{"id":1539,"date":"2016-07-15T09:20:52","date_gmt":"2016-07-15T09:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/international\/?p=1539"},"modified":"2016-07-15T09:20:52","modified_gmt":"2016-07-15T09:20:52","slug":"make-dream-of-studying-abroad-come-true","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.westminster.ac.uk\/international\/make-dream-of-studying-abroad-come-true\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make the dream of studying abroad come true"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over two months ago, I returned to Brazil from one of the most incredible experiences of my life. At the end of 2014, I packed my bags and travelled to the UK to study a Masters in Marketing Communications<\/a> at the University of Westminster, located in\u00a0the heart of London. In that year, I was one of the five people who were awarded\u00a0a full-fee scholarship\u00a0by the\u00a0university \u2013 one of the greatest achievements I\u2019ve accomplished by far.<\/p>\n

During one year and half, I was able to\u00a0explore\u00a0what it was like to live, study and work in London<\/strong> \u2013 what could possibly be better than that?<\/p>\n

As many friends and acquaintances will know, the idea of studying abroad has always been a dream of mine and the key motivation to spend some time overseas. Having lived my entire life in Sao Paulo city, I yearned for a different experience since I was an undergrad student years ago. However, whether due to\u00a0personal, professional or financial reasons, I saw myself\u00a0gradually leaving it aside to a point where it was only an inconspicuous desire.<\/p>\n

It was only in 2014 that I decided to take courage<\/strong> and make it happen. After going through a huge loss and a radical change in my life, I decided to focus and strive – this time, without giving up on the first stride.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Within two months, I rushed to submit\u00a0my application to the MA course and, subsequently, the scholarship process of the university. Unlike the Chevening<\/a> programme, I applied directly to the Westminster\u2019s scholarships programme<\/a> that year.<\/p>\n

During this intense and fast-paced process, I discovered a strong willpower\u00a0and determination in myself which kept me going. Looking back now, if I could say\u00a0in three words what really made the difference for me, I would say: planning<\/strong>, outreach<\/strong>\u00a0and confidence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Planning<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Living abroad arguably requires a thorough planning \u2013 it doesn\u2019t matter if it is for six months, one year or more. The costs are considerable<\/strong>, especially if you want to move to a country with a valued currency like the UK. Besides the fixed costs such as accommodation, food and transport, you also need to consider any extra and emergency expenses which might appear later.<\/p>\n

But wait, don\u2019t panic just now. Spare some time to analyse your financial condition. If you lack some money, you can compensate by working at the destination country (if allowed). For example, in the UK, international students can work up to 20 hours per week<\/a> during their course term time. You can\u2019t make a fortune out of it, but it can definitely\u00a0relieve your finances.<\/p>\n

Estimate and simulate expenses. <\/strong>In London specifically, rent and transport<\/strong> are the most expensive items of one\u2019s budget. For example, the closer your accommodation is to zones 1-2 (centre of London), the higher your rent bill will be. However, the overall expenses can be compensated by commuting less if you stay in those zones.\u00a0For further guidance and tips, read more on\u00a0Money Matters website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"studying<\/p>\n

Financial planning is also essential during the scholarship application process<\/strong>, as you have to evaluate the level of support you really need<\/u>. If you have some money to support yourself throughout your study period, perhaps a full-fee or part-fee scholarship might be enough, rather than the full scholarship.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s good to remember that this latter option, which covers all costs (plane tickets, visa, and tuition fee) plus gives you a monthly allowance, is extremely competitive<\/strong> on a global level and offered\u00a0to a limited number of students. Also, if your Westminster scholarship application is rejected, you\u2019ll have to wait two years to try again. It may be your only shot, so be precise on this!<\/p>\n

Outreach<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Alongside planning, research is key, but also reach out to people and ask questions<\/strong>. Don\u2019t be shy and use all the available tools and channels.<\/p>\n

\"studying<\/p>\n

In my case, if it weren’t\u00a0for my sister who told me about the University of Westminster and its scholarship programme, I would have probably tried only the Chevening scheme, which is a much longer process. At Westminster, it took about five months from submitting my\u00a0application to getting the visa \u2013time flied!<\/p>\n

Also, research the course well<\/strong> and evaluate carefully if it truly fits your career goals \u2013 after all, it is an important investment. Go beyond the rankings and the information you find on Google. If you can, contact alumni and clarify your doubts with the university\u2019s team. I myself did that and was surprised to receive some incredible tips and advice.<\/p>\n

Confidence<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When I say confidence, it\u2019s not only about self-confidence, but also feeling confident that it will work, that there is a possibility<\/strong>. Feeling uncertain and anxious is completely normal, and I went through these emotions since I was an undergrad student in my early 20s.<\/p>\n

Indeed, I was incredibly privileged for seizing the opportunity at the right time and right place and having the support from my family. But, for a long time, I made myself believe that it would be impossible to study abroad, let alone achieve a scholarship.<\/p>\n

As many friends who dream to study abroad, I felt paralysed whenever I looked at the required procedures and documents and the international competition statistics.<\/p>\n

My top advice: do not overthink this<\/strong> and, as I said in a previous post about scholarship, the first and most important step is to\u00a0give it a try<\/a><\/strong>. Yes, there are costs involved (documentation, translations, IELTS) and it takes time, energy and patience, but don\u2019t let it discourage or block you. At the very moment I stopped worrying myself about how it could not work out, I drove all my focus onto what really mattered, and that helped me to pull through.<\/p>\n

\"studying<\/p>\n

In conclusion, if you asked me if studying abroad was really worth it, I\u00a0would\u00a0tell you the same thing I said to my friends: yes, without a single doubt!<\/strong><\/span> I personally don\u2019t know anyone who\u2019s ever travelled overseas and regretted it.<\/p>\n

It is a unique opportunity to open your mind and learn through victories, complications, laughs, hardships and everything in between.<\/p>\n

So what are you waiting for?\u00a0 \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n

Imagens via\u00a0Pixabay<\/a><\/p>\n

Original post in Portuguese at Susana’s HuffPost\u00a0Brazil\u00a0blog<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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