Graduate School Abroad

Shattering the Myths

Jul 17, 2007 Michele Ryan

Thinking about getting your Master's, PhD or other graduate degree while living abroad? Educating yourself in a foreign country may be a lot easier than you think.

Always wanted to spend a semester abroad, but never got around to it? Think that graduate degrees are for people smarter or richer than you? A little investigation may change your mind. Here are the top five myths about getting your graduate degree abroad.

Myth One: “I have to learn a foreign language to study abroad.”

Nothing could be further from the truth! English is the world’s language for the 21st century. In fact, foreign schools now offer graduate degrees designed so their local students can compete in a global economy. Many European business schools, for example, have entire programs taught in English. Expand your search beyond the obvious foreign countries like England and Australia. Many countries speak English as a strong and popular second language such as India, Singapore, Sweden, Laos and Ghana. Don’t forget to look at Europe in greater detail. France, for example, has several international schools that are taught entirely in English.

Myth Two: “I can’t afford to study abroad.”

Many graduate programs abroad are much less expensive by North American standards. Foreign education is often free to foreigners in foreign countries. As a result, many public and private schools have tuition structures that are equivalent to half the price that North Americans are use to paying; often with no residency requirements. Many foreign schools also are approved for US federal financial aid as well.

Myth Three: “I’m not smart enough to compete with foreign educated students.”

North American has some of the best higher education systems in world. If you have an American or Canadian Bachelor’s degree, then you are most likely at the same level as most of your foreign counterparts. Interestingly enough, many foreign students believe they have an inferior education to that of US students. Check out the school’s website, entrance requirements and accreditation.

Myth 4: “It will take too longer if I spend time abroad.”

Many graduate programs abroad are shorter and more concentrated. One reason is that their undergraduate programs are longer. Master’s level programs are often condensed to one year programs. For example, in France, the first degree may take five years followed by a one year graduate degree. You can join a degree program for the last year and receive your Master’s degree in only one year. In the United Kingdom, many research PhD programs do not require a Master’s degree and can be completed in three years.

Myth 5: “My foreign degree will not be recognized everywhere.”

You will need to investigate the school’s accreditation. Many countries have multiple accrediting levels. In most cases the highest foreign level will be recognized by North American companies. In Europe, the common accreditation bodies include EQUIS and AACSB. Review the international rankings as published by the Financial Times newspaper for more information about global accreditations.

So what are you waiting for? You may be able to get your graduate degree in half the time and at half the cost. Plus you will finally get to spend some time abroad. Start by searching for schools in the country you want to live in. Also use education directories such as gradschools.com and studyabroad.com.

The copyright of the article Graduate School Abroad in Universities is owned by Michele Ryan. Permission to republish Graduate School Abroad in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Grad. student meeting place in Antibes, France