4 Great Benefits of Studying a Master’s in English

Whether English is your first language or your second, if you are set on pursuing a master’s degree taught in English abroad, you have plenty of options - and no, we’re not talking about the UK, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

In recent years, the number of international universities offering English-taught master’s degrees across Europe has risen sharply, especially in the social sciences and business-related fields. So what can you expect from studying in English in a country where English is not the first language?

First, you won’t be living in an English bubble, and you’ll experience a whole new culture and language.

Yes, your studies will mean communicating and collaborating in English with classmates and professors, and you may even find yourself catching up with friends in English during study breaks. Knowing that you can study abroad without worrying about language barriers in class can be a real comfort.

But beyond the walls of your university campus, there is an entirely new culture and language to experience.

In Europe, Italy is one of the most popular study abroad destinations - and it is easy to see why, given its academic strengths, rich history and cultural heritage, world-famous cuisine, beautiful scenery and architecture, and friendly locals.

Living in Italy will help you learn the local language and adapt to Italian life, so it is worth learning at least the basics. You never know when you might need it, and if you want to make a good impression, your effort will not go unnoticed by locals.

It may be challenging at first, but if English is not your first language and the local language is not your first language either, you will quickly sharpen your language skills as you learn to navigate two or even three languages at once.

You will meet all kinds of people, and some of them will become friends for life.

Because of the strong demand from domestic and international students for English-taught master’s programs, lecture halls, seminar rooms, and campus greens are filled with students from all over the world.

The University of Pavia in northern Italy offers 12 English-taught master’s programs across a range of disciplines, including engineering, economics and management, and the humanities and social sciences.

With its vibrant international community, the university helps the 1,200 students who move to Pavia each year feel at home and share in a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.

Because your global perspective will grow, you will improve your chances of landing international roles.

You can only learn so much about a new country and culture through books, television, and, increasingly, social media. There is no better way to understand another culture than by experiencing it in person.

It is easy to fall into the trap of seeing your own culture as the absolute standard, but when you open yourself up to engaging with the world and seeing it in many other ways, you learn more about yourself and gain a completely new perspective.

As the world becomes more interconnected than ever, with the vast scale of sharing, trade, and challenges across goods, politics, economics, and business, employers will look at you and your résumé with great interest if you can master the art of communication between the local language and English. In today’s highly competitive job market, adaptability and resilience are key skills, along with a global mindset.

There will be (almost) endless opportunities to travel.

Wherever you choose to study abroad, there is no doubt that you will be eager to get out and explore everything your new, temporary home has to offer.

The city of Pavia warmly welcomes visitors, tourists, residents, and students alike. The Ticino River is a favorite place for students to relax - some even spend part of their hard-earned study time rowing along its banks. And on weekends, students can take a 30-minute train ride to Milan.

How to get there...

Applying to study abroad takes a great deal of planning, paperwork, and patience. Take your time and do your research to make the whole process as simple and straightforward as possible.