When Maiya Chekalova started exploring Master’s degrees in Europe, she had one goal — to push herself out of her comfort zone and build a truly international future. Her search led her from Kazakhstan to Germany, where she found her dream programme at Humboldt University in Berlin.
What you’ll learn from Maiya’s story:
- Studying abroad is more than a degree — it’s a journey of discovery.
- For Maiya, it meant finding independence, exploring new academic directions, and learning how to adapt to life in a vibrant European capital.
- Her story shows how being open-minded, using the right search tools, and embracing change can lead you to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
Finding the Right Master’s Abroad
Maiya began with a clear plan to continue her studies in interpretation. “Initially I applied to Manchester University to study a Master’s in Interpretation,” she recalls. But after discovering Studyportals, she felt like she had opened a map filled with routes she hadn’t considered. Browsing courses became a weekend routine; she filtered by language, location and cost until one programme stood out: the Master of Arts in British Studies at Humboldt University.
The course promised an in‑depth look at the UK, a country that had fascinated her since her first visit. It was taught in English, based in Europe and tuition‑free — a combination that matched her academic interests and financial constraints. Moving from interpretation to British Studies might seem like changing lanes, but Maiya saw it as an opportunity to explore new terrain without losing momentum.
Why a Master’s in Germany
“I wanted to receive a unique experience and increase my future opportunities with a more competitive degree,” she explains. She was also aware that educational systems vary greatly between Kazakhstan and Europe, and she wanted to test herself in a different environment. Germany wasn’t her original target, but she was drawn by the programme’s quality and cost.
Arriving in Berlin with little prior knowledge of the city, she embraced it quickly. She describes feeling “at home from the first day.” The courses attracted her initially, but it was the city’s energy — its mix of history, culture and creativity — that made her stay feel like a natural fit. If choosing a course is like selecting a book from a shelf, Berlin was the unexpected story she couldn’t put down.
How Studyportals Guided Her Search
Maiya credits Studyportals with opening doors she didn’t know existed. “Studyportals is an amazing website,” she says. “Each weekend I browsed through courses, marking the ones I could consider until I finally found the Master of Arts in British Studies. Without Studyportals I would probably have never applied.”
The platform allowed her to compare programmes across Europe, prioritise English‑taught courses and filter out programmes that didn’t meet her budget. It turned a daunting search into a structured process, much like using a well‑organised travel guide when planning a long journey.
Preparing for Admission: Lessons from IELTS
Admission required proof of English proficiency, so Maiya chose to take the IELTS. “IELTS was more attractive than TOEFL for me, because of its simpler grading system,” she notes. She prepared alone using free materials, dedicating three study sessions a week.
While she scored an impressive 8.0, she admits she “scored the lowest in the speaking part” because she neglected to practise it enough. Her experience highlights the importance of balanced preparation: focus on all sections equally and keep calm on exam day. Think of it as tuning each string of a guitar; if one is off, the whole song sounds wrong.
Living and Studying in Berlin
Berlin’s diversity and vibrancy surprised Maiya. She found the city to be “one of the most amazing capitals… very vibrant, multinational, cultural and fashionable.” Her programme combined academic rigour with practical projects. During a science night in June, she was in charge of the catering section for her team’s project.
This hands‑on experience revealed that she enjoyed managing people and logistics more than academic research. It was a bit like cooking dinner for friends and realising you enjoy hosting more than following recipes. The assignment helped her see that research wasn’t her long‑term path, but leadership and event management could be.
“Never be afraid to change your life, never be afraid of challenges,”
Financing Her Studies Abroad
Maiya financed her studies through a mix of savings and family support. She had been working since she was 18 and saved money for her move. Her family helped cover the large sum required for her visa application and supported her during her studies.
She chose not to work full‑time while studying, taking only occasional jobs in Berlin so she could focus on her degree. Her advice to future students is practical: look for scholarships and grants, budget carefully, cook for yourself and join online communities where students help each other. Treat your finances like a backpack for a long trip — pack wisely and don’t overload it.
Advice for students from Kazakhstan and beyond
Maiya encourages students to embrace the opportunity to study abroad. “Never be afraid to change your life, never be afraid of challenges,” she advises. She emphasises that even if you choose a course that isn’t a perfect fit, it can still teach you what you truly want. It’s like trying a sport you’ve never played; even if you don’t pursue it, you learn something about yourself.
She also stresses the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. Challenges are inevitable, but they often lead to growth. “Everything happens for a purpose and in the end something you found boring or useless may turn out to be the best thing you have ever learned,” she says.
What she learned and what surprised her
Looking back, Maiya wishes she had been more relaxed in her first months and more persistent in learning German. She rates her overall experience an 8 out of 10. The biggest surprise of her journey? Discovering how much she loved Berlin.
“It is the city where everyone can find something for himself,” she says. Her time there showed her that studying abroad isn’t just about the degree; it’s about personal growth, new perspectives and finding a place that feels like home even when it’s far away.
Inspired by Maiya’s journey?
Start exploring Master’s degrees in Language Studies and see where your own search could take you.
