Beyond the Degree: What the UK Taught Me

What the UK gave me was much more than a university degree.
I cannot put into words everything I learned during this year and how transformative it has been for my life.

To be honest, studying in the UK was never a dream of mine. I did not have the financial means, my English level did not make me feel confident, I had no idea how the application process for international universities worked, and, in short, I did not feel good enough to be accepted into a British institution. On top of that, I believed my academic and professional background was not competitive enough to stand out.

My journey began when I decided to start considering the idea of building my own business. I felt I lacked the courage to take that step and that I needed more preparation. That is when the idea of pursuing a master’s degree appeared, a way to fill that gap.

The possibility of studying in the UK came to me when I discovered that many universities offered scholarships for international students, not just tuition discounts. So I started applying to programs in both Australia and the UK. During that process, I received support from Across the Pond, who guided me so well that I ended up focusing all my efforts on the UK. In the end, I applied to four universities, all of them accepted me and all of them offered me a scholarship. I chose the University of Leeds because, besides being the highest ranked among the ones I considered, they offered me 50% off tuition fee and additional financial support for living expenses.

Those two scholarships made possible what once felt out of reach: studying in England. Now, one year later and about to finish, I can say with certainty that this experience has marked a before and after in my life. The master’s degree itself became just a bonus, in the best possible sense, because the real value was everything I experienced along the way.

I met incredible people, built a network I could never have imagined, lived through countless “first times,” improved my English, and most importantly, overcame personal insecurities that had been holding me back. I realized that my profile was competitive enough at an international level, and that I had been ready all along, even when I doubted myself.

I learned so much about myself that today I want to tell you something, especially if you are hesitating about applying for a master’s program: do it. I promise it will be one of the best investments of your life. Because if there is one thing that this year has taught me, it is that opportunities belong to those who dare to take them.

In conclusion, you are just one decision away from living one of the most meaningful years of your life. Give yourself this gift, because no one deserves it more than you. Do it for your past, your present, and your future self.

Wishing you all the best.

- Claudia