Image
New Perspectives in the UK
What motivated me to study in the United Kingdom?
First, this academic break in my professional career came as part of God’s plan, who led my wife and me to seek different ways to strengthen our professional profile so that we could meet the new challenges posed by the dynamics and demands of socioeconomic development around the world.
After exploring several funding options, we came across Chevening, one of the world’s most prestigious scholarship programmes and one of the few that provides full funding for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses throughout the period of study in the UK. We also found that the references and feedback from Chevening scholars and people familiar with the programme were so positive that they encouraged us to apply, despite how competitive the selection process is.
At the same time, we found that the UK is home to some of the world’s most recognised and prestigious universities across different academic fields. In particular, we discovered that the University of Sussex and IDS were ranked first in the world for Development Studies. In addition, Sussex is located near Brighton, a coastal and tourist city that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year, exactly the kind of place my wife and I had always hoped to live in.
Finally, a former Chevening Scholar recommended that we complete the entire application process through Across the Pond, whose team was exceptionally diligent and incredibly helpful in securing a place in the cohort. All these reasons led us to embark on the most exciting adventure we have experienced in recent years.
What was my academic, personal, and cultural experience like?
Living in the United Kingdom was an incredibly enriching experience, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it was a year full of learning, challenges, new experiences, and quality time with my wife and my little dog. Today, I can say that I have had very few experiences that have truly changed my life, and without a doubt, living in the UK has been one of them.
I can now see what is happening in the world from a different perspective, better understand many realities taking place on the other side of the globe, question things that I once took for granted, and analyse the context of my own country with a much more respectful, critical, and objective perspective. Ultimately, I believe this experience helped strengthen my character, making me more humble, understanding, and tolerant.
Academically, it was challenging because the research approach adopted by British universities represented a radical shift in my way of thinking, as I had spent many years working as a designer and implementer of public policies. However, the university provides extensive academic support and resources to strengthen the areas where we may have certain disadvantages, constantly encouraging you to reach your full potential and produce truly outstanding academic work.
In addition, the course content, seminars, workshops, and the exchange of experiences were genuinely enriching, offering completely new and innovative perspectives from Africa, Asia, Europe, the United States, and Latin America. The amount of information we received was remarkable, always leaving the feeling that there was never enough time to absorb everything that the university, the country, and the network of students, professors, and academics placed before us.
From a cultural perspective, studying in the UK allowed me to discover many unique aspects of British culture, including its good manners, delicious food, enjoying a beer at any time of the day, running outdoors during winter, swimming in the sea, enjoying outstanding Asian cuisine, drinking hot chocolate in winter, spending time in nature and outdoors, sharing quality time with others, and appreciating the warmth and simplicity of the people, among many other things.
Beyond that, however, the United Kingdom brings together cultures from every corner of the world, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in an extraordinary diversity of perspectives, beliefs, and values that, together, greatly enrich your cultural background.
What are the main lessons I am taking away?
Far too many to describe in this space. I would highlight the development of a more critical and academic perspective for understanding the issues affecting our region with greater objectivity; the importance of building a global network with people from around the world; gaining a deeper understanding of global population mobility and its effects and benefits on regional politics and economies; learning to appreciate and make the most of every moment; and recognising the importance of supporting programmes such as Chevening, which give people the opportunity to experience all of this when they would otherwise be unable to do so through their own financial means.
What do I wish you had known before arriving?
I believe that no one arrives in the UK fully prepared for everything they are about to experience. However, I would have loved to have had more specific information about the country’s climate, which is neither as cold as some people say nor as gloomy as others claim.
It would also have been helpful to know a little more about the British character: their love for animals, their respectfulness, honesty, enthusiasm for sports, outdoor activities, good food, and beer.
Finally, I would have liked to better understand the academic approach of each university, as well as the dynamics of seminars, lectures, essays, examinations, and other academic activities. I believe this would help people prepare themselves, even psychologically, before beginning this remarkable university adventure.
- Javier
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
