Is it crazy to do graduate school in another country?

Question

I really want to do my postgraduate degree in Classical Archaeology and I have fours universities that I want to attend. I am from the US and these schools are in the UK. I have spoken with the directors of the departments which has fueled my interests even more. The problem, however, comes when I tell people that I plan to do my postgraduate work abroad; they usually give me this weird "are you crazy?" look. I know I shouldn't care what other people think, but I am about to ask my professors for recommendations and I do not want the same look from them. This (degree abroad) is what I want to do and the UK has fantastic courses in my major. So is it weird that I want to do my postgraduate degree abroad? Will my professors laugh at me and say "you should look for schools around here"?

Answer 1

Maybe they think you'll be spending a lot of money unnecessarily.  Plus you may well ask yourself what you'll do with the degree, and if you plan to teach in the US, maybe it's more practical to take your degree here.  Either way, your choice, but try to think of what happens after you've got the degree.

Answer 2

Hey,

Don't let people put you down. Obtaining a Master's degree in the UK will be one of the greatest experiences you can ever extract from life. Postgraduate education in the UK usually takes 1-year full-time, as opposed to the 2-years in the US. Your professors will make joking comments, but will write your recommendations gladly i'm sure. Another plus, with studying in the UK is that you do not need to take the GREs.

I was in the same boat as you last year, when I wanted to apply to Postgraduate school in London. Many friends and family were against it because they did not want to see me leave. You really have to want to do this, for you will be living in a flat with 6-11 strangers and your family/friends will not be there. The UK is very expensive, so if you truly decide it is what you really want, you need to allocate funds for your study and accommodation. FAFSA gives funds for US students studying in the UK, which is great!

A UK degree is valued just as well and some universities even in higher regard then certain US Graduate Programs.

Do it, trust me!! You'll love it!!