For a very long time, I was thinking to write a real story based post where I will share my entire journey as a foreign student. Many people think it's really easy to get admission in foreign universities, some people start the comparison, some do differentiate and calculation without doing any contribution. It's a group of society people who judges a student's level according to their IQ level.
My words can be harsh but I am writing the truth, that truth which many people don't know. Many people don't have any idea how much pressure and struggle a foreign student goes through. From application to the visa process, from admission to immigration, a foreign student knows how much stress and pressure it can be.
Nobody knows how a foreign student survives in a big unknown country and how much helpless they feel... Why they take all the pressure?? because they want a bright future, they want to do something with their life...They want to fulfill their dreams and don't want to miss their opportunities.
Anyway today I have decided to share and write my overall journey so that if anybody asks me about it I will share this post because it will be here on this blockchain forever. I also believe that this post will help many people who are thinking to chase their dreams but don't have the courage to take the risk. The people who think that living in abroad or study in abroad is a simple matter, I think this post will open their eyes...
I took the decision to study abroad suddenly, I mean I had no plan to leave my country because I had a nice job with a fair amount of salary. My life was settle, and I had no plan for further studies. Because after 5 years of architecture life, it's not necessary/ mandatory to do post-graduation for architects. Many architects can legally practice architecture without post-graduation because our value depends on our work and portfolio, not on the written paper mark sheet. Many people say architects are arrogant, well, I don't deny that...
So, all of a sudden I took the decision to leave my country for further decision, the reason is very simple, I wanted to chase my dreams and wanted to gather knowledge on the business sector. Now, you can ask me why you didn't take admission in your country? As I have mentioned, I wanted to migrate so I thought why don't I complete further education abroad. Moreover, because of society, I was kind of forced to leave Bangladesh and I didn't want to live there anymore.
I went to take a recommendation from my dad and his choice was the USA, CANADA, and AUSTRALIA. Hmm, I am not a USA fan so I started searching universities in Canada, but my main target was residence permit which I never mentioned to my dad, otherwise, he won't let me do that. Anyway, later I decided to move to Ukraine because of living costs, residence permit facilities, and tuition fees. I got an agent who gave me all guidelines and how to apply, but unfortunately, that time only a language course was available. Anyway, I decided to apply for the invitation from the university and did all the attestation of my previous certificates.
When I got the invitation, I informed my dad and he was shocked. First, he denied because he had no idea about Ukraine and many people say Ukraine is a War-Country and one of the lowest 3rd world countries... Anyway, I don't care, because for Canada I have to wait for 1 and a half years and I was not ready to take that risk.
Before going to further step, I had to convince my dad because in Bangladesh we don't have the Ukraine embassy and for the visa, we have to go to Delhi, India and have to stay there for a minimum of 1 month. Anyway, I needed his help so I convinced him and made myself ready for Visa Process.
Trust me it is the most frustrating period when you have to wait for Student Visa because it's uncertain. The embassy has the right to reject Visa application and Bangladesh is a blacklisted country which means Ukraine embassy don't give visa to Bangladeshi people easily. Maybe soon I will explain it but not today...
After 1 and a half months of wait, finally, I got my visa and I was happy. The next step was flight booking, accommodation, and further journeys which I had to made alone. I have no family, relatives, or friends here so it was a completely unknown country and the university recommended an agent for further process.
After coming here, again another stress, University admission, Visa extension, and stress of residence permit. Trust me, you can't imagine how much stress the overall process can be because working on documents is one of the most painful things and dealing with immigration. I realized it's a life race that seems never-ending, every single day either you have to deal with the university, subjects, tuition fees, or immigration.
If you are taking higher study than you also have to go through nostrification and attestation process which means your documents have to be verified from Embassy, the foreign ministry, education ministry of both countries. So, you can understand how much stressful job it is.
Anyway after 2 years of struggle, finally I completed my Master's on International Management Organizations and Administration in December 2019, don't ask me why I choose management over architecture because I have talked about it before.
Finally, after lockdown, I have got my final documents from the Ministry of Education, Ukraine where it is clearly written that I can practice Architecture in Ukraine according to law. For some reason, I can't share all the information. I waited for this document for almost 6 months and finally, it is here.
I could have practiced architecture here but according to some law and restrictions, I was not allowed to use my name into any project as an architect.
But now I can...
The reason for the entire post is to leave a small massage for everyone. Everything needs time and moreover you have to develop your confidence level and believe in yourself. Many students left and went back to their country but I didn't. I waited and wanted to see the last situation. Many students can't qualify for this certificate from Ministry according to the law but I got it as an Architect...
Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. Don't let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things.
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"I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily..."
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Original post written by @priyanarc
That's a very long and difficult journey, indeed. It's nice to hear that everything is coming together and that you are now able to practice what you've studied for without restrictions.
Congratulations, @priyanarc! 🤗
Man, I wish I could explain these two years of pressure... But glad that slowly everything is coming together as you said. Let's see what is waiting for me...
At least now I can do something with my life :D
Wow. I could oy find only find one word to describe your attitude which is 'Determination'. You were really determined and patient enough with achieving your dreams. Honestly, I've also been thinking to further my education outside Nigeria, and I'm fully aware of the whole challenges and stress. That's one major reason I haven't even been able to fully decide yet.
I really appraise your courage. Wishing you success ahead.
follow your dreams while you can :) don't fear of challenge and stresses.
Agree...
Yes, hopefully I'll be bold enough to do so 😌Thank you @macchiata
After the decision, one thing was in my mind, I will complete everything at any cost because I am kind of a stubborn girl. It doesn't mean I never felt confused, I broke down several times but I never shifted my goal. I just wanted to achieve what I want for my life...
Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your thoughts...
You're welcome. Your story motivated me! Keep it up 👍🏽 and go achieve your dreams
How much was the tuition in Ukraine? I've been eyeing easten europe for a while now. I am currently studying Russian too, so I wonder if that will help.
For master's, it took 2400$ for a full 1.5 years course of Management (including hostel though I didn't stay in the hostel). Other universities are almost the same, maybe 50-100$ difference according to course. The medical sector is completely different. But according to other developed countries, I find it cheap because I studied in English Version. But if anyone wants to study in the Russian version, it is half than this which means 1200-1400$ for masters...
Maybe you can check that out... I studied in Kharkiv, Kyiv will be little bit different but not too much...@macchiata
That's not too bad! Do you have discord where I can ask you questions? I am interested in this one. Thanks for answering and I'll be researching about it.
Yes, I have discord, priyanarc#5381 , Please feel free to ask me any question, I will be happy to help you...
You are very good at sharing this experience, especially for those who are unwilling to follow in your footsteps.
Congratulations on all your achievements. With dedication, effort and determination you can always get what you want
Have a wonderful afternoonWhat determination you have had dear friend @priyanarc and how good you have tried and above all to have pursued your dreams, you are a true example.
I have seen many people stop dreaming and loose hope, the reason is very simple, some can't take the pressure and some don't have confidence. I know not everyone's patience level is the same and doesn't have the courage to face the exact reality...
I tried my best and hopefully, my story will inspire many people to chase their dreams...
have a wonderful dayYou did very well dear friend @priyanarc, without a doubt, your story is a true example to follow
Thank you... :)
I can't imagine the stress and patience it takes to go through all of that process.
But if I can imagine the opportunities that will come in a future, as a professional and as a person you will grow a lot and that is priceless.
Many people don't understand the pressure in fact sometimes my family didn't understand the overall pressure and asked me so many questions. I can understand their concern too but everything needs time...
You are right if you think professionally, then you have to be determined and focused on your goal otherwise, your time will be wasted...
Exactly, that's what you don't want, wasting time and if we do it, it's worth it.
thanks dear @priyanarc for sharing your true story. You are a very brave girl and doing all this alone showcases your determination in fulling ones' dream.. way to go dear. wishing you more success and happiness in life. cheers and take care.