Thinking about heading to the other side of the world to pursue your master’s degree? Good for you! It’s always great to think outside the box, and seize opportunities to do something different and adventurous while you can. Before you begin viciously Google translating the websites of universities in Europe (and trying to figure out which ones have an English option), take some time to read our tips and suggestions!
Get in some travel time and diversity
With the option of the Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in Europe, students can study and conduct research in their field at two or more different universities around Europe, and even other parts of the world. For example, if you want to start a Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies next fall, you can make your “Home University” in Spain at the University of Granada, or in Italy at the University of Bologna – and then complete your degree in your “Mobility University” in the Netherlands at the University of Utrecht the next year. While the registration fees for a non-European Union student are €15,000 (for 2 years, not including travel or accommodation expenses), there are many scholarship opportunities available for these programs.
Efficiency
There is more diversity in Master’s degrees offered in places like the UK, even for programs that take only one year. Many of these degrees are also often more specialized – if are already rearing to be working in that field. For example, at the University of East London, you can complete a Master’s Degree that incorporates choreography, oral histories and ethnography. To find the perfect degree for you, we recommend you visit this website: http://www.mastersportal.eu.
The University of East London
Prepare to Introduce Yourself as “Dr.”
In some European countries, such as Italy, you are given the title “Dr.” after the completion of a five year post-secondary degree. Let’s hope that sticks if you chose to move back to North America after you finish your degree!
Consider the Cost
If you are currently a European Union citizen, or a citizen of the specific country, you can earn your Master’s degree for free in some places (in some countries other restrictions may apply for example, the proof of residency). For example, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Scotland, and other countries offer this benefit to students.
La Sorbonne, Paris
Admissions and Formality:
In general, many hold the opinion that European Master’s programs have lower expectations for admission. This means that your average doesn’t necessarily need to be as competitive as it would have to be in Canada because of Europe’s post-graduate capacity for a larger amount of students. Additionally, often for degrees which are less research oriented and are more “taught” oriented, you don’t necessarily need to know for the very beginning of your degree what you specifically want write about for your dissertation. Basically, the whole process of approaching a Master’s degree in Europe can be a lot less stressful than it is in Canada!
Be Aware of the Little Details
You are going to have to deal with all the little things like bank accounts, phones, internet, a place to live, utilities – you know the drill. You may have done this in your first year or not to such a large extent, but don’t underestimate the time and frustration that can go into these things – especially if you’re trying to navigate it through it all in a foreign language! Have patience and just be ready for detail work.
Prepare Yourself For Some Minor Academic Differences
Grading scales can be very different, so before you freak out about the mark you got, double check that grades aren’t scaled differently from your home university and country. The teaching methods and goals (for example, memorization may be valued over analysis, or text-based sources over a variety of sources) may vary from what you’re used to, so be prepared to find yourself behind in some areas but ahead in others. Also, the relationship you have with your professors might be very different from what you are used to, you might go for drinks and call them by their first name – definitely easy to get used to!
Get Your Entertainment Sorted Beforehand!
So, you want to watch your favorite TV shows and movies while abroad? You don’t want to be the one person who never actually knows what happened in Game of Thrones, (you want to stay sane) and you really need to keep up with all your Netflix favorites. Unfortunately this can be a bit complicated… The world is divided into DVD regions – for example, the US and Canada together compose Region 1 and play Region 1 DVDs, while Europe is considered Region 2 and plays only Region 2 DVDs. But a Region 1 DVD won’t play on a Region 2 player. However, in most computers you are able to change the region code up to five times. So you can bring your DVDs with you, not change your computer (you will probably have issues watching certain videos online this way), change your computer and rent movies there, or finally, get an IP blocker so you can watch Netflix abroad or download your favorite shows.
Also, going to the movies may sometimes end up looking like this… Be prepared.
Take Advantage of Your Experience
Yes, you’re there to get your degree and study your booty off, but you are also abroad and have an opportunity to explore Europe! Don’t let your time there pass without checking a few adventures, countries, and experiences off your list. Also, you might want to make friends outside of your grad class too – when it’s time to write your dissertation, you’re going to want to hang out with people who have something (anything) else to talk about.
Be Aware of Fashion Differences:
Hey girl, wetotally understand, some days (like Monday through Friday) are days when you just don’t feel like putting on real pants when it is 100% socially acceptable to wear leggings and sweatpants. However, be aware that in Europe “casual” doesn’t mean sweats. Or jeans. But don’t exchange comfort for fashion on our account – feel free to flaunt your comfort and wear those sweats – just be prepared for the occasional look of disdain (and inward jealousy, I’m sure).
European women make the effort and often look like this. If you can do the same (once in a while) you should, too!
Here’s a handy article from the Telegraph, detailing where the best English-speaking universities in Europe are!
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