Moving abroad to study is a life-changing step — one that opens your mind, tests your limits, and shapes your future. For Yong Sebastian Nyam, a 24-year-old from Bamenda, Cameroon, that step took him to Italy, where he joined the Master’s in Marketing and Communication at the Rome Business School. What began as a simple online search on Studyportals turned into an experience that completely transformed how he sees education, career, and life abroad.
What you'll find out by reading Sebastian's story:
- Yong Sebastian from Cameroon is studying for a Master’s in Marketing and Communication at Rome Business School, Italy.
- He found his programme through Studyportals, chose Italy for its culture and education quality, and self-funded his studies through careful financial planning and part-time work.
- His experience shows that with the right research, courage, and focus, studying abroad can truly shape your professional and personal growth.
From Cameroon to Rome: a dream that started online
Yong always wanted more than a degree — he wanted an international experience that could challenge him personally and professionally.
“I wanted to go to a different country, meet different people, and learn about new cultures,” he says. “I definitely wanted to develop personally and professionally.”
He started searching for options across Europe and came across Studyportals, which made his search simple and transparent.
“I did the search on Studyportals and found this amazing business school,” he recalls. “Studyportals played a vital part in helping me find the right programme.”
“Studyportals played a vital part in helping me find the right programme.”
Finding the perfect fit: Marketing and Communication in Rome
While many universities offered marketing degrees, the Rome Business School stood out. For Yong, the unique mix of Marketing and Communication made the programme complete and practical.
“Rome Business School caught my attention because they didn’t just do Marketing, but Marketing and Communication. To me, it was a more complete programme and one that best suited me.”
The one-year course combines six months of in-class lectures with company tours, study-abroad opportunities, and a six-month internship in Italy or abroad — a balance that helps students gain real-world experience and build professional connections.
“To me, it was a more complete programme and one that best suited me.”
Why Italy felt like home
For Yong, choosing Italy was an easy decision. His sister had already studied there, and he was drawn to the country’s warmth, creativity, and energy.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and when I got the opportunity to study abroad, Italy was the only place I wanted to go,” he says. “I like the UK and the USA, but Italy was my choice.”
Studying in Rome gave him more than academic growth — it gave him cultural immersion. “Meeting all these amazing people from different countries, learning new languages, new cultures, and different dishes — it’s amazing!” he says.
“Meeting all these amazing people from different countries… it’s amazing!”
Managing finances and studying smart
Funding an international degree is no small task, and Yong took full responsibility for his education.
“I am self-funding my studies and trust me, it’s a huge responsibility,” he admits. “I am coping very well financially because I have planned my finances quite well. I also work part-time, which makes things easier.”
His advice to future students is clear: “Make wise decisions when it comes to spending and be aware of all study costs. Studying abroad is a big investment, but one you won’t regret if you choose the right course.”
“Studying abroad is a big investment, but one you won’t regret if you choose the right course.”
Learning in an interactive environment
At Rome Business School, Yong found an education system that encouraged interaction and collaboration. “Courses are very interactive, and the class size is small. This gives room for more discussion with lecturers and other students alike,” he explains.
He rates his experience a solid ten out of ten: “I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to enhance their personal and professional goals. I am having the time of my life.”
Lessons learned and advice to future students
Looking back, Yong says the only thing he would do differently is ignore the doubts others placed in his path.
“I would never listen to people who say it’s not a wise investment to study abroad,” he says. “You need to know yourself and what you want. Don’t limit yourself and dream big. Life is an adventure — explore it and have fun.”
His story is a reminder that self-belief, preparation, and an open mind can take you far — even across continents.
If Yong’s story inspires you to pursue your own study abroad goals, explore Master’s degrees in Marketing on Mastersportal and take the first step towards your international journey.
