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
The Art of Questioning, Growing, and Becoming Independent
What motivated me to study in the United Kingdom?
I was always excited about the idea of living abroad; I wanted to learn how to stand on my own two feet and discover what I was capable of on my own. I chose the UK because of its impressive history, culture, and that unique architecture that always caught my eye. In addition, I was drawn by the prestige of its universities in world rankings, the language, and, above all, the multiculturalism. I knew that studying here would give me the opportunity to enrich myself by sharing experiences with people from all corners of the globe.
What is academic, personal, and cultural life like?
Academically, the experience has been incredible. At first, the pace seemed relaxed, and I even thought it might be easier than in my home country. But the British system is so well-organized that, almost without realizing it, you end up learning so much. What I valued the most was the immense academic freedom you feel here.
Personally, it has been a journey of complete growth. You grow by leaps and bounds when you realize you are on your own: nobody is going to cook for you or wash your clothes. However, there is a beautiful magic to it, because you become the sole owner of your time and your decisions.
Culturally, it has been a fascinating clash. I learned that what is normal for me is not normal for others, and vice versa, which leads you to question your own way of looking at life. You open up to the world so much that you end up cooking dishes from other countries, falling in love with new flavours, and celebrating our differences.
What did I learn in the UK?
Among the lessons I’m taking with me, I carry resilience, the self-discipline to stay organized, and the certainty that it is indeed possible to balance daily life while working on your own projects. But without a doubt, the most valuable lesson has been the way of thinking. The British system does not focus on memorizing how to calculate a parameter or conduct an experiment; it teaches you to reason, to doubt, and to question. That capacity for analysis is the true treasure of studying here.
What do I wish I had known before coming?
I would have loved to be better prepared for the cultural adjustment. English culture is very different from Mexican culture, which is much warmer. On a more practical level, it would have been amazing to know exactly what to pack in my suitcase and to have brought much more food from my country!
Pro tip: Bring food, it’s the most valuable thing you can pack!
Lastly, I wish I had mentally prepared for the emotional toll beforehand: knowing that, even though you are going to live wonderful experiences, you leave your family behind and there will be major moments in their lives that you will miss. It is a real sacrifice, but one that also gives immense value to every achievement you reach here.
- Jaqueline
From Mexico to the UK: Making a Dream Possible
Studying for a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom had been a dream of mine for a long time, but for years I also saw it as something that might be out of reach. I knew that an international academic experience could transform my professional career, but the cost of studying abroad was a significant challenge.
My main motivation was to continue developing in an area I am genuinely passionate about: scientific research, particularly cancer biology and translational medicine. After completing my Biotechnology degree in Mexico and gaining my first experiences in research, I knew I wanted to take the next step. The UK, with its strong scientific tradition and world-class universities, was where I wanted to do it.
That is how I decided to pursue an MSc in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics at the University of Sheffield. However, making that plan a reality required finding a financially viable solution. That was when I discovered FIDERH.
Applying for the loan involved gathering documentation and meeting several requirements, but the process ultimately felt much more manageable than I had initially expected. Having access to clear information and support throughout the process gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. For me, knowing that there was an institution willing to invest in the education and professional development of Mexican students was incredibly important.
Before arriving in the UK, I had many of the same fears that I imagine other students experience: Would I really be able to adapt to living in another country? Would I be able to succeed academically in English? Had I taken on something that was too big? Would the financial commitment be worth it?
Over time, those fears became opportunities for growth. Moving to Sheffield meant stepping completely outside my comfort zone: adapting to a new culture, studying in another language, meeting people from all over the world and facing academic challenges that pushed me further than I expected. I also learned that many of the things that seemed intimidating before coming here became some of the most valuable parts of the experience.
FIDERH was a key part of making that leap possible. More than simply helping me finance a postgraduate degree, it gave me the opportunity to pursue something that otherwise would have been much more difficult to achieve. Because of that support, I was able to focus on making the most of my academic experience, developing new skills and experiencing a stage of my life that I am certain will have a lasting impact on my professional future.
If I could give one piece of advice to someone considering a similar path, it would be not to dismiss the possibility simply because it seems financially impossible at first. Researching funding options, making a realistic plan and being willing to take the first step can completely change what you believe is possible.
I have not started repaying my loan yet, so that is still a part of the journey ahead of me. However, so far, I can confidently say that deciding to study in the UK has been one of the best decisions I have made. FIDERH did not walk the path for me, but it helped make it possible for me to take that first step.
Looking back at everything I had to do to get here, I have realised that sometimes the first step is not knowing exactly how you are going to achieve something. It is simply deciding that it is worth trying.
- Juan Manuel
Turning Hope into Reality
Since I was young, the UK has always made me very curious. For years, I had the hope of one day visiting and having an experience here, although for a long time it seemed very far away. Over time, that desire became a goal, and I finally had the opportunity to make it a reality.
My experience with Across the Pond was fundamental in helping me get here. The process of studying in the UK involves many steps and, especially as an international student, it can feel overwhelming. I did not know anything about these processes, and I did not have anyone I could trust to guide me. Having their support helped me understand my options, make decisions with more confidence and feel that this was truly possible. I never felt alone or afraid to ask any kind of question.
Studying my Master's at the University of York has been a real rollercoaster, both academically and personally. Academically, everything was new to me: studying in another language, adapting to a different education system and facing new ways of learning and participating in class. At the same time, the university's facilities and atmosphere often made me think, “all of this was worth it.”
I had the opportunity to learn from highly knowledgeable professors and to share the classroom with people from different countries and cultures. My previous professional experience in the private sector in Mexico allowed me to connect many of the concepts I learned with real-life situations and think about how I could apply that knowledge back in my country.
On a personal and cultural level, meeting people from different nationalities was one of the most enriching parts of the experience. I learned about different traditions, listened to perspectives that were very different from my own and, above all, learned to look at many topics from a broader perspective. The beginning was definitely a challenging period of adaptation, but I was lucky to find a great support network at the university and make friendships that meant I never felt alone.
If I had to summarise one of my biggest lessons in one phrase, it would be: “think globally.” I am taking home much more than a degree: international knowledge, new perspectives and a much deeper understanding of sustainability and what companies are doing in the UK and other countries. I am also taking home friendships, memories and the confidence to know that I can adapt to an environment completely different from the one I was used to.
If I could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about studying in the UK, I would tell them to be prepared for the first few days to feel chaotic, but to remember that everything is temporary and that it is also part of the process. So: “enjoy the process.” I would have liked to receive more practical advice for international students, such as how transportation works or how to deal with the small everyday things that can seem overwhelming at first.
But most importantly, I would tell them not to let fear or the number of steps involved make them think that it is not possible. I imagined it for years before making it happen. And today, I can say that the hope I had for so many years finally became a reality. It has been one of the most beautiful and transformative experiences of my life.
- Luisa
The only problem with studying in the UK is how fast the year goes by
Ever since I was a little girl, my family used to say they saw me living in another country. To make that dream a reality, I started studying English when I was in primary school. I went to a Saturday school where the classrooms were named after UK cities, and that was my first introduction to this country. At the same time, my love for football grew; I started following Manchester United, dreaming that one day I would visit that magnificent stadium.
After finishing my undergraduate studies, I immediately started working, putting this dream on hold. One day, I was chatting with a friend I had met back in those childhood English classes. We agreed that we still had this pending dream to fulfil while we were young, and that's when we started planning it.
I always wanted to study in the UK for two main reasons: master's degrees take only one year, which is ideal for advancing quickly in your career, and the country has so many incredible places to explore and a rich history.
The application process from abroad can seem intimidating, but that's when I found Across the Pond. Thanks to my advisor's guidance, the process was super smooth and helped me reach the place that became my home for a year: University of Hull.
That is where I did my master's. I chose this university not only for its excellent program but also for the campus life. The facilities are beautiful, and you have everything in one place. I loved my course because it gave me an international perspective on technology and allowed me to work with classmates from all over the world.
Coming from Mexico, the transition had its challenges. On the one hand, the weather: the British winter is quite a challenge when you are used to a warmer climate, but you quickly learn to dress in layers! On the other hand, even though I had studied English since I was a child, adapting to academic English and the different accents (especially the northern one) takes a few weeks. However, the environment is so international and friendly that you feel confident very soon.
My personal and cultural life took a complete turn. In my spare time, besides keeping up with my routine by going to the campus gym, I dedicated myself to socialising with my new international friends and travelling around the UK. And of course, I experienced one of the happiest moments of my life: finally travelling to and seeing Old Trafford, keeping the promise I made to myself as a little girl.
If I could say one thing to those who are about to take this step (and something I wish I had known), it is that a year flies by. Don't let fear of the language or cultural change hold you back. Go out, ask questions, make mistakes when speaking (in the end, they turn into funny anecdotes), and enjoy every moment, because it is an invaluable experience that opens your mind and your heart.
- Kim Lizette
