A multi-campus business school operates across different locations, often spanning continents, offering a dynamic and global education. Some of the most notable examples include INSEAD, ESSEC, and CEIBS. These institutions are shaping future business leaders by providing unique opportunities for students to engage in cross-cultural experiences, gain global exposure, and build expansive networks.
Having had the privilege of experiencing such institutions from both the student and administrative perspectives, I offer a firsthand look at the opportunities and challenges that come with studying at a multi-campus business school. From my time as a student at ESCP Business School, with campuses in Paris, Oxford, and Berlin, to my leadership roles at ESCP and now Kühne Logistics University (KLU), based in Hamburg, I have seen how these institutions create invaluable learning environments for both students and faculty.
The Global Advantage of Multi-Campus Business Schools
One of the most compelling reasons to choose a multi-campus business school is the global exposure it offers. Students can experience diverse cultures, understand international business practices, and build a network that spans continents. Whether it’s studying in Paris, Oxford, or Saigon, each campus offers its own unique environment, and the opportunity to move between them ensures students experience a world-class education while also gaining an understanding of the nuances of different global markets.
These experiences are essential in today’s globalized business world, where employers highly value international exposure. Multi-campus schools provide an academic advantage over exchange programs. Students in exchange programs typically only spend a short period in another country and have limited access to resources such as career services and extracurriculars. By contrast, multi-campus institutions integrate their international campuses into one seamless curriculum, offering students continuous academic support and a full range of activities designed to enhance both their education and their career prospects.
Career Advantages: More Than Just a Name
A significant advantage of attending a multi-campus business school is visibility. Having a physical campus in different countries strengthens the school’s global reputation and allows students to make valuable connections with employers across multiple regions. This is something that a single-campus school or an exchange program simply cannot provide.
With multi-campus schools, students gain access to a wider network of alumni, faculty, and industry professionals. For example, students from KLU’s Hamburg campus can connect with peers from the newly opened campus in Saigon, Vietnam, expanding their professional network while gaining insights into the Asian market. This type of connectivity provides students with a leg up in today’s competitive job market, where global awareness and cross-cultural competence are increasingly important.
Moreover, multi-campus schools ensure that students have access to international internships and career services from the very beginning. Unlike exchange students, who often have to compete for limited spots and deal with national regulations that may restrict internships, students in multi-campus schools typically enjoy guaranteed opportunities to study abroad and work in different international settings.
The Importance of Seamless Academic Integration
One of the unique features of a multi-campus school is the academic continuity it offers. At schools like ESCP or KLU, the curriculum is seamlessly integrated across all campuses, ensuring that students do not experience any gaps in their education when transitioning between locations. This contrasts with exchange programs where students may face issues with course compatibility, as host institutions may not be fully aware of the courses students have taken at their home institution.
This continuity ensures that students can progress through their studies without interruptions or delays, and they are better positioned to succeed in their academic pursuits. Moreover, multi-campus schools often have flagship events and extracurricular activities that take full advantage of their global presence. For example, ESCP organizes the famous Regatta, a cross-campus event that has become a tradition, while KLU hosts an annual Oscar Night at its Hamburg headquarters, where students and faculty gather to celebrate their academic achievements and foster a sense of community.
The Social and Extracurricular Perks
Aside from the academic and professional benefits, multi-campus business schools offer numerous social and extracurricular opportunities. As someone who has been involved in organizing events like ESCP’s Regatta and KLU’s Oscar Night, I can attest to the power of such activities in building lasting friendships and enhancing the student experience. These events, often organized across campuses, allow students to engage with their peers in a relaxed environment and strengthen their sense of belonging to a larger global community.
However, there are also challenges that come with being part of a multi-campus institution. The most notable drawback is that students may only have one school’s name on their diploma, despite the exposure to various campuses. This can be a concern for some, as the school may not be as widely recognized in every country where it has a presence. But this concern is often mitigated by the strength of the school’s global reputation and the growing demand for internationally experienced graduates.
