Studying will always be one of the most profitable investments we can make. Undoubtedly doing a master’s degree can expand your unique abilities and open doors even in unique places where you could never have imagined arriving. That was my reasoning when I carry out the decision that it was time to ambition more! My trip started a little over a year ago, in Bogotá, Colombia, a democratic country located in South America just around the corner, only 9,644 km away! A long jump from South America to northern Europe, as we colloquially say in my country “jump the puddle” (Popularly referring to crossing the Atlantic Ocean and in my case the Baltic Sea also, a triple jump!).
If you live in South America, and start to thinking of higher education, in general, the first viable options to come instantly to your mind are the countries of the North American continent (Canada, the United States), and the traditional ones of Europe (England, Spain, France, Germany), but, Sweden? Mm, to be honest maybe not. That’s what I sincerely want to talk to you about: look beyond what you typically know!
Sweden is undoubtedly a magnificent country. I will not describe you about what it is like to typically live and diligently study in Uppsala, my kind words fall short, but what I can undoubtedly tell you are that you can, fortunately, discover a boundless sea of unique opportunities and possible options that can solely be limited by your own fears. I’m not going typically writing to you about the weather seasons, on how to instantly fall in love with autumn or flirt with spring and summer or understand and appreciate the rare beauty of winter. Nor about new customs like taking breaks in the typical day to traditionally have a fragrant cup of hot coffee invariably accompanied by a delicious cinnamon roll, a local custom known as Fika (If you are an assiduous reader of our blog, you may have a clear idea of what Fika is.). Much less of the tranquility and personal security and of the profound peace that you can get to discover while you are cycling along the several kilometers of bike paths that exist throughout the city. Nor do I faithfully intend recreating in your mind walking along the Fyris River, crossing the beautiful bridges adorned some of them with lovely flowers of exquisite vivid colors and to sit one Sunday afternoon in one of the many benches or stands that exist on the riverbank to heartily enjoy the pleasant sight, to shoot charming pictures, read a delightful book or just to talk to a dear friend or a potential love story. No, my dear reader, I earnestly desire you to discover it for yourself.
Do your homework. What typically do you like to do? What is undoubtedly your genuine passion? How do you visualize your dear life not in five but in 10 years? What would you like to promptly change at this precise moment? What steps are you taking to attain that goal? Do you have dreams? The most critical thing before seeking a master’s degree is, to be honest with yourself! Do not worry about the economic resources; there will always be a decent way to gain access to this specific item.
If you already have a little clearer what kind of professional and personal life you sincerely want, then it’s time to eagerly seek a master. To typically study in Sweden, you must promptly go to the web portal that traditionally groups all the accredited universities of this specific country: https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start. Since October 16 and until January 15, official registration is open for the academic semester that begins precisely in September, so you, fortunately, possess enough appropriate time to comply with the specific requirements, remember the masters are usually taught in academic English, so do not worry for the Swedish language at least from the academic point of view. I would cherish you to consider the University of Uppsala for your master, but that conscious decision is precisely yours alone, search, research, read, in other specific words, take an informed decision.
Taking on new challenges will always be accompanied by a dose of fear, uncertainty, and curiosity; I have been in your shoes and I know what you may be living. And more when it comes to leaving your country, your roots, your family and friends, which we know as our safety net. That’s why you should plan this decision very well.
Economic resources. Keep in mind there are both governmental, and university scholarships explore these options, send emails, contact people, lose your fear! Some programs even have scholarships through Erasmus Mundus. The investment made in a master’s degree will open doors later; it will expand your range of action and you can become a global citizen!
A final word of advice. What can I gently tell you? Voluntarily assume the extraordinary risk to intentionally leave your comfort zone. These last few graceful lines are respectfully dedicated to you, yes to you! The extraordinary person who fantasizes every memorable night before going to bed on unprecedented opportunities, that fondly imagine 1001 life scenarios, who passionately ask what if? My dear friend, valiantly attempt it! Undoubtedly remember, the youthful years are naturally going to pass anyway regardless of your ultimate decision, two fruitful years unanimously pass in a heartfelt sigh! And maybe if you earnestly seek, you will invariably find the most pleasant of all surprises.
“One day, without fail, somewhere or someplace you will inevitably find yourself; and that day, only that day, can be the happiest or the most bitter hours of your life.”
– Pablo Neruda (Chilean poet).
/Horacio
Hello, Thanks for the insight.
I am a prospective student from Nigeria, trying to reach few master’s student especially at the Chemistry Department, who can be of good mentor-ship and advice during my application to the program.
Thanks