[Confessions of a Youngster] Studying Abroad - I Didn't Know It Would Be So Difficult

I wrote this sentence in my request for advice from older siblings, but it wasn't until 3 years after graduation, just a few weeks before the deadline, that I truly started preparing my application. There were many times when I wanted to give up, and even though I haven't achieved it yet, I still write these lines for myself and others like me.

To prepare for the September intake, I needed to complete language proficiency certificates, standardized tests if any, by November-December of the previous year to have time for writing essays, recommendation letters, and submitting them from January. People should take this timeline and subtract the preparation time for other factors.

Even though the essay or recommendation letter is only 1-2 A4 pages long, the time to write it without rushing and then edit it is hard to accomplish in a day and often takes several weeks.

The journey will be even longer if you don't have a profile (GPA, extracurricular activities, etc.) and are tangled up in other urgent tasks and activities.

IELTS exam fees are around 5 million VND, not including retesting fees if you don't meet the entry standards. Exam costs can be reduced by about 300k VND if you attend study abroad workshops and receive exam vouchers.

On average, applying to universities costs between 1.5 million to 4 million VND. Costs can be reduced by submitting applications through study abroad centers affiliated with universities. Translation fees for application documents are also not cheap but can be saved if you find a free study abroad center for this.

Costs for mentors, scholarship application review. Typically, a one-page essay costs between 4-5 million VND, and for scholarships with more essays, this cost multiplies. Courses guiding scholarship applications cost a bit less, around 3-5 million VND. This fee is not mandatory because some people find resources to write on their own. And even if you win a scholarship, there's a high chance you'll have to pay for visa application and airfare.

Websites advertise numerous full scholarships daily, but when you delve into the specific fields of study, application requirements, universities, and countries, many don't match. I have to be very selective to save time, money, and effort for each scholarship.

After applying for a year, I may not win any scholarships. Even after another year of applying for old scholarships, I still might not find a suitable one. And perhaps even more, extending to another year. In return, there's the struggle with family and accepting not completing tasks well. Looking at it from a certain angle, 'at least we tried,' and I won't regret not trying. Who knows, in many years to come, the skills and knowledge gained on this journey may help in some way - I just have to remind myself because I don't know the future.

English-speaking countries, highly ranked universities like Australia, Canada often have few full Master's scholarships. Those with high-value scholarships may require returning to the home country after studies. Some schools offering generous scholarships may not be highly ranked or prestigious, or may have difficulties finding employment after graduation.

Even if I post my profile in scholarship hunting groups for advice, ask friends who have received scholarships before, or even sign up for study abroad support services, I still have to actively seek information. Others may give advice, but it's only at a guidance level, while the actual steps must be taken by myself. Those were the days I spent on university websites, reading each section, taking notes, and emailing the university for guidance on unclear parts. Only I can determine why I want to study abroad, which field aligns with my current direction. And only I can lift myself up after doubting myself when repeatedly missing out on the scholarships I desired most.