In an era where global opportunities are more accessible than ever, the story of a worker from China who embarked on a low-cost study abroad journey is a testament to the power of determination and resourcefulness. This is the story of Junio, a professional who, after years of working in the tech industry, decided to pursue a master’s degree in Finland—a decision that has reshaped his perspective on life and career.
Background
Junio graduated with a bachelor’s degree from a non-elite university in China in 2017. He then spent six years in the internet industry, working for both startups and large corporations. Despite the stability and success he achieved, the dream of studying abroad, which had been brewing since his university days, never faded. Last year, he decided to act on it, balancing his work responsibilities with the preparation for his study abroad application.
Motivation for Studying Abroad
The idea of studying abroad first took root during Junio’s university days, when he was attracted to exchange programs. However, financial constraints forced him to put the dream on hold. As he advanced in his career, the desire to explore the world and gain new experiences resurfaced. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns only intensified this desire, making him realize that life was too short to not seize such opportunities.
Despite being in a stable phase of life—nearing thirty, married, and settled in his hometown with a stable job—Junio felt a sense of urgency. The pandemic and waves of layoffs served as a wake-up call, prompting him to question his future. The idea of spending his entire life in the same city or being outperformed by younger colleagues was daunting. Thus, he decided to tick off studying abroad from his bucket list before turning thirty.
The Application Process
Junio approached the application process with the belief that uncertainty is the primary cause of fear. To overcome his apprehensions, he sought information and insights from others who had faced similar concerns. These included questions about whether a married woman should pursue such a journey, how to manage family responsibilities, and the risk of unemployment post-graduation.
Low-Cost Strategies
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Avoiding Resignation: Junio advises against quitting one’s job to prepare for study abroad applications. Low risk is key to keeping costs low. He managed to prepare his application while working full-time, allocating time during evenings and weekends.
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Personal Background Assessment: He began by evaluating his strengths and weaknesses, including his academic background, English proficiency, work experience, and study abroad intentions.
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Choosing a Major: Junio suggests selecting a major before deciding on a country, school, or program. His interest in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) led him to focus on programs that aligned with his career goals and interests.
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Selecting a Destination: After researching the costs and requirements of programs in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Junio found them to be too expensive. He then shifted his focus to European countries, which offered tuition-free education and scholarships, making them more affordable.
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School and Program Selection: Junio carefully chose schools and programs that suited his interests. While all programs fell under the HCI umbrella, each had unique focuses and titles, such as Digital Product Interaction Design and Interactive Technology.
The Outcome
After approximately three months of preparation, Junio received a master’s offer from a university in Europe. Now in his first year of study in Finland, he reflects on the journey that brought him here. His experience serves as an inspiration to others looking to pursue their dreams without compromising financial stability.
Junio’s story is a powerful reminder that with careful planning and determination, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved. It is a narrative of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge, encapsulating the essence of the modern worker’s journey in a rapidly globalizing world.
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