From OUR EDITORIAL STAFF, we have thought it appropriate to make a review of what are the challenges that you must face to study a master abroad
90% of the programs require scores on English tests.
Congratulations, you just finished your undergraduate studies! You feel great and ready to take on whatever comes next. The world is yours and things have never been better. However, as much as you may have tried not to think about it, you know that you will have to make a decision about your master’s degree, and studying abroad has always been a really tempting idea.
Making such an important decision is never easy and you may have to face some challenges and we will detail the most common here, since when you decide to fully immerse yourself in the experience of doing an international postgraduate you will have to take care of the following aspects:
1º) Do not allow yourself to be negatively influenced
Depending on how your life has been so far, the people around you have had a great influence on your decisions or a smaller one. It is important to listen to the advice you receive from the people you love: your friends and family. They want the best for you and that’s great. But do they really know what is best for you?
It is not uncommon to hear things like: “But why do you want to leave?” “What if something happens to you there?” Are you sure this is the best for you? Because we think you should … “
Do not be discouraged! Respect and appreciate that your loved ones want you to be safe and comfortable, but remember that personal growth usually occurs in new and challenging situations, in places where you need to adapt and reinvent yourself.
We know that sometimes it can seem like you don’t speak the same language, but you simply have to explain to your loved ones that a master’s degree abroad is a great opportunity. Point out that you love the idea of being an international student, taking courses in English (or another language), and practicing your language skills. Remind them that an international degree will be a great advantage in the job market and above all tell them how much this really means to you.
2º) Being overwhelmed by all possible options
Do you have the answer to the question “which is the best university for me?” This is the one you will have to answer and there is no magic mirror that will give you the answer
Sometimes the easiest way to choose a college is to decide whether you want to continue in the same field or try something different. After investing these years in a bachelor’s degree, you should already know if you want to continue down that path or make a change.
Actually, there is no right or wrong answer here. It’s about figuring out what matters to you and what you want to invest your time, energy and creativity in. Here are some questions that can help you find the answer: What do I like to do? What am I really good at? Do the things that I have studied in recent years really mean anything to me?
What would I love to learn more about? What makes me happy even when I do it for free? How would I like to contribute to the world and the people around me?
3º) Worry about not being able to pay it
If your family supports you financially on this new journey, things will start off on the right foot. However, you must take into account the tuition fees for the chosen program.
You also have to consider that certain countries offer affordable (or even free) programs, such as Finland, Sweden, Italy and Poland. In contrast, some of the countries that offer more expensive study options are the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Switzerland.
Do not forget that accommodation and living expenses must also be covered. Depending on your qualifications, you might even get a scholarship or a place on the college campus. So be sure to do your research.
If living on campus is not your thing, start looking for affordable rental options. You can also consult the Studyportals Scholarship for help to finance your studies abroad.
Depending on your master’s program, you may even be able to get a part-time job, earn some extra money, and get in touch with the local community. There are many possibilities, it is just a matter of finding the one that best suits you and your particular needs.
4º) Manage all the necessary procedures for the application process
Each university has its own unique selection process and requirements. The best way to ensure that you know exactly what is expected of you is to consult the individual page for the country and university you have chosen. There, you will normally find a list with all the documents and certifications that you will need to provide.
Most of the time, you will be required to demonstrate your English skills through an internationally recognized certificate, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced. Spending some time brushing up on your English and making sure you master the proper grammar will help you master any of them in no time.
You should bear in mind that the university admission process may take some time depending on each institution, how many students apply, etc. Sending all the documents and getting the final answer will not happen in an instant.
Your documents must be translated and have the notarial certification. You have to be patient and don’t forget what your motivation is and why you are doing this. It will help you focus and go through this stage more easily.
5º) Obtain a student visa
You should also check whether or not you will need a visa in your new host country. You may need one if you are not a citizen of the European Union or the United States and depending on where you live, this can take anywhere from two to three weeks to three months.
It would be a shame to lose the opportunity to study abroad simply because your visa was not issued on time. Knowing how to do it early brings you one step closer to moving abroad.
6º) Trying too hard to get the best of both worlds
A common feeling that people have when making important decisions is a fear of getting lost. The truth is, you can never do everything. If you do not travel abroad, you will miss the opportunity to learn the local language, you will miss the incredible experiences you will have there, all the connections, adventures and places of interest that are worth visiting.
On the other hand, if you go abroad, you will miss the things that happen in your home country, like birthdays, parties and holidays. In fact, this is something to consider, but you should keep in mind that experiencing a new culture and environment is truly a life-changing opportunity that may not happen again.
It’s nice to know that you can always change your mind. Sure, it’s great to finish what you started, but it’s just as great to know when something just isn’t for you.
We often grow up learning that making a mistake is a terrible thing, yet looking back, we all know that the most important lessons we’ve learned come from big mistakes. These things are unavoidable, but how you respond and what you learn is always up to you.
7º) Facing the fear of failure
You may face fear of failure during this process or even after you complete it. You may wonder if you’re good enough or just start asking yourself maddening questions. What if this? What if that? What happens if I fail? What happens if I don’t conform and I don’t adapt? What if the courses or exams are too difficult?
To overcome these problems when applying for a master’s degree abroad, it is important to remember that we only have a few decades on this planet and what you do with them is up to you. Yes, it is a difficult world and things are rarely perfect or exactly the way we want them to be. But that is not the point. You can only do the best with what you have and that is enough.
Regret is a terrible feeling, and by now, you may already know how you feel.
You know what they say, you will end up regretting the things you didn’t do more than the things you did. That is why you must follow your dream and go after what you really want. Will be worth!