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Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
I grew up in Asia and considered getting my MBA in the US last year. I'm glad I changed my mind.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Prahlad Narasimhan Chari, 30, an MBA student who was applying to a university in the US but withdrew his application and went to a school in Barcelona. His words have been edited for length and clarity. Everyone around me in Hong Kong — and my relatives in India — seemed to think that pursuing an MBA in the US was the obvious choice. Friends and cousins who had gone before me raved about their experiences. But I didn't do it. Instead, I pulled the plug on my US application. The decision felt big at the time — even a little risky. I grew up in Asia I was born in India, and my dad's job as a marine engineer had my family moving often — first across India, then to Guangzhou, China when I was 10. Four years later, we moved again, this time to Hong Kong, where I spent my teens and early adulthood. I stayed in Hong Kong for college and graduated with a bachelor's in engineering from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2017. I hadn't considered going to the US for my undergrad — my parents were funding my education and couldn't afford it. After graduating and spending a summer traveling across Asia, I started working at Philip Morris International as a management trainee. A few years later, I pivoted into cybersecurity, managing both technical and commercial teams. I loved the problem-solving aspect of it, but I knew I was hitting a ceiling when it came to business fluency. I didn't feel like I could confidently speak the language of finance or strategy in the boardroom. That's what led me to apply for an MBA. I started prepping for business school applications in August 2023 and hit submit between November and December that year. Business schools in the US I was applying to the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, but withdrew my application after I was accepted to IESE Business School in Barcelona. I had been interested in Darden because, like Harvard and IESE, it offers a fully case-based curriculum. I had also considered applying to Harvard, but given that my GMAT score was not outstanding, it felt like a long shot. Outside the US, I also considered London Business School and HEC Paris Business School. Everyone around me — including my dad — assumed I'd head to the US. Many of my cousins had already settled there. But for me, the decision came down to three things: cost, visa uncertainty, and a chance to explore Europe. 1. Cost First, the financial reality. I'm self-funding my living expenses and half the MBA costs. For the other half, I've taken out a loan in Barcelona. A US program may have cost me double the price of one in Europe, not just in tuition, but also in living costs. The degree at IESE costs 105,000 euros, or $121,000, and runs for 19 months. In comparison, Darden's program takes 21 months and costs $121,108 per year — adding up to over $240,000. In Spain, I'm paying around €900 a month in rent. My total spending — including traveling around Europe, food, and events — adds up to around €2,000 a month. 2. Visa I knew that staying and working in the US post-MBA would not be guaranteed with an Indian passport. I'd have to go through the H-1B lottery system, which I've heard has become increasingly unreliable. And, with the ongoing Trump Harvard ban, the current outlook is more uncertain for immigrants. Europe, by contrast, does have some post-study work options, and Spain in particular has been open to international graduates looking to stay and build careers. 3. Europe Third — and maybe most importantly — I was ready for a change in lifestyle. After living in Asia for most of my life, I wanted to experience Europe. Since making the move, I've realized that Barcelona appeals to me not just for its climate and culture, but for its work-life balance. People here value time and productivity in a different way. For example, I rarely see people scrolling on their phones here, in comparison to Hong Kong, where you'll see couples staring at their devices while on a date. The pace of life in Hong Kong often felt overwhelming. At first, in Barcelona, I was frustrated by things like shops closing on Sundays, but now, I value that built-in pause. I now have time to cook, time to rest, time to hike. I'm learning to live slower, and I didn't realize how much I needed that. No regrets I moved to Barcelona in March 2024, four months after getting accepted to IESE. My first year has been everything I hoped for. The program has around 450 students, split into six sections, each with around 75 students. The classroom is diverse, intense, and collaborative. My team includes people from Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, England, Chile, and the US, and I've learned as much from them as I have from the curriculum. I've also just secured a summer internship with a company in Barcelona. I'd love to stay in Spain or maybe move to the Netherlands, Germany, or the UK. There were moments of doubt when I decided not to consider US schools, but the day I met my MBA team — eight people from eight different countries — I knew I'd made the right call. For some, the US makes total sense. But for me, and others — especially those who are international, self-funded, and aiming for global careers — Europe has a lot to offer. It did for me.
Economic Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Akshat Shrivastava once earned Rs 10,000 per month. Now saves 95% of his income, thanks to one rule
Akshat Shrivastava, a financial advisor, saves 95% of his income by avoiding lifestyle inflation. Starting with modest savings from a small salary, he scaled up his investments after landing a corporate job. His key principle is to only buy something if he can afford it twice, emphasizing financial discipline and smart investment choices. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads His golden rule? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is Akshat Shrivastava? ( Originally published on Jun 18, 2025 ) In a world obsessed with lavish lifestyles and social media-fueled spending, Akshat Shrivastava 's financial journey stands out as a refreshing example of restraint, strategy, and smart decision-making. The financial advisor and popular content creator recently shared a breakdown of his money journey on LinkedIn—and the takeaway is powerful: he now saves a whopping 95% of his annual income, thanks to one simple mindset began his career earning just Rs 10,000 a month. Living with his parents, using a second-hand phone, and eating home-cooked meals, he still managed to save Rs 1,000–2,000 monthly. No debt, no unnecessary expenses—just small, consistent savings that reflected strong discipline from the start.A few years later, after landing a corporate job with an annual package of Rs 50 lakh, his saving habits scaled up too. He continued living debt-free, saving at least Rs 20 lakh per year, and channelled most of it into high-growth investments. Over time, those investments started generating income of their own, leading him towards financial independence far earlier than even with family responsibilities, global travel, and living in an expensive city, Akshat claims his savings rate still sits at 95%. The secret? Never letting lifestyle inflation outpace income. He emphasised one golden rule that's guided him for years: 'Don't buy something once unless you can afford to buy it twice.' Unless it's an investment in upskilling, he says, this mindset is were quick to praise his discipline and perspective. While many agreed that saving 20–30% of one's income is a good benchmark, they also pointed out the harsh reality of India's average salary and stagnant growth rates. Others admired the power of early financial discipline and echoed their own struggles to avoid debt traps and impulse post didn't just go viral—it struck a nerve with a generation trying to balance aspirations with affordability. Many were curious to know more, especially about his very first Shrivastava, an INSEAD alumnus, is an investor and entrepreneur. He has built multiple businesses and has over 15 years of experience in asset management. As an educator, he has taught GMAT, GRE, business strategy, and consulting. Now, he is a full-time investor managing his own fund.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Studocu's AI Tools Could Be Transforming How Students Prepare for Global Exams
In June 2023, Morocco's Ministry of Education reported that more than 493,000 students sat for the Baccalaureate exams, a pivotal academic milestone. While these national tests shape futures locally, many Moroccan students are setting their sights abroad, aiming for competitive exams such as IELTS , TOEFL , GMAT , and global licensing assessments. Students need updated, multilingual, and efficient study tools to compete internationally. Recently, Studocu has gained attention for offering an AI-powered platform that Moroccan students are starting to use more actively to prepare for these global assessments. What makes Studocu's AI tools unique? Studocu integrates artificial intelligence into academic workflows unlike basic note-sharing platforms or general chatbots. It does not just allow document uploads. Instead, it transforms static content into dynamic learning aids with context-aware features. Core AI Tools Studocu provides: AI Homework Helper: Offers step-by-step solutions to complex academic problems in mathematics, economics, and physics. AI Camera: Let users snap a photo of a textbook problem or handwritten note to get an instant explanation, ideal for visual learners. AI Quiz Maker: This tool converts any uploaded document into a set of personalized practice quizzes, helping students quickly identify weak areas. Ask AI: Provides direct answers to academic questions by searching Studocu's academic content database. These features are not just technologically impressive. They provide practical, accessible solutions to common academic challenges Moroccan students face every day. Why This Matters in the Moroccan Context Digital education tools are beginning to close learning gaps across Morocco. A study published in the EduLearn indicated that Moroccan university students are both aware of and actively using AI-powered study tools . This aligns with broader trends in the region where mobile internet usage and self-learning platforms are on the rise. Around 38 percent of Moroccan students in higher education have used AI platforms like ChatGPT for academic support. Tools like Studocu ride that same wave, offering more specialized, education-focused capabilities. Where can one find real answer keys for international exams? A common query among Moroccan students is access to verified answer keys for practice exams . Studocu hosts a growing library of user-shared documents that include practice sets, annotated answers, and instructor-provided solutions. Students searching for answer keys on Studocu can find resources not only for local curricula but also for standardised tests such as the SAT, GRE, and MCAT. These are available in English, French, and sometimes Arabic, providing inclusive support for Morocco's trilingual student population. Bridging the gap from national to international exams Whether preparing for the Baccalaureat , TOEFL , or engineering board exams , Studocu's tools serve different educational stages. This is especially helpful for Moroccan students who often navigate multiple languages, including Arabic, French, and English. The AI Quiz Maker stands out for students looking to reinforce memorization, especially in medicine or law. It allows them to upload pages from dense textbooks and receive quiz-style questions instantly. This function helps simulate the format of real exams while reinforcing retention. Can AI help students memorize complex concepts? Yes, and more effectively than reading alone. Tools such as flashcard generators and summary builders within Studocu's interface use AI to highlight key terms, definitions, and relationships. Students have used these tools to study everything from metabolic pathways in biochemistry to constitutional law clauses . Students commonly upload PDFs, such as the Moroccan civil code or WHO health guides, and transform them into customized revision tools within minutes. Moroccan educator perspectives Acceptance of AI in Moroccan education is growing. A 2023 survey showed that 67 percent of Moroccan university educators have used AI in some capacity , either for teaching or research purposes. However, most still express a need for structured training programs on responsible and effective AI use. Studocu allows instructors to contribute to and curate quiz sets, giving them more agency over how students engage with course materials in digital form. Frequently asked questions from students How can I turn my lecture notes into a quiz? Using the AI Quiz Maker, upload any lecture note or textbook excerpt as a PDF or Word file. The system will generate a custom quiz based on key concepts from the text. Is Studocu free or paid? Studocu operates on a freemium model. Basic features like document browsing and limited AI usage are free. Premium access unlocks unlimited downloads, advanced AI features, and ad-free usage. Can Studocu help with IELTS and TOEFL prep? Yes. The platform includes past papers, vocabulary lists, speaking practice templates, and downloadable mock tests. This content is especially helpful for students preparing to study in English-speaking countries. Practical benefits for students across Morocco Students from rural areas, where access to private tutoring is limited, can particularly benefit from AI tools that operate via smartphone or tablet. Studocu's low-bandwidth interface means that students with basic internet can still access quizzes, flashcards, and written explanations without needing a high-performance device. Furthermore, various studies have shown that digital tools like Studocu increase test performance by 10 to 25 percent when used consistently for revision. From Casablanca to Cambridge: AI tools supporting academic mobility Morocco has one of the fastest-growing populations of students applying to international universities. Whether applying to engineering schools in Canada or medical programs in France, Moroccan students are seeking competitive advantages in their preparation. Studocu can help bridge that gap by offering academic support that is portable, multilingual, and efficient . The platform's AI tools work across devices, making it ideal for students on the move or studying between jobs, internships, or family commitments. Studocu's AI features offer Moroccan students a strategic advantage. With tools designed to simplify, personalize, and accelerate study routines, the platform is becoming a reliable ally in global exam preparation. As Morocco continues to invest in digital education and its students aim higher on the global stage, AI will play an increasingly larger role in supporting them to meet their academic goals. Tags: African EducationAI and education
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Planning to study abroad? Don't miss these 6 important exams
Planning to study abroad? Don't miss these 6 important exams Studying abroad opens doors to world-class education, global exposure, and exciting career opportunities. But before packing your bags and applying to your dream university, there's one key step you can't skip—standardized entrance exams. These tests help universities assess whether you're academically and linguistically prepared for higher education in a new country. Depending on your destination and course level—undergraduate, postgraduate, or MBA—you may need to appear for different exams. From testing your English proficiency to evaluating your aptitude for math or business, these exams form the foundation of your application. Here's a breakdown of six important exams that can shape your study abroad journey, and help you take that first confident step toward international education. International English Language Testing System - IELTS The IELTS is an English language proficiency test accepted by many universities in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It evaluates four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. Scores range from 0 to 9, with most academic programs requiring a minimum overall band of 6.0 or higher. Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL TOEFL is another widely accepted English proficiency test, particularly in the United States and parts of Canada. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Serum Is Actually Worth It Best Of Beauty Get Coupon Undo It is usually taken online (TOEFL iBT) and includes sections on reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The total score is out of 120. Universities typically expect scores of 80 to 100 or more, depending on the program. Scholastic Assessment Test - SAT The SAT is commonly required for undergraduate admissions to U.S. universities. It tests skills in reading, writing, and math, and is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600. While some institutions have moved to test-optional policies, many still consider SAT scores as part of the application process, especially for international students. Graduate Record Examination - GRE The GRE is often required for admission to graduate programs, especially in fields such as engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences. It includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. The total score ranges from 260 to 340 for the main sections, with a separate writing score out of 6. Graduate Management Admission Test - GMAT The GMAT is used mainly for business school admissions, particularly for MBA and other management-related programs. It assesses verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills, as well as integrated reasoning. Scores range from 200 to 800, and many competitive programs expect scores above 600. Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test accepted by institutions in countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada. It tests speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, and uses automated scoring. Results are usually available quickly, and score requirements vary by institution, typically ranging from 50 to 70. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Tiruchi students look beyond U.S., U.K. for overseas education
Volatile global politics, visa restrictions, and rising cost of living are forcing students in Tiruchi to reconsider their option of proceeding to the U.S., the U.K., and Canada for higher education. Some educational consultancies have closed down their overseas departments because of the changing market dynamics and decided to concentrate on the more vibrant domestic sector. The availability of one-year postgraduate courses had made the U.K. a preferred destination for many Indian students. However, of late, there had been a slowdown in demand for these courses because of the rise in living costs and greater restrictions on part-time employment, said education consultants. 'Every September, we used to have up to 50 students from Tiruchi going to major English-speaking countries, where the fees would be over ₹15 lakh a year. This year, we have only around 30 students enrolled so far, mostly for the U.K. This despite the fact that education loans being available easily in India with banks willing to fund up to ₹50 lakh for overseas studies,' Girubakaran Periasamy of Scholars Global Education told The Hindu. Artificial intelligence, data science, business analytics, electronics engineering, and business management are among the subjects that Indian students pursue abroad. 'There has been a drastic drop in enrolment for qualifying tests such as TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT. We used to get up to 20 students for the U.S. until recently. This year, we have only three and two of them are having second thoughts,' said S. Sivakumar, CEO of the educational consultancy U2CAN. Mr. Sivakumar attributed the decline in applications to the U.S. and Canada to a combination of the restrictions placed on student visas and costlier degrees. 'We are seeing many more enquiries about institutions in European countries such as Finland, Sweden, France, and Germany. Among Asian countries, there is a growing interest in Japan,' he said.
