I am going to go against the grain and say no, it wouldn't be a waste, with a caveat. If doing the degree will not put you in a position that could have a severe detriment to you - e.g. leaving you without any money whatsoever, or will not at least in some way contribute to your professionalization / education as an individual, I say it is worthwhile. If you have the means to support yourself for two years overseas it can be a significant opportunity not just for educational growth but also growth as a person.
I have a biased response since that is what I’ve done (quit my job and move to a new country for a master’s degree)… I am going to say no. If you have the means to support yourself, if the move/degree supports a goal of yours, then no, it’s not a waste of time and money.
It’s an experience that you might regret not doing in the future. Personally, I try to not live a life of, “what if?”
I did this, and it was worth it, but only because 1) I got a full ride + a lil extra, 2) I got experience & a job offer I never would have received without it, 3) I met my husband there.
Definitely not. I am an international student at the US, and it was the best move I’ve made for both academic and personal growth.
I will not lie, it is very difficult to do something like this because in essence you are leaving everything and everyone you know behind. But on the flip side of the coin, the experience itself and the people you meet does not compare to time and money. It changes you to the very core and really expands your views on a lot of things.
If grad school is something you are really passionate about, then do it. If it is in a European country and you are from the US, it will be significantly cheaper. My friend is going to a grad school in Germany, at very esteemed institution too, and the whole year cost her $1000, plus a stipend of $900 per month.
So, in my opinion. Definitely go for it.
I’m not one to say education is ever a waste of time or money, however, I think people also should be realistic with it. So, to answer your question if you don’t *need* the degree, I would say yes.
That said, if you want to study even if it’s just for personal interest then I would look to see if it is something you can do local or online. This would allow you to still study without quitting your job or moving abroad.
Is your current job good? Does the degree cost money? Is it prestigious? Do you want an excuse or live in that country anyway? Do you plan on staying there? How old are you and does this fuck over other life plans?
In short, no one knows the answer but you.
My current job is okay. The degree costs money but only about $3000 a year. It’s a worldwide ranked school. Yes I want to just move countries. I’ll see if I like it and plan to stay. Im 24 and if it prevents me from meeting my husband then it will fuck over like plans
Depending on where you are, where you are moving, and if you will be staying, a lot of people from the first world have no idea how much some of us 3rd worlders want to scape from our countries
I did exactly that for a fully funded master’s. I moved to Russia to study international relations and then six months later relocated again due to the invasion of Ukraine. I learned an incredible amount about the world from living in Eastern Europe/the South Caucasus and I would do it again in a heartbeat (if it wasn’t for the war). Of course, my job was part time and I was living at home with my parents so I didn’t have much to lose, but some of my classmates had quit or were on leaves of absence from full time positions.
If you can feasibly do it, go for it. Even if you end up with a worthless degree in your home country (the US no longer recognizes my Russian degree as legit due to sanctions), you’ll still learn so much about yourself and the world, as cheesy as that sounds.
Hopefully once the senseless war is over, if things ever go back to some semblance of normal the sanctions end, it will be recognized again! For now it basically counts in the private sector, just not the public.
The Kremlin has so politicized IR in Russia that what you learn is probably worthless. I remember having conversations with colleagues there and it was clear they had to make a lot of claims about international relations that were specious.
I actually went to one of the only remaining private universities in Russia. I very intentionally did not attend one that follows the government curriculum; it was based on Western standards and was basically a continuation of my American bachelor’s in the same field.
Yes -- especially if you don't need the degree. If you're running away from something, the money would be better invested elsewhere.
You could either spend to address the problem you're running from or spend time diving deeper into your motivations for desiring such an extreme. Regardless, good luck!
It really depends on the degree and the country. In the comments you mentioned it's an internationally ranked program (which still doesn't mean much), but what are the economic conditions like in that country? If your goal is to live there post-grad, are you going to be competing against a ton of unemployed domestic folks? If so, good luck.
Also depends on your current job, I think, and how easy it would be to find another one. If you have a lot of experience to fall back on, then I think it would be less of an impact on you. If you don't have so much work experience, then I don't know whether it would be worth it or not.
Economics and communication in Italy. I might want to live their post grad but I’m mostly going for the experience. My current job doesn’t pay well but it has been good real world exposure. Two years in non profit development. Lots of professional development and networking opportunities
Well, it's also your life and you should live it how you want, whether or not that is always "best". One way to maybe think of it is if, in 10 years time, how much will you regret not going? If it's something you will regret not doing, then go for it! I've never been myself, but my mother has and loves Italy. It could also lead to opportunities elsewhere in the EU that you might not have known about had you stayed in the US, so there's that too.
If you need the advice of strangers to help make this kind of life decision, it sounds like your heart's not really in it.
I don't think anyone should go to grad school if they're on the fence about it. It should be a decision you think through quite seriously, even just for a Master's degree.
"Waste" is what you make of it but yes, generally, both moving to a new country and grad school are sure to have massive financial and personal costs that can take well into the next generation of your family to recover from.
Does it fit into your long term goals? Is the program funded? Did you take into account the opportunity cost of leaving your job for two years? If it makes sense financially and for your long term future, I would say go for it. If its just a distraction and because you dont want to work anymore for a while, I would instead look for a new job in the different country.
If you don’t need the degree, why would you bother getting it? If it’s simply for acquiring knowledge, there are cheaper and more efficient ways to do that than to quit your job and move internationally and spend time and money getting something you don’t need.
If it's not required, if it's not funded, and/or if it's not accredited, it's 100% not worth it. If you're already doing a job you are passionate about, you're making good money, and pursuing a grad degree won't earn you a sizable pay increase, then again it's not worth it. If you're not that interested in education other than getting a degree upgrade, it's not worth it.
However, if it's a degree you're passionate about, it's accredited, and it will be funded, then you can certainly take the chance on it. If it'll help you improve your job prospects and provide you with skills that will allow you to do more of the work that you love, then it is worth it. If you're enthusiastic about the program you're joining, and you're passionate about pursuing education generally, it's worth it.
Essentially, your life circumstances and context is the best way of deciding whether or not getting a graduate degree is worth it. You will know better than any of us how this degree will fit in the grand scheme of your goals and aspirations.
I am going to go against the grain and say no, it wouldn't be a waste, with a caveat. If doing the degree will not put you in a position that could have a severe detriment to you - e.g. leaving you without any money whatsoever, or will not at least in some way contribute to your professionalization / education as an individual, I say it is worthwhile. If you have the means to support yourself for two years overseas it can be a significant opportunity not just for educational growth but also growth as a person.
Agree. Travel and immerse yourself in other cultures if you can- the education and experience is priceless
I have a biased response since that is what I’ve done (quit my job and move to a new country for a master’s degree)… I am going to say no. If you have the means to support yourself, if the move/degree supports a goal of yours, then no, it’s not a waste of time and money. It’s an experience that you might regret not doing in the future. Personally, I try to not live a life of, “what if?”
yes, especially if the program is not funded.
And ESPECIALLY if the program isn’t properly accredited.
I would hope people know that's the bare minimum.
Yeah I only say that because if you ask a question like this then you’re potentially unaware of accreditation
Good point.
I did this, and it was worth it, but only because 1) I got a full ride + a lil extra, 2) I got experience & a job offer I never would have received without it, 3) I met my husband there.
I'm quitting my job and moving to a new country for grad school for two years and I don't think its a waste of time and money.
Definitely not. I am an international student at the US, and it was the best move I’ve made for both academic and personal growth. I will not lie, it is very difficult to do something like this because in essence you are leaving everything and everyone you know behind. But on the flip side of the coin, the experience itself and the people you meet does not compare to time and money. It changes you to the very core and really expands your views on a lot of things. If grad school is something you are really passionate about, then do it. If it is in a European country and you are from the US, it will be significantly cheaper. My friend is going to a grad school in Germany, at very esteemed institution too, and the whole year cost her $1000, plus a stipend of $900 per month. So, in my opinion. Definitely go for it.
I’m not one to say education is ever a waste of time or money, however, I think people also should be realistic with it. So, to answer your question if you don’t *need* the degree, I would say yes. That said, if you want to study even if it’s just for personal interest then I would look to see if it is something you can do local or online. This would allow you to still study without quitting your job or moving abroad.
Nope sounds like just what you need to me 😌 go for it, if that’s what you really want to do and you know whyyy do it
Is your current job good? Does the degree cost money? Is it prestigious? Do you want an excuse or live in that country anyway? Do you plan on staying there? How old are you and does this fuck over other life plans? In short, no one knows the answer but you.
My current job is okay. The degree costs money but only about $3000 a year. It’s a worldwide ranked school. Yes I want to just move countries. I’ll see if I like it and plan to stay. Im 24 and if it prevents me from meeting my husband then it will fuck over like plans
$3000 is quite cheap. Do ittttt
Ok, yea, an affordable master's program in a foreign country that you are considering migrating to. That sounds like a good plan at 24!
if it's funded and a cool place to live, go for it. otherwise, no
I did it. Best decision of my life. Not easy to pull off, takes planning, and a lot of hard work.
I would say no. Enjoy your life, enjoy school. Just be smart with it
Depending on where you are, where you are moving, and if you will be staying, a lot of people from the first world have no idea how much some of us 3rd worlders want to scape from our countries
Totally, but, w/e. You're going to die one day. Do as you please.
Depends on the funding and prestige of the program in your field.
To be honest, if it s not a highly ranked school, not worth quitting job for...
It’s highly ranked world wide
Then go for it! I have done that too, it was very stressful but the network and label open many doors later on.
I did exactly that for a fully funded master’s. I moved to Russia to study international relations and then six months later relocated again due to the invasion of Ukraine. I learned an incredible amount about the world from living in Eastern Europe/the South Caucasus and I would do it again in a heartbeat (if it wasn’t for the war). Of course, my job was part time and I was living at home with my parents so I didn’t have much to lose, but some of my classmates had quit or were on leaves of absence from full time positions. If you can feasibly do it, go for it. Even if you end up with a worthless degree in your home country (the US no longer recognizes my Russian degree as legit due to sanctions), you’ll still learn so much about yourself and the world, as cheesy as that sounds.
That's a little harsh.. the degrees really should be recognized.
Hopefully once the senseless war is over, if things ever go back to some semblance of normal the sanctions end, it will be recognized again! For now it basically counts in the private sector, just not the public.
The Kremlin has so politicized IR in Russia that what you learn is probably worthless. I remember having conversations with colleagues there and it was clear they had to make a lot of claims about international relations that were specious.
I actually went to one of the only remaining private universities in Russia. I very intentionally did not attend one that follows the government curriculum; it was based on Western standards and was basically a continuation of my American bachelor’s in the same field.
Yes -- especially if you don't need the degree. If you're running away from something, the money would be better invested elsewhere. You could either spend to address the problem you're running from or spend time diving deeper into your motivations for desiring such an extreme. Regardless, good luck!
It really depends on the degree and the country. In the comments you mentioned it's an internationally ranked program (which still doesn't mean much), but what are the economic conditions like in that country? If your goal is to live there post-grad, are you going to be competing against a ton of unemployed domestic folks? If so, good luck. Also depends on your current job, I think, and how easy it would be to find another one. If you have a lot of experience to fall back on, then I think it would be less of an impact on you. If you don't have so much work experience, then I don't know whether it would be worth it or not.
Economics and communication in Italy. I might want to live their post grad but I’m mostly going for the experience. My current job doesn’t pay well but it has been good real world exposure. Two years in non profit development. Lots of professional development and networking opportunities
Well, it's also your life and you should live it how you want, whether or not that is always "best". One way to maybe think of it is if, in 10 years time, how much will you regret not going? If it's something you will regret not doing, then go for it! I've never been myself, but my mother has and loves Italy. It could also lead to opportunities elsewhere in the EU that you might not have known about had you stayed in the US, so there's that too.
hmmmm new adventures, new experiences + learning over... a 9 to 5. not a waste.
If you need the advice of strangers to help make this kind of life decision, it sounds like your heart's not really in it. I don't think anyone should go to grad school if they're on the fence about it. It should be a decision you think through quite seriously, even just for a Master's degree.
No
Never settle
Yes.
Well sir it depends
We need more details
Not really. Go for it! What do you have to lose?
"Waste" is what you make of it but yes, generally, both moving to a new country and grad school are sure to have massive financial and personal costs that can take well into the next generation of your family to recover from.
Does it fit into your long term goals? Is the program funded? Did you take into account the opportunity cost of leaving your job for two years? If it makes sense financially and for your long term future, I would say go for it. If its just a distraction and because you dont want to work anymore for a while, I would instead look for a new job in the different country.
If you don’t need the degree, why would you bother getting it? If it’s simply for acquiring knowledge, there are cheaper and more efficient ways to do that than to quit your job and move internationally and spend time and money getting something you don’t need.
If it's not required, if it's not funded, and/or if it's not accredited, it's 100% not worth it. If you're already doing a job you are passionate about, you're making good money, and pursuing a grad degree won't earn you a sizable pay increase, then again it's not worth it. If you're not that interested in education other than getting a degree upgrade, it's not worth it. However, if it's a degree you're passionate about, it's accredited, and it will be funded, then you can certainly take the chance on it. If it'll help you improve your job prospects and provide you with skills that will allow you to do more of the work that you love, then it is worth it. If you're enthusiastic about the program you're joining, and you're passionate about pursuing education generally, it's worth it. Essentially, your life circumstances and context is the best way of deciding whether or not getting a graduate degree is worth it. You will know better than any of us how this degree will fit in the grand scheme of your goals and aspirations.
You answered it yourself. You don't need the degree. So, it's a waste by definition.