My experience as an International MBA student at Bentley University

Ask any international student attending a U.S.- based MBA program in 2020 and they will tell you it has not been an easy year. In fact, I don’t think it’s been an easy year for anyone, anywhere.

I am an MBA student in the Bentley University, Class of 2022 who first started the Fall 2020 trimester from my hometown, Tirana, Albania. Should I mention the 6-hour time difference? The support and energy that came from the Advising Team and the world-class professors have been essential in helping me stay engaged even during the odd all-nighter. All through Zoom, I have met some amazing members of the Classes of ‘22 and ‘21, students from all around the world. I know what you are thinking and Yes, it is more difficult to build relationships and connections in a virtual environment but don’t let that stop you. I have gained extremely from knowing that on the other side of my laptop screen is a community supporting me and will still be there when everything will go back to normality. 

In October, I had my student visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy in Tirana rescheduled twice due to the rise of COVID cases in Albania. The trip to the United States was an adventure itself but I was lucky enough to start this new journey with the other MIP Alumni of Cohort 2020, whom I should say became my very good friends. In October we finally arrived in MA and were looking forward to taking the best out of this great opportunity it was offered to us. 

Nevertheless, I had to face the reality that I would not be able to meet my classmates till Spring 2021 – if not later. Still, I was in good company. Klaudio, Rezarta, and all Boston MIP Alumni of Cohort 2019 have been such great support in these uncertain times and kind of a new family, and for that, I am extremely grateful. 

In between virtual classes and university online events, I got to meet some amazingly creative people, and do some volunteering work at The Boston Club, a non-profit organization with the goal of supporting and helping advance women leaders. Even though it has passed only one trimester, my time here has substantially shifted my perspective on my career path and now I’m heading to my future with a better sense of what I hope to gain from the MBA program. 

Regardless I had imagined that studying in the United States would be a totally different experience if, in normal times, I don’t think there has been a better time to do an MBA, especially one at Bentley University, which I have to mention that is a very prestigious and well-known University in the area of New England.

Coming out of this pandemic, communities across the world are recognizing the importance of good leadership. You might argue that a great leader doesn’t require an MBA and I would agree. However, I would like to add that from personal experience, I strongly believe that the life lessons, relationships, and opportunities that come from an MBA at Bentley can go a long way in helping you achieve the change you want to see in the world.

©️ Elda Isakaj, MIP Fellow, MBA at Bentley University