9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Masters Abroad

What you need to know about getting a masters abroad

Getting a master’s abroad is becoming more and more common as a launching point into your career. And in our globally connected world, why not get one abroad? Going abroad for your master's program can plug you into international opportunities you might miss if you stayed home. Not to mention that being abroad is an education in and of itself, and often the adventure of a lifetime!

Before we can get you there, you need to think about the questions outlined here.

But it’s not a decision to make lightly. If you’re set on studying abroad for your masters and are typing up applications as we speak take a quick breather and sit down with these questions to ask before you get a master’s abroad. 

Here's what you should ask yourself before getting a masters abroad

These 9 questions aren’t the end-all-be-all, of course; only you know your situation. But they should help you approach your decision to maybe, hopefully, perhaps enroll in a masters program abroad.

1. Can I afford it?

Sadly, this has to be question number one. While student loans are the reality for many of us, you don’t want to find yourself drowning in debt when you could have had local tuition and scholarships. Getting a masters abroad often means paying for student visas, travel expenses, and “set up in a new country” expenses too. Do a quick cost-benefit analysis before you make a decision to go abroad for your masters. 

Check if there are any scholarships out there, including from your local government, civic societies, or charitable foundations and of course, apply to any financial aid the school provides. Some countries have relatively cheap tuition, but the price of living may be higher than you’re used to. Not to mention those international flights that come into play with masters abroad programs. 

[More Advice on Paying for Your Degree Abroad]

2. What are my long term goals?

Masters abroad programs can be an entryway to exciting new opportunities—but are those the opportunities you want? Don’t get swayed by an exciting adventure or fancy sounding university name—graduate school is hard. You should only put in your blood, sweat, tears, brain cells, and money if your master’s degree will be a step towards your dreams. Your real dreams, not what you think you should dream. 

Will masters abroad programs help or hurt your chances of getting your dream job?

Clear away the clutter of social or familial expectations (I know, easier said than done) and envision yourself living your best life in 5, and 10, and 20 years. Does that life need a master’s degree? Does it need a master’s degree abroad? Think about your goals and then maybe don’t make such a steep investment unless it will get your where you want to go. Or maybe do! Maybe a couple years learning, steeped in new cultural experience and education, is exactly what you want whether or not it’s a straight shot to your goals. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into.

3. Will this program better improve my job prospects?

If you’re looking to get a masters degree abroad it’s probably for more than just fun (though hopefully it will also be fun!). You’re likely thinking about your career. Will a masters degree from a different country help you get the coveted dream job? It really depends on what that job is, if your university abroad is well known in the field, or well known at all. Sometimes if you want a job in a certain city it makes sense to get your masters in that city, rather than go abroad for it. But if you are eyeing a specific industry rather than a place, you should go to the school with the best reputation in that field, one that can provide a network for you to get your foot in the door. 

Going abroad could boost your job prospects for an internationally focused job, but won’t necessarily give you the cross cultural skills you need if your program skews full of people from your home country. Ask about the student demographics when you’re querying the admissions offices of the masters programs abroad that you’re interested in.

Stuck? Read this: Criteria to Consider When Choosing Between Universities Abroad

4. Will it give me the knowledge I need?

Another important question to ask before getting a masters abroad, even if it seems silly. Will you leave the master’s program knowing what you need to know for your next step? Not all masters abroad programs are created equal, and what you assume would be in a curriculum might be missing in your masters program abroad. Educational systems differ all over the world. In some countries masters programs are focused on hard skills for a job, in others they are more theoretical. Even the top tier schools may not have the class you’re looking for. 

Try setting up an interview with an advisor, professor, or current student to ask some questions before you make a decision. If there is something specific you want to learn—say, how to create budgets, how to analyze conflict situations, or how to run lab experiments—make sure you will gain that knowledge. 

One major perk of getting a masters abroad is the chance to learn—a LOT—outside of classroom time through our greatest teacher: Travel itself!

5. What is motivating me to go abroad?

You know you want to study abroad for your masters but why? If it’s just to make your friends jealous or for interesting conversation at parties well, maybe skydive instead. Getting your masters abroad is no joke—let’s be real, getting a masters anywhere is no joke—and you should make sure you are doing it because you want to. Not because someone else wants you to, or you feel social pressure, or you think it will solve your quarter-life crisis. Think about your motives. 

And yes, “it would be fun” is an ok motive, as long as it’s fun you can afford!

[The Advantages of Getting a Degree Abroad Besides Being Cooler Than Your Friends]

6. Will the degree work for me in other countries? 

Many masters programs abroad will prepare you well for a job in any country. But for certain fields, especially hard sciences, a masters in one country won’t “translate” into other countries. For example, if you decide to do a PhD some countries will make you retake classes if you already had taken them abroad. Some certifications aren’t considered legitimate in other countries. And consider the length of your masters—a one year UK masters might not be seen in as good a light as a two year American masters by American employers. Something to consider if you plan to return to your home country or move to another country after you graduate.

7. Will the network transfer to other countries?

Getting a masters abroad, or anywhere, is about knowledge and training—but also about building your network. That guy falling asleep in class? He could be your colleague soon. Or your boss. And if you know you want to work in the UK but you go get your masters in Australia, is that going to hurt your chances of graduating with a solid network of connections to help you find that first job? And it’s not all about the job either—it’s also about the community. 

Graduate school is hard and you get close with your fellow students. If you want to settle in Seattle but study in Seville, will you miss the community you built? Will starting over be hard? 

Has anyone in your network gotten a degree abroad? Give ‘em a call & ask for their feedback!

8. Would it provide the support you need in other areas of your life? 

If you decide to get a masters degree abroad this will impact your life for the next 1 to 2 years. Not only because studying will BE your life for the next 1 to 2 years, but it will also be one of the biggest impacts for the next few years on your health, mentally, physically, emotionally, socially...you name it. Getting a masters can be a taxing time. If you go abroad for it, will you have the support you need to stay healthy? Most universities around the world want to support their students but we all have different needs. Take your health into account. 

[3 Countries With Free Tuition for International Students]

9. Will getting a masters abroad be fun for you?

Getting a masters abroad is hard work—but it should also be a whole ton of fun. It’s not silly or immature to ask yourself: will you enjoy it? Because you should! This could be the last time in your life where you get to learn as your main job! That’s amazing! So be sure to go somewhere that you can soak in learning and have a good time.  

Next steps to getting a masters abroad

If you’ve taken the time to think through these questions, now you’re on to the next step—making the decision on what university and program is right for you! Try to talk to current and former students in the department where you want to study as they can give you the most accurate picture of the masters program. But first dig into some resources online: 

• The GoAbroad Online Advisor will give you customized advice on all your travel and study abroad dreams—including getting a masters abroad. Type in what you’re looking for and they’ll send some recommended programs right to your inbox. 
• This article on 16 Incredible Study Abroad Graduate Programs will get you started with an array of general and hyper-focused graduate programs in countries from Spain to China. 
• University World Rankings might seem like an odd resource—after all, you should care about what fits you and your goals, not rankings, right? But when you’re looking at universities abroad you might not be familiar with their academic reputation, and it does matter for future job prospects, not to mention if you want to get a challenging, top-notch education. Also, there is a handy search feature for programs by subject matter! 
• Money matters—read up on Paying for Your Degree Abroad: Student Loans, Savings, & More and learn more about the ins and outs of financing the masters abroad program. Should you open a bank account? Can you work in country? All important considerations. 

These resources will give you some solid information for your search. As mentioned, always try to speak to former students if you can as well. 

Are you still game for getting a masters abroad?

Enjoy doing your research alongside international students from all walks of life.

If you’ve made it through these questions to ask before you get a master’s abroad, then you’re probably ready to go forth and study! Time to buy a new backpack and sharpen those pencils, it’s about the be your first day of school all over again. Enjoy, because even when it’s stressful, graduate school abroad is a magical experience. Work hard and treasure every moment of it. 

Start Searching for Masters Programs Abroad Now