Earn Your Graduate Degree Abroad In The UK

Two weeks ago, I received an email from Frostburg State University's Center for International Education about a program being put on in the Lane University Center about the possibility of getting a Master's degree in the United Kingdom.  I decided to go to the program to just see what it was about because I felt that it would be an interesting blog post and that it would give me a different perspective as I search for graduate programs.  Little did I know that attending this presentation would lead to me to fill out five applications to attend graduate school in the United Kingdom.

Jonathan Shadel presenting about Across The Pond in the Lane University Center

The presentation was about 45 minutes in duration and was put on by Across The Pond, a company that is partnered with 33 of the UK's top universities to help facilitate the process of American students searching, applying, and finally getting settled at a university in the UK.  The presenter at this program was a Frostburg State alum and recent graduate with a Master's degree in International Relations from University of Exeter, Jonathan Shadel.  During the course of his presentation, Shadel spoke about the unique experience of earning a masters in the UK as well as some of its perks compared to the US.  A few of the perks of going abroad for a graduate degree that Shadel spoke about were:

1. Graduate Degree's in the United Kingdom are recognized and fully equivalent to their United States counterparts.
2. Most graduate programs in the UK are shorter than in the US with 9 months of study and 3-4 months of dissertation.
1. Graduate programs in the US are generally around 2-3 years as for they follow the semester system and are not continuous as they are in the UK.
3. Graduate programs are mostly cheaper in the UK generally less expensive due to their duration.
4. US Federal loans are accepted in the UK, so anyone can study over study overseas.
5. Experience gained while studying overseas gives you an invaluable edge against competitors in the job market. 
1. Shows that you are willing to step outside ones comfort zone.

After the presentation, I received a business card from Shadel and filled out an online Interest Form about my interests in earning a graduate degree in the UK, including what field I wish to pursue as well as preferred location.  About a week or so later, I received a personal email form Shadel with basic information about various schools in the UK where I could seek a MA in International Relations, as well as information about what I should be looking for in those schools to help aid in my decision. Shadel also gave me more information about how Across the Pond would help me free of charge to apply to 3-5 schools as well as help with the process of getting a student visa and finding housing.

Screenshot about Graduate degrees in the UK from Across The Pond's website

After a few more emails back and forth, I have decided that I will postpone my applications until next semester as I plan on raising my grade point average from a 3.279 to hopefully above a 3.3 out of 4.0.  As I continue to think about the possibility of earning a graduate degree in the United Kingdom, the more likely that reality becomes.  I hope that this post has helped give you some insight into the possibility of earning a graduate degree in the UK with the help of Across The Pond.

If you would like more information, or wish to contact Jonathan Shadel: jonathan@studyacrossthepond.com