I am trying to decide on where I'd like to do my MBA, with the intention of working abroad after graduation for several years. Here's my dilemma:

Europe: either in France (INSEAD) or Germany (Mannheim Business School). Germany has a strong economy, and it makes sense to get exposure to the market there now - but how long will it last? France I'm not so sure about, but I've read that INSEAD grads get decent jobs and salaries.

Asia: Hong Kong (HKUST) or Singapore (NUS). I wouldn't want to work in mainland China, especially since I would not be able to learn Mandarin that quickly. Seems like English-speaking MBAs from the top schools in Hong Kong and Singapore can reasonably expect good jobs there.

About me: Australian, 28. Five years work experience in retail back office roles with some management. Projected GMAT score: 700

What are your career goals? What sort of work would you like? Climate? Culture? These are such different options. It sounds like you need to clarify your own skills, strengths and desires.

Well, I'd like to be able to transition into some kind of strategic or management role in e-commerce so that I can get some experience, and then eventually try to start my own online business.

I'm pretty open when it comes to climate and culture. I speak French fluently, which from what I've read means that I'd probably have a better chance of working abroad in France than in other places. Although I've also heard that you can get by with English in Hong Kong or Singapore.

Singapore maybe, but not in HK.

So, France or Singapore? Easy choice? Or do both with ESSEC or Insead?

Ah! I had heard of the ESSEC program but I never looked at it closely. It looks great, especially with its Singapore connection and international study opportunities. But it's not ranked in the Financial Times - how big of a problem is this?

Well, the ESSEC Global MBA is new: I think the first year just graduated. In the EMBA ranking they are #44 worldwide http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/emba-ranking-2012 and #18 in the European ranking http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/european-business-school-rankings-2012 So, it's clearly a good school but not like Insead. I expect that it will get into the FT ranking in a couple of years; Insead is clearly a safer choice.

Ah, what a dilemma. I think I will apply for both and see what happens. Thanks for your help.