I'm not sure if an MBA is really necessary. Why not take an intensive Dutch course?

What sort of general management role would someone hire you for in the Netherlands after an MBA, when you won't speak fluent Dutch? Only your existing employer would take such a big risk.

It's very hard to move country and function. It would be much more realistic to think that you should aim to do very similar work in the Netherlands to the work you are going now. And then learn Dutch. After that, take an executive MBA if you want a general management role.

If you're committed to an MBA, then RSM, TiasNIMBAS, Nijenrode and Vlerick are the schools to look at.

I'd also suggest http://www.tiasnimbas.edu/Executive_Master_of_Information_Management_(MIM)/pgeId=217 alongside an intensive Dutch course. TU Delft is also worth looking at http://www.tudelft.nl/?id=6181&L=1

It's not necessarily more difficult to have no job and do a part-time course than it is to do a full-time course and have no job. I was thinking that it would allow you to improve your Dutch.

If you're not committed to life in the Netherlands, then get into the best school you can, with the strongest network in Asia. It's a pity that you're too old for Insead. There's a joint MBA between St Gallen and Nanyang. ESSEC has a campus in Singapore.

Thanks Duncan

I will check out the details of St Gallen joint program.

btw, I am also interested in Cranfield. Do you think it worth a try?

Cheers

They have two joint programmes: http://www.nanyangmba.ntu.edu.sg/programme/full-time-programs/nanyang-st-gallen-double-masters-mba/

Cranfield is a much better idea than Ashridge (or the Dutch schools).

PS I'd also look at Cambridge very closely.

thanks for the helpful information

Can you elaborate more in terms of "Cranfield is a much better idea than Ashridge (or the Dutch schools). "?

I know it is good, but can not figure out why it is better

Thanks

Cranfield has a very traditional and very strong MBA, with four full-time terms of coursework, very much like a US-style four semester MBA. It's a big school with a strong alumni base and excellent careers services. It's an excellent choice for people with lack a personal industry network in the countries they are targetting. It's more extensive and will have a higher quality cohort than the Dutch schools.

Ashridge is totally different. It's a tiny cohort. Ashridge has 25 or 30 full-time students and its got the infrastructure that reflects that. In terms of full-time faculty, careers services, alumni network it's much weaker.

Now, I have to say that I am an Ashridge alum. I take their MBA refresher programme every year, and it's an amazing school. But it's a great fit for someone who is already in the function, industry and country they want to be in and wants to move up very quickly though developing leadership and interpersonal skills.