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How am I going to pay for this?
Hello, I’m Diana, a nearly 30-year-old Mexican woman about to finish her master’s degree at the University of Sussex in England. When I decided to pursue a master’s degree, I had no idea where or what exactly I wanted to do; I just knew that I wanted to expand my academic and professional experience and seek something different that would give me perspective.
After talking to as many people as I could, I realised that in the end it was about doing something that would excite me, inspire me, and push me to feed my curiosity.
Doing a postgraduate degree abroad was a long journey that began long before I even applied. Finding at least an idea of which path to follow led me into a spiral of worry and anguish. What did I want to do? Where should I start? What are my real options? And finally, where am I going to get the money to do it?! The accompaniment of Across the Pond and the certainties I gained with FIDERH funding allowed me to see the idea of my life project as a real and achievable opportunity.
I had never studied abroad, nor had I even visited England at that time. During my applications, I realised EVERYTHING I needed to cover, budget, scholarships, accommodation. That’s how I came to Across the Pond. With the help of my advisor, I was able to find a clear guide to cover all the requirements I needed. She gave me the calm I needed by answering all the questions I had about the processes I had to face.
From Across the Pond, I knew and understood more about FIDERH, because although I was familiar with the fund, considering financing intimidated me. With the information my advisor provided, I understood how friendly this fund designed for students is, especially in its payment processes (because, of course, I thought, 'How am I going to pay for this?').
This year has been a challenging experience, yet one that has filled me with a sense of satisfaction. It allowed me to recognise myself and everything I add to the spaces in which I develop. Imposter syndrome has never been more real, but today I can look at my experience with admiration, which was more than just an academic goal. Having the support of FIDERH allowed me to achieve a level of self-validation and satisfaction that I had not previously felt, as I realised I had managed to bring myself to this point. I satisfied my desire to develop in a completely different environment. Sharing and learning from people with experience in various fields and professions gave me the perspective I was looking for.
I would definitely do it again.
- Diana
What I found exceeded all expectations
I arrived in Brighton to pursue an MA in Modern and Contemporary Literature, Culture and Thought at the University of Sussex. I chose the United Kingdom for the academic excellence of its universities, but what I found exceeded all expectations: learning extended far beyond classrooms, long hours in the library, and intense seminars.
That turbulent and exhilarating year was, in truth, a school of life. I discovered authors and theories that transformed the way I read the world; I tasted flavours my palate had never known; I faced a climate as whimsical as it was challenging for my Latin sensibilities; and I witnessed landscapes that seemed straight out of a Victorian novel. Beyond academics, I met people from unexpected corners of the globe, each with stories that broadened my horizons.
Today, the experience still reverberates in every aspect of my life. Brighton taught me how to inhabit the unfamiliar, to find beauty in the strange and, above all, to recognise myself amid the noise, the cold, and the wonder of a new place. On that journey, without realising it, I found myself.
- Gabriela
Why I Chose to Study in the UK Over Norway
“Why on earth would you pay a small fortune to study in the UK? You could have done a free master’s degree at home in Norway!”
This is one of the most common questions I’ve been asked over the past year, both by friends in Norway and abroad. And honestly, I can see why people wonder. With sky-high tuition fees, steep living costs, and a weak currency exchange, the UK has unfortunately become a less attractive destination for international students. Add to that the post-Brexit bureaucracy, which can be as unhelpful as it is complicated, and it’s not exactly the easiest move to make.
Still, one year after starting my degree at the University of Sussex, I can confidently say that moving to Brighton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Here are three reasons why:
A Choice for Ambitious Students
It’s widely agreed that British higher education is world-class. With the founding of the University of Oxford in 1096, Britain and education have gone hand in hand for almost 1,000 years. Today, UK universities consistently rank among the top 10 globally across most disciplines. This was, of course, in the back of my mind when I chose Sussex – alma mater to the world’s largest faculty of International Relations. Walking onto campus for the first time and seeing the red-brick buildings standing proudly against the backdrop of the South Downs honestly felt like stepping into Hogwarts. I quickly realised this was a place with high expectations – both of itself and of me as a student.
While the teaching lived up to my expectations, I often learned the most outside the classroom. Surrounded by some of the sharpest minds in International Relations, I had access to an entire network of people from all over the world, each with their own experiences and perspectives. I often felt I learned more about the syllabus over a pint at the local pub, hearing insights from classmates from India, Japan, and the US. These conversations not only broadened my perspective but also gave me a network of ambitious, intelligent people who have become both professional allies and friends.
The Happiest Student City in the UK
Year after year, Brighton is ranked as the happiest city in the UK, and it didn’t take me long to see why. When I arrived in September, I was immediately met with an atmosphere that was both relaxed and full of energy. Beach life is at the heart of Brighton – from its iconic pebble beach and the long pier lined with rides and small shops, to the pastel-coloured sunsets. Grabbing a coffee at Pink Moon before a walk along the promenade quickly became one of my morning rituals. The city is full of quirky cafés, vintage shops, and small galleries – meaning it’s almost impossible to get bored.
One of Brighton’s greatest strengths is its diversity. The city has one of the UK’s largest and most visible LGBT+ communities, and its Pride celebrations are among the most famous in Europe. For me, that was a green flag – a city that not only accepts but celebrates difference. The people I met were open, respectful, and warm – all with that characteristic British bluntness and dry humour. The surrounding nature is just as charming. The rolling green hills and small villages of the Sussex Downs offered the perfect weekend escape. One personal highlight was when my class decided to walk to Lewes, a nearby town just a few kilometres away. Brighton became more than just a student city – it was a place that encouraged me to be myself, while giving me breathing space in an otherwise intense study year.
Fieldwork and Real-World Experience
Another reason I chose the University of Sussex was its Dissertation with Placement programme. This optional track lets students write their master’s thesis while working with an organisation closely tied to their research topic. Through this, I got to work alongside industry experts in my chosen field – and carry out four weeks of independent fieldwork in Argentina.
Some organisations even pay their placement students, and for those that don’t, there are a range of scholarships available to help cover costs. This was not only a fantastic springboard into the job market, but also a unique and exciting way to travel during my studies. Combining a prestigious UK master’s degree with hands-on fieldwork experience is highly sought after in the job market – something I’ve already seen reflected in job interviews since.
“But Should I Move?”
A UK master’s degree is intense. The entire programme is completed in under 12 months, and the learning curve is steep. Each semester lasts just 12 weeks, ending with one major submission or exam. In my programme, International Political Economy, I had two core modules in the autumn, two electives in the spring, and the summer to write a 10,000-word dissertation. Each module required either a 5,000-word final exam paper or an equivalent set of assignments.
This was a big jump from the pace I was used to at bachelor’s level in Norway, and it took time to adjust to the deadlines. Another unexpected challenge was the difference in academic writing styles: British academia expects you to clearly state your position early in the text – much more than is common in Norway. That took some practice, but with supportive and engaged professors, the transition was manageable.
For me, this became more than just a degree. It was a year of academic and personal growth, new friendships, unforgettable experiences – and an education that has already opened doors.
If you’re considering it, my answer is simple: Yes, it’s expensive and demanding. But for me, it was worth every single penny.
- Håkon
Finding My Way Across The Pond
Studying abroad was something I wanted to do but never really had the opportunity. When I started considering law school and was researching things like the LSAT (law school admission test), Canadian law schools, articling (a required internship period) and other steps I may need to take to reach my goal of practising law, I came across many blogs and articles suggesting I may be able to reach that goal outside of Canada. This immediately piqued my interest.
Upon starting my research on international study, I found myself incredibly overwhelmed with the sheer number of schools and directions I could go to pursue my law career. I knew I wanted to be in Europe and, with my area in Canada being a common law system, it helped me narrow it down to the UK. Still feeling lost, I decided that there must be a community of people who can help me out. This led me to Across the Pond. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this company on google that day. They walk you through the entire process of applying internationally and help you narrow down the schools based on your preferences and any existing qualifications. My student advisor with Across the Pond was so helpful and kind guiding me through the process of applying.
Why University of Sussex? Why Brighton?
The University I attend (University of Sussex) is slightly outside of Brighton which was another selling factor for me since I am more of a country girl. I’ve enjoyed the vast amounts of trails surrounding the university in Stanmer Park on numerous occasions. Something Canadian applicants should know is that there is a significant Canadian population attending school here, especially law! The student housing that’s offered is also a great way to meet people and make connections. I love the ‘small town city” feel that Brighton offers with cute markets and social events. Being from the west coast of Canada, the true selling factor of Brighton was its proximity to the ocean. I grew up on a small island and the ocean has always felt like home.
- Natasha
Brighton is a very special city in the UK
Deciding to study abroad has been one of the best decisions that I've made. All of which will be mentioned in the following text, but mainly because I felt that I needed a change, an adventure, to have a break and to figure it out where I wanted to go next, personally and professionally, and there wasn’t a better way to do this than to do a masters degree in a topic that I feel very passionate about, with the perks of giving me additional credibility in the industry that i'm interested in keep exploring, and of course expanding my knowledge and experience.
I studied a Master’s degree in Cultural and Creative Industries at the University of Sussex, located in Brighton, England. Brighton is a very special city in the UK, and everyone who has lived there or visited can agree with me. First and foremost, since it's a university city, there is so much going on and life around the city, things to do, events every month, it is right by the beach which, in the summer is the best activity to do. Being there with your friends until the sun goes down. Also, central London is only 1 hour away from Brighton Station which gave me access to a bunch of events, nights out and exploring one of the most alive cities in the world.
Sussex is one of the top universities in the UK and I was so excited to learn, but the international exposure that I experienced definitely was one of the most enriching experiences that I could have had expected beyond any academic knowledge.
I made good friends from all around the world, and they are so special to me today because we got to experience a whole new “life” together which created a stronger bond between us. Each of us saw this year with its own personal lense, and I got to change the way I perceive the world and myself thanks to this. There is normal life, and there is student life, that’s all that i'm going to say and once you experience this, you’ll know exactly what this is.
I came across, Across the Pond, through a facebook group. Some people were asking for guidance to study abroad, so I clicked the link and started out my process. My advisor helped me through every single step of the way from questions, to applications, to proofread my essays.
Hope my testimony will motivate you to go, you wont regret.
- Mariajose
