Here we have the second part of a recent article where we review the different points to keep in mind while considering different countries for masters and doctoral education. Even though the articles are independent, it would be great for your understanding if later you check out the previous article as well, especially for the little notes in between.
SINGAPORE
The land of shopping malls has the Marina Bay Skyline, cleanliness, and Michelin-star street food as its defining features.
Pros:
- One of the biggest education hubs, especially in business and management degrees
- Plethora of scholarships and government subsidies
- High job opportunities and salaries
- English is now the most common language there
Cons:
- Off-campus part-time work is seen as distracting from education
- Cut-throat competition from the local residents in all spheres
SWEDEN
This Scandinavian nation is the origin of so much more than just the Nobel Prize. Spotify, Ikea, H&M and pickled herring are just a fraction of its gifts.
Pros:
- Internationally competent research in technology and medicine
- Creative education system
- Progressive mindset
- Soul match for environmental enthusiasts
Cons:
- Expensive living costs
- Housing is difficult to find
- Language barrier
GREECE
The cradle of European civilization, the birthplace of philosophy, Herculean history and their mythology only amaze you more as you keep exploring!
Pros:
- Hospitable people
- Informal, holistic teaching approach
- Consistently improving international curriculum
- Low fees and living cost
- The places to explore, and rich history
Cons:
- Low wages
- Language barrier
Note : An obvious and necessary facet is sponsoring your education. Scholarships are plenty. Sometimes even moderate grades aren’t a barrier. Student loans are availed abroad, but can be a viable option long-term if you choose it after careful consideration. The whole crux is to start on time, and be persistent.
AUSTRIA
Vienna, the Austrian capital, A.K.A., the city of music, is the first thing Austria is known by. Next might be its noblesse architecture, sports or its variety of nature hotspots.
Pros:
- A location for sports lovers, adventure enthusiasts and musicians
- High quality of life
- Low education costs
Cons:
- Language barrier
- High living costs
- Difficult to find accommodation
BELGIUM
Peeing statues, chocolates, ancient festivals and waffles are iconic to this nation!
Pros:
- Affordable tuition and living
- Globalization of universities
- Ranked business schools
Cons:
- Excessive taxes
- Multiple main languages
NEW ZEALAND
The Middle Earth, the city of sails, every slope, beach, lake and the rugby games are part of the Kiwi experience.
Pros:
- Good education model
- Core destination for nature lovers
- Multitude of outdoor activities
Cons:
- Moderately costly
- Harsh winters
The last section has the 6 locations that most people include worldwide due to their world-class education system, living standards, good wages and established student hub.
CANADA
The northernmost nation has been a student hub for a long time! The points to consider before choosing it are:
- Cold weather
- Expensive tuition and cost of living
- High taxes
AUSTRALIA
Cute Koalas, lush rainforests, wild adventure nature and tropical beaches are powerful add-ons to the well-established placements in Australia.
Cons:
- Living costs
- Extreme weather conditions
- Internet connectivity is dicey
FRANCE
Paris, the Eiffel Tower, fashion, and the air of romance alongside the highest quality education, networking, opportunities, wages and affordable tuition might convince some to place it on their dream list automatically.
Still, some things to keep in mind are:
- The language barrier
- High living costs
- Blighting bureaucracy
GERMANY
Bread, castles, cars and music festivals are some of the best things about Germany alongside their well-oiled education system. They’re the world leader in engineering. Germany offers extravagant job prospects, free public education for all students.
Things to check would be:
- The language barrier
- Bureaucracy
- Lack of facilities in public universities
- Working limits for international university students
UK
Education quality, flexibility, and well-paying jobs have been the cornerstones of the UK. The culture and opportunities add onto it to make it a desirable destination. However:
- The UK curriculum is challenging- many might not be able to bridge the gap from their undergraduate education.
- Hinted policy changes due to overflow of international students
- Student Visa
USA
With university names as old as educational rankings, one of the most popular student life reviews, flexible courses and prices, the USA has been the prime contender in hegemony for higher education and further living. That doesn’t mean there are no challenges in between.
These are:
- High living cost
- Good employment (especially in the current economic scenario) might be difficult to find.
Note: All said and done, the last most crucial point is self-reliability and persistence. (Not a moral science lecture!)
Counselors, articles and peers will be helpful, but only when you explore and talk to a variety of people will you be able to understand what truly suits you. Finding a university is time-consuming unless you’re blessed with great luck. But remember, because of how unique we are, there is no correct answer, just the best answer.
Written by Nishant Choudhary for MTTN
Edited by Dhriti Bhardwaj for MTTN
Featured artwork by Sheer-madness
Featured Image by Sin Jong Hun