Postgraduate Study Abroad

Suaimhneach

Hey,
I was thinking of doing a Masters abroad... Canada or America.
I can find some general websites but I've no idea how to go about it.
Anyone ever done this before?
Thanks!

emeraldstar

Firstly, have you got lots of money?

kabuk1

What information are you looking for? I might be able to help with the States as I'm from there and worked in the international students department while in college.

What is you undergraduate in?
What was your overall mark?
What graduate studies are you interested in?
Are there particular schools you're interested in?
Is there a particular area you're interested in?
Do you have the funds or will you need additional funding?
Are you Irish or an EU national living in Ireland?

You can either answers these questions on the forum or you may pm me. I will help you where I can.

Suaimhneach

Hey,
I dont have lots of Money. I saw a cool one in Toronto for 12k Canadain dollars, which is like 8k euro! I was thinking scholarship. I mean, I've no idea about it, if it turns out to be 50k, I wont be doing it!

Kabuk1, thanks!

What is you undergraduate in?
Business, Computing, with a focus on Entreprenurship.

What was your overall mark?
2.1 - it's a level 8 honours degree.

What graduate studies are you interested in?
MBA - Technology/Media/Entreprenurship - something a little bit different

Are there particular schools you're interested in?
I know nothing about schools abroad, except the typical Harvard is good.

Do you have the funds or will you need additional funding?
Definitley need funding...
I would consider saving combined with loan and granting.

Are you Irish or an EU national living in Ireland?
Irish...!


I actually work in an Admission Office myself, but I've no idea about going abroad.

Thanks for the help!

kabuk1

You definitely have the marks to get into a good program and there might be some financial help out there. I know NYU has their average GPA at 3.5 and a 2.1 would match that. I believe a first is about a 3.6.

Here are some websites that might be useful in finding an MBA program. I know NYU has specialisations in the area you're looking for:
http://www.mbaprograms.org/mbaprograms/usa/
http://www.princetonreview.com/
Rankings and more:
http://www.mbaprograms.org/mbaprograms/mbarankings.asp
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/11/1112_best_business_schools/index.htm?technology+slideshows

You will also have to take the GMAT for any MBA program in the US and some Canadian schools may require it. I know UCD does. Your going to want to score at least a 680. However, your application essay will be extremely important as well.
http://www.mba.com/mba/thegmat

Funding:
Don't rule out the expensive schools like Harvard as many will provide funding based on need. The average Harvard student is awarded $23,000 towards their education. Also, most schools will provide links to outside funding sources for international students.

There is also the Fulbright Scholarship for Irish citizens that is also an option. The funding only for one year, but your program could be longer which could by time to getting an assistanship.
http://www.fulbright.ie/cms/publish/awards/irish_citizens.php

As you have a 2.1 Honours degree, it'll come down to the GMAT and essay. If you're really intersted in an excellent MBA program, I would go through the raninkings and check out the schools individually.

Immigration:
You'll need to apply for an F-1 study visa. It will allow you to work 20 hours per week during school (if you have time) and 40 hours per week on school breaks. You may enter the country up to 30 days before your program start date.

After having a look at everything, feel free to come back and ask more questions. I'll do what I can. I can't really help you with Canada too much. I was looking into arts programs there.

Hope this helps.

Suaimhneach

Wow, you're amazing! I'll read ALL of this and then probably come back will loads of questions.. haha. Thanks so much! You are definitely good at your job.

kabuk1

Unfortunately those skills are no use here in Ireland. I'm currently training as an accountant and hate it. I'm thinking of moving to the UK to teach or be a guidance counsellor.

Best of luck, and I'm happy to help.

Tobyglen

Suaimhneach wrote: »

Hey,
I was thinking of doing a Masters abroad... Canada or America.
I can find some general websites but I've no idea how to go about it.
Anyone ever done this before?
Thanks!

Why not do it in Europe for much cheaper. €1500 in Netherlands and the university of Masstricht is one of the best in Europe and most courses
taught through English and Dutch women are feckin unreal!!! All you get in North America is a pain in your head listening to them overdramatic numptys.:)

kabuk1

Tobyglen wrote: »

Why not do it in Europe for much cheaper. €1500 in Netherlands and the university of Masstricht is one of the best in Europe and most courses
taught through English and Dutch women are feckin unreal!!! All you get in North America is a pain in your head listening to them overdramatic numptys.:)

Excuse me. I'm American and not an "overdramatic numpty". I don't appreciate the comment, and it's irrelevant to this post and uncalled for. While it's expensive, if someone wants to live there, being a student is a good foot in the door. My brother-in-law loves living there (he's British). After him and my sister got married, they moved to the UK for about 5 years, after which they could no longer take it and moved to the States. Everyone has their preference and is entitled to it.

Also, what do you mean my the Dutch women are "feckin' unreal"? I'm hoping you're referring to hot and not other things, as you would be completely wrong and so uneducated about the Dutch and Dutch culture.

On another note, the Netherlands is a wonderful place. My partner is Dutch and I spent last summer there. I'd love to move back; however, as I'm switching to secondary education, I'm going to the UK first for the qualification and then hope to move to the Netherlands. Their tuition rates are really good.

Suaimhneach

kabuk1 wrote: »

You definitely have the marks to get into a good program and there might be some financial help out there. I know NYU has their average GPA at 3.5 and a 2.1 would match that. I believe a first is about a 3.6.
Hope this helps.

Thanks again for all your help!

Fullbright website states:

14th September – 4th December 2009 for Fulbright All-discipline Awards for students and scholars.

The guidelines and applications will be available on this website at those times.

I was going to email them and ask for details, but I dont want to be just referred back to the website. Why wouldnt they make the details available before then? For example, do I need a GMAT to apply to them? It seems like they have a lot of links and that it would be a really great group to be a part of!

Ok, after reading that MBA website, it seems a lot of the colleges MBA programmes are two years, and a one year one is seen as somewhat less by prospective employers? Though maybe thats a US and not an EU thing?

Also, what is the average age of MBA applicants? I don't want to do an Executive MBA as obviously you need a lot of experience. I graduated June 2008 and am working since then.

A lot of these MBAs are in the 100k range. Way out of my reach...

I'm varying wildly between I-want-to-apply now and give-up-you're-not-rich-or-smart enough! Lol.

Red Alert

kabuk1 and Tobyglen: watch it or you're banned for personal abuse. Final warning.

kabuk1

Suaimhneach wrote: »

Fullbright website states:

I was going to email them and ask for details, but I dont want to be just referred back to the website. Why wouldnt they make the details available before then? For example, do I need a GMAT to apply to them? It seems like they have a lot of links and that it would be a really great group to be a part of!

You're best not to email them. They set those dates because the information needs to be updated every year, and the update coincides with the date they will start accepting applications. In regards to the GMAT scores, I would set yourself a date now to be ready to take the exam and start studying. All the excellent programs usually require excellent exam results regardless of where they are located. You want those scores handy as soon as colleges start accepting applications, as you'll want to apply as early as possible.

Suaimhneach wrote: »

Ok, after reading that MBA website, it seems a lot of the colleges MBA programmes are two years, and a one year one is seen as somewhat less by prospective employers? Though maybe thats a US and not an EU thing?

Two-years is the standard length for any master's level program in the US, with a few exceptions. However, there are even two-year MBA programs in Europe and Asia. While they are more expensive, they seem to be the top MBA programs. Here is a website that will be very informative in regards to MBA programs worldwide. You can even look at the programs ranked by employers in regards to specialisation. It also has a massive about of relevant information that will be useful.
http://www.topmba.com/research/global_200_business_schools/

Suaimhneach wrote: »

Also, what is the average age of MBA applicants? I don't want to do an Executive MBA as obviously you need a lot of experience. I graduated June 2008 and am working since then.

This varies. There is usually a breakdown provided on the program website, at least it's usually provided on US colleges websites for most programs. If I had to guess, I would say late 20s to early 30s, but again, this will vary and you should check the websites.. When look at executive MBA programs, most students would be in their 40s+ as they require 15 years of experience.

Suaimhneach wrote: »

A lot of these MBAs are in the 100k range. Way out of my reach...

I'm varying wildly between I-want-to-apply now and give-up-you're-not-rich-or-smart enough! Lol.

Yes, the best MBA programs worldwide tend to be very expensive, but they also usually pay off. If you're planning on returning to Ireland to work, you might be better off focusing on an accountancy as they tend to be very marketable here and then eventually enrolling at UCD for an MBA. If you want to work outside of Ireland, then I would advise to look at the website I provided above. The US isn't your only option. Unfortunately, I can't help you in regards to Canada or the EU very much when it comes to funding. However, going to the UK wouldn't be a bad idea as they have some top MBA programs in the world as well and there might be more funding for you as an EU national. The London Business school is well respected worldwide and has a top MBA program.

I would prepare for the GMAT as scores are usually valid for 5 years and have a very thurough look at various MBA programs worldwide. The website above will break them down into the specialisation which will cut back research time. If you can afford to apply to 6 different programs, I would do so. I would pick the 2 you'd love to go to regardless of fees and requirements (assuming you meet the bare minimum admission requirements), 2 that you're interested in that could go either way, and 2 that would be safer bets, including financially. Rank your top 10-15 choices and start contacting those programs and ask questions, especially regards admissions and funding. Then choose your top 6 in accordance to what I've meantioned above.

I'm sure you'll eventually find something that will work out, but lots of research will be involved.

Hope this helps.

c_beat

Hi kabuk1, I just sent you a PM there with a couple of questions about postgrad study in the US since you were so helpful here! Not sure if it sent, it doesn't seem to be in my sent messages but hopefully you got it!

Thanks!!

kabuk1

I received it. I just sent a reply.

Suaimhneach

Oh oh, if you think any might be relevant here please let me know!

My friend who wanted to go to MIT said you're supposed to do it this way
1)Find a college
2)Apply
3)If successful and offered a place, at THAT stage, start talking about funding.

The GMAT seems v.daunting. Studying etc. I am still so unsure where to even look. Fielding the HUGE amount of options out there in itself is a huge task.

I keep talking about it, then spending a few hours researching, then, feeling like I've gotten no where.

kabuk1

I know what you mean. I'm currently in the process of thins myself. I'm searching the PGCE/MA programs in the UK. Lots to choose from.

Yes, you need to figure out the universities you wish to apply to first; however, while researching universities, you want to consider the funding offered by those universities. There is no point in applying if you can't get the funding. Some universities offer more graduate assistantship and teaching assistantship opportunities, with the funding provided varying from university to university. So you need to think about the funding as you research the schools.

You aren't going to want to wait for your acceptance letter before looking for funding. You'll want to do this asap. Some scholarships will have early deadlines, so you'll need to apply before hearing back from a university. Now, if you apply to the university early, you might hear something by Dec, but that isn't always the case.

I know how daunting this is. It's all crazy. Imagine all those universities to choose from straight out of high school in the States. It's crazy. Most high school students spend all of their junior year (grade 11) figuring out where to apply as application deadlines fall between October-December.

As for the GMAT, find a study book with a CD. Also, you can check out the princeton review online. It might be helpful. I would definitely run through a practice test once to see where you need the most work, then study that area before retaking the exam. Practice the exam more than anything.

Best of luck.

Suaimhneach

Thats great advice re the GMAT. The deadlines are scary, like, if wanna go for Sept 2011 (is that Fall or Autumn? Crazy american terms!!) then I think I need to apply by THIS December!?

Is there anywhere you can go to get help with this? I mean, you're amazing, but I feel pretty guilty just asking you! I would pay for a consultation on this if someone knew what the options were on funding/college choices without me having to do it!

kabuk1

The deadlines are usually the Dec immediately preceding the fall term you wish to enrol for, so if you are looking to start in Autumn 2011 (Fall semester), your application is due Dec 2010.

Suaimhneach

AGH! I wont have time to relax until November (work! I work in a college as mentioned and we're enrolling from now until end of Oct pretty much ) so I can see it being hard to research it

mmm, I have an idea. PM sent.

Tobyglen

Red Alert wrote: »

kabuk1 and Tobyglen: watch it or you're banned for personal abuse. Final warning.

MOD I think you should get off your high horse. Final warning??? Was there an inital one? There was no personal abuse so maybe you should read the thread again. The comment was tongue in cheek, did you not see the smiley.:mad: I have lived in America before and have no problem with the people who live there.
Also, whilst kabuk is easily riled he didn't make any abusive comment to me so maybe in the future you mightn't be so pedantic and you might actually leave chat flow because this is afterall a messageboard. Pathetic really.

procure11

Tobyglen wrote: »

MOD I think you should get off your high horse. Final warning??? Was there an inital one? There was no personal abuse so maybe you should read the thread again. The comment was tongue in cheek, did you not see the smiley.:mad: I have lived in America before and have no problem with the people who live there.
Also, whilst kabuk is easily riled he didn't make any abusive comment to me so maybe in the future you mightn't be so pedantic and you might actually leave chat flow because this is afterall a messageboard. Pathetic really.

Every Forum has its own rules that members are mandated to abide by.I suggest you go through this forums rules before you make any future post like this.The fact that it is a message board doen't give you liberty to be rude...( what you might infer to be tongue in cheek could actually offend another person).

sparky12345678

Any information on studying in Europe for postgrad courses....?
Im finishing an Arts degree in UCD in Irish and History. I love history but could do politics i suppose and/or languages.

Presumably the ease varies from country to country.
which is cheapest?