Studying abroad for your master’s degree: 5 tips to prepare

TL;DR

• When studying abroad, there are plenty of resources available to you that can help your transition to a new country
• Although it’s always important to do your own research, the careers team of your target school can also provide key information regarding visas, accommodation, and cultural differences
• Try to speak to as many students and alumni as possible before making the move. They can offer insights that university teams may not think to share

Maybe you’re pursuing that course you’ve been dreaming of. Maybe you’ve been enticed by exciting career prospects. Or maybe you’re simply looking for a bit of an adventure.

No matter the reason, choosing to study your master’s abroad can be one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make. You’ll make new friends, visit beautiful places, and experience a whole different way of living. Plus, spending time abroad looks great on a resume.

That said, it can also be a little daunting. There are a whole host of factors for international students to consider when moving abroad, including cultural differences, cost, and application processes.

If you’re unsure where to start, with these five tips you’ll be feeling confident before you even step on the plane.

1. Understand the visa requirements

Different countries can have completely different entry requirements for specific nationalities, and you need to check the latest information on official sites before accepting your place on a program. 

Most business schools will publish some supporting information about visa requirements for their country. However, it’s worth doing your own research by visiting the government website of the country in which you’re hoping to study. The government will post country-specific advice that should help you understand how easy it is for you to get a visa.

For example, if you’re a citizen of an EU country then you’re eligible to study in any other EU nation, visa-free. However, citizens from outside the EU are likely to have stricter requirements and a longer application process.

US study for international students has become more complex recently, and research on visas via the US government website is important. The US also has Advising Centers located at its embassies and consulates where you can speak to experts.

2. Arrange your accommodation

Although some universities offer priority accommodation to international students, it’s not always guaranteed. To maximize your chances, it’s important to apply for accommodation as soon as possible. 

If you can’t find university-hosted accommodation, your next best option is  to sign up to a student housing website. Each country will typically have their own, so it’s best to check the recommendations given by your b-school/university.

Failing that, try social media. You’re likely to find housing and accommodation groups on Facebook full of people offering spare rooms and entire flats. Just be sure to thoroughly research the person offering the room out, as these groups also attract a lot of scammers and fake accommodation. 

3. Get to know the laws and culture

Navigating a new culture can be a challenge for anyone, particularly if you’re moving to a new country for the first time.

Different countries (and even cities)  have their own etiquettes, rules, and cultural norms to be aware of. Being aware of them before you travel is the best way to prepare.

 Luckily, you’ll find plenty of relevant information online. There are websites dedicated to international students such as CulturaGo, which post detailed country profiles for some of the most popular study destinations in the world. These can a good place to start.

You might also try social media platforms such as Reddit and Facebook. They’re full of international students in the same situation as you, as well as domestic students who can share some of the most important things to be aware of before traveling.

Your target university is also likely to offer plenty of advice for incoming international students and may even have some societies for students from your region.

4. Speak to other students and alumni

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new culture is by learning from the experiences of others. 

Often you can find alumni on your school’s website or by looking them up on LinkedIn. It may seem daunting, but there’s no harm in sending someone a message asking for advice or even a virtual chat. Many alumni will be more than happy to help you, as they were once in the same position as you. 

Equally, reaching out to other international students going to the same school as you will help you feel more at ease. 

5. Reach out to your school’s careers team

An important tip to remember is that almost all schools have a careers team to offer help when you need it. 

“As an international student who didn’t know much about the Belgian job market, the careers team were invaluable in helping me find companies that aligned with my values,” says Bhuveneswari BS, who moved from India to study the Master in Marketing and Digital Transformation program at Vlerick Business School.

Similarly, Scottish-born Zainab Iqbal, who studied a Master in Digital Innovation and New Business Design, says that the careers team at Italy-based POLIMI Graduate School of Management was critical in preparing students for the world of work, by offering CV workshops and skills sessions. 

The careers team will be there to guide you through your business school journey, especially for lining up internships or potential job opportunities when you graduate, so take advantage of them. 

International students are an integral part of the fabric of any school. So while aspects of a move abroad may seem daunting, there are plenty of resources out there to help.

Once you've started preparing for your master's abroad, the next big question is where to study. Explore how to choose the right country for your business school degree.