Can I Study Abroad for a Master’s Degree?

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master's abroadIf you are currently an undergraduate, or you are a professional looking to advance your career by furthering your education, you may wonder whether you can study abroad for a Master's degree. Not everyone is lucky enough to study for their Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a foreign country, but studying to earn an upper level degree can be a much more affordable option than you might think. Read on and learn why many professional higher level degree students choose to study abroad so that they can immerse themselves in another culture and attain an education from another perspective.

Studying Abroad Tends to Cost Less than Studying Domestically

As you start to compare foreign degree programs that are internationally accredited and domestic programs, you may notice that earning a Master's degree abroad could actually cost you less. While some students may be eligible for grants based on their undergraduate academic performance and major, a majority of upper level students pay for their degree entirely out-of-pocket. The average Master's degree costs between $80,000 and $120,000 when you study domestically. Compared to the cost of $7,250 euros a year that is charged by graduate schools in Eastern Europe, students can pay a quarter to half of the cost to earn their Master's and still have room and board covered.

Master's Degree Programs Are Shorter

Although more and more domestic Master's programs are taking an accelerated approach so that students can earn their degrees quickly, they still usually take about 24 months, or longer if you're simultaneously working full time. In contrast, most programs that are delivered abroad last only one year. These same students can move on to earning a full doctorate by studying for three or four years. By reducing the time it takes to earn a Master's degree, students can keep the cost invested in higher education down. This means that students can earn higher salaries in their respective fields and recoup for the loss of income much more quickly.

Many Employers Perceive Degrees Earned Abroad Highly

Everyone takes the path that they are comfortable with to earn their degree. Many times, employers will consider the path that you have taken to earn your Master's degree. Employers who are working in global markets may want a more cultured professional who has taken the time to live in a new area and learn a new language. If the recruiters are familiar with the Master's programs in the region that you attended, they may also be able to gauge whether or not you are a self-starter and independent learner. Furthermore, in many cases, a school outside the U.S. has access to research material and special collections. Be sure to highlight that you studied abroad, outline the merits of your school, and use these facts for your benefit. If you're interested in a medical degree, check out 25 Most Impressive University Medical School Libraries, which includes university medical libraries from all over the world.

Studying abroad is all about getting out of your comfort zone and gaining more than just knowledge and skills. By studying abroad, you can learn about the world and the people in it. You need to consider why you would like to study abroad, the cost of programs and lodging, and program duration. If you are open to temporary re-location, it may be worthwhile to study abroad for a Master's degree.