school like harvard, upenn, ie the ivy league schools. I would like to work overseas in the future, however due to the economic climate and various restrictions, it is not so simple as just "wanting it bad enough".
I am willing to work hard wherever I do end up, however the academic culture in Singapore is not really ideal, and i have experienced it for more than a decade of my life here. Also, how does a degree from a recognized university in Singapore fare against one from IU Kelley? Does a degree from the US (in this case, Kelley) open more doors than one from Singapore? I am aware of Kelley's IB workshop, which boasts of its near 100% placement rate. </p>
<p>I have only until the 1st of May to accept the offer made by IU, so any advice would really be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>$150k is relative. You didn’t say your parent’s financial situation. If they are millionaires, then I’d spend the $150k. If that is their life savings, it is a big bet to make.</p>
<p>If you want a job in the USA from a company in the USA, it will be tough applying as a foreigner. The visa issues alone is enough for most companies to take a pass on you. BTW: What are the tourist visa requirements for you to visit the USA (you would need it to interview)?</p>
<p>If you are currently here in the USA as student, that will give you 4 years to hone your English skills and try for summer internship jobs. As a senior you can interview like most students. What are the prospects to convert a student visa to a permanent visa with a USA college degree? That alone could be worth the $150k.</p>
<p>What is the value of the degrees from Singapore companies needing to fill ex-patriot positions in the USA? Would they prefer a local degree or a degree from the USA?</p>
<p>Regarding the value of degree from companies in Singapore needing to fill up expat positions in the US, i would think that it may be a 50-50, mainly due to local grads knowing more about the asian economy due to their studies here.
IU Kelley isn’t very well known in Singapore, though it is recognized, hence it may not be able to land me a sweet job even if i do return, though i have heard of people from umn landing great jobs in Singapore upon their return.
Getting a permanent visa status in the US with a degree is difficult, even for someone from Stanford, i’d have to know how to go about networking and trying extremely hard, however an ivy league school does has it’s benefits and placement value, and this is a major plus due to large corporations being willing to spend the money to recruit you as an international. Not sure if i can receive that kind of opportunity at Kelley.
My parents are probably not millionaires, but they would be able to finance me without taking out a bank loan. However, it is still hard earned money and i would like to make the right decision about it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input.</p>