<p>I want to enroll in a graduate program, specifically in Public Health. However, the cost of education in the US is a bit of a problem (I got lucky with an in-state scholarship but my grades aren’t as spectacular in college, so this might not happen again).</p>
<p>I’m considering earning my degree overseas, and I also read these articles.</p>
<p>Of course I’m looking at the English programs existing in non-English speaking countries, otherwise I wouldn’t even consider this.</p>
<p>So what are the pros and cons (like travel cost, living expenses)? I’m hoping for firsthand accounts on the realities of being an international student, such as visa problems and the real cost of attending.</p>
<p>You will get more helpful responses if you narrow it down to a country. Singapore, Mexico and France are quite different…</p>
<p>One frequent piece of advice in the international student forum: get your terminal degree in the country you want to work and live in afterwards. Most employers don’t know what to do with a foreign degree, and you are missing out on a lot of domestic networking opportunities while dwelling overseas. Also don’t underestimate the logistics of applying for a job in a different country while finishing up your degree.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider: no foreign university will be teaching a US-specific public health program (legal and policy issues, using the US health care system as a reference frame, etc). Are you interested in the international public health arena?</p>
<p>About the reality of being an international student:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Your travel costs are proportional to the number of times you travel. Some international students fly to college and then don’t go home for several years.</p></li>
<li><p>You will have to pay for health insurance.</p></li>
<li><p>Your student visa will probably not allow you to work in the host country.</p></li>
<li><p>You are at a disadvantage at many day-to-day issues. As a foreigner, you may not get a cell phone contract or a credit card. Your US driver’s licence may only be valid temporarily in many countries and it may not entitle you to a foreign driver’s licence. Getting a new licence abroad might be expensive. (Some countries mandate classroom and on-the-road instruction by a certified professional before you may sit for the driving exam.) </p></li>
<li><p>Living in a country whose language you don’t speak sucks. Imagine going shopping with a dictionary because you cannot read the product labels. You don’t accidentally want to buy a hair removal product instead of hair conditioner. Think you know how to rent an apartment or return a defective item? Think again. You will be subject to different laws.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I might be help to you with some of the logistical stuff with respect to France. I lived there two years ago (haven’t yet encountered any difficulties obtaining security clearance) and went through pretty much all of the experiences a foreigner could possibly go through.</p>
<p>Despite the difficulties, I want to go back to do my masters and then stay once I’m done.</p>
<p>If you want to remain in the country after graduation, ensure that you are entitled to a temporary work visa afterwards. It varies by country and by institution. And if you’ve got no interest in learning the language, it’s not worth your time.</p>
<p>My brother’s just finished his masters in Dublin and if given the choice, he’d do it again. He paid half of what his tuition would’ve been in America and completed his degree sooner. I’m not sure if this is strictly anecdotal or not, but from the people I’ve spoken to, it’s easier getting into well respected foreign universities if you’re American.</p>