There is a lot to consider when deciding where to study. There are rankings, the programmes available, funding, networking opportunities, extracurricular activities, and of course, the location.

The location is arguably one of the most important aspects to consider, as the business school you go to means living in that town or city for the next few years. Everyone wants something different out of their experience, but for many, having good transport links, things to visit, and a community are must-haves.

Whilst there are many we could have explored, we take a closer look at just five locations with a business school that welcomes international students.

1. Helsinki

Helsinki – the capital city of what’s often considered the happiest country in the world! Based on that, who wouldn’t want to live there? With rich history spanning the Stone Age to the current era, contemporary art museums, Cathedrals, and an abundance of nature, it’s no wonder it’s a popular destination for students.

Helsinki also has over 300 islands to visit by taking a short boat ride, which lead to even more forests and beaches to explore.

Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development calls Helsinki home and harnesses innovative learning methods to develop leaders from around the world. With a strong focus on building knowledge and skills, they create individual learning paths to help ensure everyone gets a meaningful career.

2. Breukelen

The Netherlands isn’t shy of having major tourist hotspots which draw people in. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, the list goes on. But, in the province of Utrecht, is Breukelen; home to Nyenrode Business University.

Nyenrode combines personal development and practical focus to help develop a successful and sustainable future for students.

For those wanting to experience Dutch culture, historical architecture and buildings, vast lakes, and windmills, Breukelen will give the perfect blend of traditional culture while studying in a progressive and future-first university.

3. Milan

From high-end fashion outlets to historical landmarks, to modern ways of living and traditional Italian food, it’s safe to say that Milan has something for everyone – and it’s where Bocconi University is located. With a strong focus on building community and ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, has access to first-class education on an international campus, Bocconi University is setting the bar high.

At SDA Bocconi, with MBAs, Executive Courses, specialised Executive Master programmes, and scholarships for marginalised groups, they highlight the importance of equality, community, and making sure students are set up for life.

Milan is also home to POLIMI Graduate School of Management, ranked in the top 30 in Europe for their full-time MBA. Creativity, innovation, and purpose are what they stand for, and they focus on creating leaders who can shape the future.

POLIMI stand strong on sustainability and, in many ways, they are an inspiration in this respect to other schools. They believe in a more sustainable future and make strides to create a better future for everyone.

4. Carcavelos  

Portugal is becoming increasingly popular for international students and many discover the hidden gem of Carcavelos. West of Lisbon, this municipality has beaming blue beaches, great connections to major cities, and historical landmarks to visit. It’s known as a surfing hub, letting first time surfers or professionals ride the waves and join groups to meet new people. And of course, you can’t forget the Carcavelos wine!

In Carcavelos is Nova School of Business and Economics, ranked highly for Master’s in Finance in Portugal. With various programmes available at different levels, they believe that everyone who wants to be better deserves support.

They commit to being a sustainable business school, and strive to make a meaningful impact. Emphasising community, growth, and development, they always put their students first.

Their campus is also near the beach… and who wouldn’t want that?

5. Lyon

Despite being one of the largest cities in France, Lyon is often considered less touristy. Yet it’s known as a food hub, with various traditional French cuisine options available, and has the ‘Old City’, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and second to Venice when it comes to having the largest Renaissance neighbourhood which you can still visit. There’s a lot more to see, but you may have to look below the surface. There are over 400 tunnels and passages, known as Traboules, under the city, and 40 are open for the public.

Luckily, emlyon business school isn’t hidden. Instead, they have excellent rankings and allow students to live in a history-filled city, while having training courses and programmes to prepare them for the future.

Keep an eye out for more blogs like this, exploring the locations of business schools and what makes them so special.

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