FIDERH and FUNED: The Leap of Faith That Changed My Life
What motivated me to study in the United Kingdom?
I was deeply motivated by the idea of experiencing different educational systems and learning styles. I wanted to build my adaptability, a skill that is incredibly valuable and crucial in this day and age. I also wanted to gain the highly sought-after experience of working within multicultural and international teams. Studying in the UK was my way of pushing myself to grow. To be completely honest, the version of me that left Mexico and the one that finished her master’s degree are two entirely different people. The personal growth has been absolute.
Why did I decide to apply for a loan like FIDERH or FUNED?
I applied for both because the scholarships I had secured were not enough to cover the entire cost of my master's degree (it is important to remember that you don't just pay tuition fees, but also living costs and travel). At first, I was terrified. When you hear the word "debt", you automatically think of the worst-case scenario. The mere word stresses you out so much that you don't even want to apply. In fact, I postponed my application with Across the Pond for almost two years purely out of fear of losing money. But now that I have made it, I realize it was absolutely worth it, and if I could go back in time, I wouldn't let those two years slip away.
What was my experience during the application and funding process?
To my surprise, both processes were incredibly easy. FIDERH is extremely specific about what they require, and FUNED is mostly online, which makes it very straightforward and simple. Honestly, the paperwork was barely a hassle; both are super easy to get.
Fears and prejudices: How did I overcome them?
I was scared of being in debt, losing money, and, most of all, the fear of my family refusing to help me. It was not an easy step to take. How did I overcome it? By taking a leap of faith. There is a saying: "The 'no' is already guaranteed, so go after the 'yes'", and it is so true. I was deeply moved by how much my family supported and backed me up. This isn't just a cold administrative procedure; it carries a huge emotional weight because it makes you realize how much the people you love truly love you back.
Another fear was running out of money. However, the application process for FIDERH and FUNED forces you to calculate your actual needs. This really keeps your feet on the ground, helps you budget, and gets you so organized that having a clear financial reference actually gives you the confidence to take the next step.
Pro tip: I wanted to save as much money as possible, and I was shocked to find out that buying groceries in the UK costs practically the same as in Mexico, so don't stress too much about that! Also, keep in mind you will want to travel and make friends. Even if you feel you are on a tight budget, you will find a way to make it work and you will!
How did this support help make my postgraduate degree a reality?
This support covered absolutely everything I needed. In my case, FIDERH was the key pillar that allowed me to cover 100% of my tuition fees, while my scholarships took care of my day-to-day living expenses. It was the perfect combination to bring my dream to life.
Additionally, thanks to FIDERH and FUNED, you learn a lot about personal finances. In the end, I only accepted FIDERH because it suited my situation better, but both financing options are excellent and teach you so much about financial matters you might not have known before.
- Jaqueline
