When Andrei-Marcel Tit set out to pursue his Master’s degree, he wasn’t just looking for a new university. He wanted a truly international experience that would challenge him and open up new career paths. His story takes you from Oradea, Romania, to campuses in Klagenfurt and Berlin, showing how perseverance, careful planning and a love of multicultural environments can shape your academic journey.
What You’ll Learn from Andrei’s Story
- Choosing the right university abroad involves more than meeting deadlines; it requires exploring programmes, preparing language tests and considering personal goals.
- Andrei’s journey underscores the importance of early research, using platforms like Studyportals, and being flexible with your options.
- His experience also shows how cultural awareness and professional curiosity can guide you toward fulfilling opportunities.
Finding the Right Programme
Andrei’s academic goal was clear: to earn a Master of Science in International Management. He wanted to learn how to lead diverse teams and manage innovation across borders.
“My main priority was academics,” he explains. To achieve this, he needed a programme taught in English that emphasised Central and Eastern Europe. Alpen-Adria University’s International Management master’s programme met these criteria, offering courses in English with a focus on South-East and Central-East European countries.
Why study abroad?
Andrei’s decision to study abroad stemmed from his first Erasmus experience. “I developed a strong flair for internationalism and cultural awareness,” he recalls. He compared multicultural campuses to “melting pots,” where ideas and energy flourish. Returning to such environments felt natural to him, both for personal growth and professional development.
Like stepping into a bustling market with a variety of perspectives, studying abroad offered him more than academic knowledge; it provided lessons in adaptability and intercultural communication.
“My main priority was academics … to have a better understanding of how to better lead people from different cultures.”
How Studyportals helped
“Studyportals was my cornerstone platform for searching courses,” Andrei says. Its advanced search allowed him to compare Master’s programmes by cost, language and requirements.
Although he couldn’t find a scholarship through the site, it was instrumental in narrowing down his options. He appreciated its ability to organise information, comparing it to having a roadmap when navigating unfamiliar streets.
“Studyportals was my cornerstone platform for searching courses.”
Choosing a university: flexibility and resilience
Germany was Andrei’s first choice due to its strong R&D and start-up culture. He applied to Humboldt University in Berlin but missed the deadline; he then applied to Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz but fell short of the GPA requirement.
He eventually chose Alpen-Adria University in Klagenfurt. “I really wanted to go abroad for my Master’s degree, no matter what,” he says. The programme became his “ticket” to continue his international education. His story highlights that persistence and flexibility are crucial when plans change.
Why Austria and not another country?
Austria wasn’t Andrei’s top choice, but it offered an English-language programme and a reasonable cost of living. “Even though not quite cheap, a rent in Austria is definitely more affordable than in Scandinavia, the Netherlands or Italy,” he notes.
He also speaks German fluently, which helped him secure small jobs during his studies. Living in Austria before, he was familiar with the culture and wanted to deepen his engagement by using his language skills in a professional context.
Preparing for admission: language and deadlines
To meet admissions requirements, Andrei took the TOEFL iBT three months before his programme started. He found it “quite easy” and recommends it over IELTS for its straightforward format. He advises students to start researching programmes at least a year in advance, and even earlier if applying through DAAD in Germany.
Different universities have different deadlines and criteria, so being prepared is essential. He sums it up: “The early bird catches the worm.”
Advice for Prospective Students
Andrei’s advice is practical and direct:
- Plan ahead: Research your chosen programmes at least a year before applying, and know their deadlines and requirements.
- Get your language certificate: He recommends the TOEFL iBT, noting its affordability and wide availability, but warns it is valid for only two years.
- Know yourself: Consider how well you know the language and culture of your host country, and how your goals align with studying there.
- Do your own research: “Don’t apply through application agencies,” he warns. The stress of the process is worth saving on the fees, and you gain valuable insight into the application system.
Parents helped finance his studies in Austria
Andrei credits his parents for supporting his first year financially, noting that his part-time jobs weren’t enough to cover expenses. He emphasises the value of scholarships:
“In this way you don’t have to juggle between your school schedule and a job.” He also believes that working can provide tacit knowledge that complements academic study, especially if you speak the local language well. Balancing study and work is possible, but it requires careful scheduling to maintain your academic performance.
“To find out that I could do more than I initially thought I could. You can’t buy this!”
Living in Klagenfurt: pros and cons
Klagenfurt is a small city surrounded by nature. Andrei thinks it suits people who enjoy “nature and silence.” However, he found it too quiet and struggled to find work due to the town’s size and the locals’ reluctance to hire foreigners.
He rates his experience at 6.5 out of 10. If you prefer lively, fast-paced cities, he suggests looking elsewhere. His honest evaluation highlights that location is more than geography; it’s about lifestyle and opportunities.
Lessons learned and what he’d do differently
“If I had the chance to do it over again, I would aim higher,” he admits. He encourages students to set ambitious goals — “always think in 10X terms.” Even if you fall short, you’ll be further along than if you aimed lower.
His biggest surprise? Discovering his own potential: “To find out that I could do more than I initially thought I could.” This insight is priceless, and it’s one of the hidden rewards of stepping beyond your comfort zone.
Inspired by Andrei’s journey?
Start exploring Master’s degrees in Business and Management and see where your research might lead you.
