August 7, 2023, by Leah Sharpe
Why I Chose To Apply for a Master’s Abroad
By Lucy Cooper, Modern Languages graduate
After having a long, hard think about what I could do after my languages degree at Nottingham I decided that going on to further study and completing a master’s degree abroad would be a great option.
Choosing to study abroad is a serious decision to make, and one that I didn’t take lightly. Having studied languages and having undertaken a year abroad in France and Spain, I was aware of the opportunities available to me abroad. I also really didn’t want to stop using the languages that I had spent so much time studying over the course of my undergraduate degree. Knowing that I had really enjoyed my time in France, and wanting to spend more time there, I chose to apply for a master’s course in the city that I lived in whilst I was on my year abroad. The subject I have chosen to study is applied foreign languages, allowing me to continue studying modern languages, but instead through a business lens. The subject is of great interest to me whilst also allowing me to broaden my employability through the more ‘applied’ nature of the programme.
The application process
The application process for a masters in France can be quite complicated and daunting. This isn’t to put you off applying, more to let you know that it is important to be organised. I really recommend making an orientation appointment with the Campus France team, who are able to explain it in the simplest way possible and tailor their advice to your situation, all for free! I’ve chosen to study at a state university, meaning I undertook my whole application process on the ‘Etudes en France’ platform. This involved submitting a lot of documents, a cover letter, a CV, doing an interview with the team about why I wanted to study in France and paying the platform fees. The process including the interview up to when I got my file approved took around three months, although I applied early, and a lot of that time was waiting. I started to hear back from universities towards the end of April, around two months after my file was approved.
Looking forward
I’m really looking forward to moving back to France and reintegrating in French culture. I’m hoping that the course will allow me to improve my French skills in a real-life context instead of a language class, and also allow me to make French friends and contacts. The master’s course I’ve chosen also has a huge focus on employability, including a six-month internship at the end of the two years, so I’m looking forward to learning new things and developing new skills.
My advice
The main thing I’d say if you’re interested in applying for a master’s abroad, is that organisation and drive is key. Choosing to study abroad is a long process, with often complicated visa applications and language exams included as a part of the package. I really recommend starting to research as early as possible, as this will help you enormously later on. If you have any contacts in your target country, these will also prove to be extremely useful. Good luck!
Explore the Careers Further study abroad webpages and Applying for courses for application tips.
Still unsure? Book a one-to-one appointment with the Careers team.
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