Since returning to Korea from the United States and working here, I've had some thoughts. One of them is, "Does being proficient in English bring more opportunities?"
With the advancement of AI these days, it seems possible to travel abroad comfortably even without knowing the local language. Using Papago, Google, AI, etc., can effectively explain what I want to say in the local language. And there's no difficulty in understanding what others say. One might think, "Is it really necessary to be good at 'English'?"
However, I tend to believe that being proficient in "English" definitely brings more opportunities. Going back and forth between Korea and the United States, I have chances to meet various people. There are opportunities to become friends with both Koreans and English-speaking people. Expanding the range and category of people I know seems to provide me with more opportunities.
Recently, I attended a conference near Samsung Station as an observer. There were representatives from American companies, and I had the chance to talk with them. We didn't discuss anything special, just talked about their neighborhoods, famous attractions, children's education, and company issues. I initially thought of that representative as just one of many attendees. Interestingly, another person who observed our conversation contacted me separately after the event. This led to an expansion of my work activities. Although I didn't expect this result, I felt it was an opportunity connected by "English."
As some time has passed since I came to Korea, I sometimes forget English, and when unfamiliar topics come up, I stumble a bit. When trying to discuss topics I've never encountered before, it can be quite bewildering.
While pursuing an online MBA, I read a lot of books but also write extensively. Although I often read in English, I haven't written much recently. Through this academic journey, writing about four pieces per week has definitely improved my English writing skills. I get to use words I don't often use and learn good expressions. Above all, I feel like I'm building the ability to explain business-related topics in English. Just as I can explain things I've learned in Korean in Korean, I can explain things I've learned in English in English.
The reasons for doing an online MBA are personal: time, spatial distance, and cost. While networking opportunities are limited, I'm not dissatisfied as I visit the school whenever I go to the US, meeting students and professors. There's also the option of applying for a visa to enter the school later. What satisfies me about doing this program from Korea is "expanding the areas I can explain in English" and "slowing down the rate at which I forget English."
I believe every process has its pros and cons. If I had decided to expand my network in Korea, I would have chosen MBA programs at Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, or Sungkyunkwan University. I would have selected programs where I could meet and befriend people well. But since that's not my goal, and considering time constraints, I think Stanton MBA is currently the best option for me.
I'm not the only Korean in this program. Looking at my classmates' names, I can see other Korean names too. It's fun doing this kind of program now. I think it would be good for interested people to contact the school. The people are kind. Although the situation in California isn't looking great these days, I think the location of this place is still okay.
https://stanton.edu/admission/programs/business-administration-mba/