What, How and Why to Prepare for Masters Degree Abroad

In order to apply abroad, a graduate applicant needs to prepare the following:

Standardized Tests

• GRE (General + Subject)
• TOEFL/IELTS

Academic Transcripts

• Semester wise marks card + Consolidated marks card 

Application Forms

• Applicants should fill the application carefully and with correct information
• Education systems in different countries vary; hence the language on the application form should be read carefully before form filling.
• Get the completed form proof read prior to final submission

Extra Curricular Activities

• Shows overall development of the student in varied interests
• Community Service however not essential, but can help a lot
• Display your ability and experience in management, organization and working with teams

Recommendation Letters, Essays/SOP & Resume

• Must Show Distinctiveness
• Diversity
• Intent in applying for a particular course

Financial Documents

• To assess the financial capability of the applicant.
• These documents are required by the universities for issuing the I20.
• Universities ask applicants to show amounts equivalent to 1 year’s tuition fees and living expenses

Visa

Getting a Visa is not easy; any of the following can lead to rejection:

• Incomplete application
• Wrong information
• Improper documents
• Insufficient proof of funding
• Criminal activity
• Possible intent of immigration

Tests to take:

• GRE
• TOEFL
• IELTS

Why Study your Masters Abroad?

in today's world, companies are looking forward to recruit people with international background i.e he who know international culture as well as has perused education internationally. Governments also recognize the importance of international study for graduates in other countries but In the India, Its a different story all together because of the reservation and other factors. India has long had a more open approach to highly-skilled immigration, offering post-study work opportunities to its international students. Other countries like Canada, China, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand all have big plans to attract international students.

So, everyone agree that international study can be a good thing, but what, are the benefits of doing your masters abroad?

1) It will help you expand your world, discover a new country and culture and personal development and you get new friends.

Studying abroad means living abroad and you will have to embrace an unfamiliar environment, cultural practices and traditions and perhaps also a new language. Unless you spend the duration of your degree with students from your own country, it will allow you to gain an insight in a way of life which may be radically different from your own. This is as valid a reason as gaining an academic degree from an overseas institution.

It won’t just be people from the country you study in that you meet. It is likely that if you are an international student, there will be other students from overseas. What you will gain in studying with these students is an added cultural dimension to your studies. And, imagine how great it will be to have international friends for life! This has more than social benefits: professional networks are incredibly valuable and your fellow masters students may be the future leaders of tomorrow.

2) You will be exposed to a new study environment, learning and teaching methods as well as academics who has a different perspective

Doing your masters abroad will most likely involve getting used to a different way of being taught and of studying. This may involve more hours in the classrooms and less of a focus on grades but it may also mean that the interaction with your lecturers is different to what you may be used to. It is worth observing how “local” students behave in the classroom (better still, speak to international students who are doing a similar masters to yours in the institution you have chosen). Do students challenge ideas put forward by teaching staff? Are you invited to debate and think critically? Can you call your lecturer by his/her first name? These are just some of the questions you will have to answer for yourself.

The country where you have grown up will no doubt have eminent academics and scientists but not the best thinkers are in the same country. What better way to broaden your knowledge than to gain ideas shaped by unique international perspectives you may not have considered before?

By going abroad, you will get to study at institutions which have an excellent reputation and education. The best university for you may not necessarily be where you thought it was. And it goes beyond the rankings. For example, is your masters degree in a niche area not taught in your own country? Do they have experts, facilities and resources (inc. natural resources) not available back home? Is your masters degree specialising in a region? The best place to study your area-specific discipline is arguably in that country itself! Do you have an interest in American politics? Wouldn’t doing your masters in the US be a good option? Do you want to study tropical forests? Where would your masters best be done then?

Something else to consider is whether the process of applying to do your masters is less complex. For example, not all countries require entry examinations and selection is based on your academic record. If you want to avoid having to sit a GRE exam, look into European universities.

3) It will “internationalize” your CV and show you are mobile.

Many multinationals recruit all over the world and all they are interested in is that they employ the best. Seeing that you are prepared to travel means that you may be more attractive to large companies with operations worldwide. Employers are not too fussy about how you gain your experience abroad but if you want to do a full masters degree abroad, you may wish to consider gaining some experience of studying/ working/volunteering abroad beforehand, for example doing an Erasmus exchange, undergraduate expedition/fieldwork, summer volunteering abroad, internship abroad...). Your reason to do your masters abroad may then become going back to the country you enjoyed first time round.

Joint-masters are a good way to study in several countries for shorter periods of time and to gain a masters from overseas universities.

4) You will gain language skills.

Doing a Masters abroad isn’t just for language students and whether you are looking to consolidate your English skills or learn a new language, it will be an asset during your studies, in particular if your course involves an internship in a local company, if you are doing quantitative surveys which involve interviews or if you want a part-time job. Of course, having knowledge of foreign languages (not necessarily fluency but just enough to break the ice) will also help you in your future job search. “Over two thirds of employers are not satisfied with the foreign language skills of young people”. While traditional European languages are appreciated by employers, some are looking further afield for example Mandarin.

5) A more attractive degree duration and structure?

Perhaps there is a very simple rationale for doing a masters degree abroad? The structure of taught masters degrees in your home country doesn’t suit you. Is your aim to do your masters over a short period of time (say a year), albeit intensively? Or, do you prefer the idea of having a summer holiday during which you can do an internship or just have a break? Do you want to do your masters part-time but this isn’t really an option back home? You will find a format that suits you but make sure you do your research. A masters degree will be similar in structure throughout the UK but this may not be the case everywhere so don’t assume that because one institution in your chosen destination offers an ideal structure that they all will.

6) Your career opportunities will be enhanced

Studying abroad will make you stand out and it will also enhance your knowledge of working abroad opportunities. Career advisers in your institution will have in-depth knowledge of the local labor market and of employers in country. You may also have opportunities to meet company representatives at career fairs or at presentations during your studies or perhaps one of your course mates has some tips on how to approach a job search in their own country. You may also be able to acquire unique internships which will enhance your CV regardless of whether you stay on in the country you did your masters, go somewhere else or return to your home country where your international experience will be valued.

Where to go for your masters degree?

So the last thing to consider is where to study abroad. Some destinations like the US and the UK are well known to international students but the picture is changing and new study abroad destinations are making head way. Another and very important factor is the cost of education. Countries with competitive masters tuition fees include France, Mexico, Germany, Sweden or South Africa which are all home to excellent institutions such as the Ecole Normale Supérieure, Universidad Monterrey, TUM, Lund or Cape town University.

References:

1. Recommendations to Support UK Outward Student Mobility (2012)
2. Global Horizons and the Role of Employers (2008)
3. Ready to grow: business priorities for education and skills, Education and skills survey 2010