When Maiya Chekalova began researching Master’s degrees in Europe, she was driven by a single goal: to step out of her comfort zone and build a truly international career. Her academic journey took her from Kazakhstan to Germany, where she discovered the perfect programme at the prestigious Humboldt University of Berlin.
Key takeaways from Maiya’s study abroad journey:
- 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 initially planned to specialize in interpretation, even applying to a programme at Manchester University. However, after discovering Online Result, her academic outlook shifted. She transformed course searching into a weekly ritual, filtering programs by language, location, and cost until she discovered the Master of Arts in British Studies at Humboldt University.
The programme offered a deep dive into British culture, taught in English, and was tuition-free—an ideal blend of academic interest and financial sensibility. While transitioning from interpretation to British Studies felt like a bold pivot, Maiya recognized it as a unique opportunity to expand her expertise in an international setting.
Why a Master’s in Germany
“I wanted a unique experience and a more competitive degree to boost my future opportunities,” she explains. Cognizant of the differences between the Kazakh and European education systems, she was eager to challenge herself. Although Germany wasn't her initial destination, the quality of the curriculum and the affordability of the degree made it an easy choice.
Arriving in Berlin with little local experience, she adapted instantly. She describes feeling “at home from the very first day.” While the academic programme drew her to the city, it was Berlin’s vibrant atmosphere—its rich history, creative energy, and cultural diversity—that solidified her decision to stay.
How Online Result Guided Her Search
Maiya credits Online Result for broadening her horizons. “Online Result is an amazing website,” she says. “Each weekend I browsed through courses, saving the ones I was interested in until I finally found my ideal MA programme. Without Online Result, I likely would never have applied.”
The platform enabled her to compare international programmes, focus on English-taught degrees, and filter by budget. It turned a potentially overwhelming search into a streamlined, efficient process, serving as the perfect guide for her academic transition to Europe.
Preparing for Admission: Lessons from IELTS
To meet admission requirements, Maiya chose to take the IELTS. “I preferred the IELTS over the TOEFL due to its straightforward grading system,” she notes. She prepared independently using free online resources, maintaining a disciplined study schedule of three sessions per week.
Despite achieving an impressive 8.0 overall, she admits her speaking score suffered because she didn’t practice enough. Her experience underscores the importance of balanced preparation: treat all sections with equal focus and maintain your composure on test day. Success requires a well-rounded approach.
Living and Studying in Berlin
Berlin’s vibrant, multicultural energy constantly surprised Maiya. She found the city “incredibly vibrant, multinational, and fashionable.” Her Master’s programme effectively blended academic rigour with hands-on projects, such as managing the catering for a team event during a local Science Night.
This practical experience helped her realize that she preferred leadership and logistics over pure academic research. It served as a valuable lesson in self-discovery, helping her understand that while she appreciates academic study, her professional strengths lie more in event management and team coordination.
"Never be afraid to change your life, never be afraid of challenges."
Financing Her Studies Abroad
Maiya financed her studies through diligent savings and family support. Having worked since the age of 18, she contributed significantly to her own expenses, while her family provided essential backing for her visa application and ongoing living costs.
She chose to focus exclusively on her studies rather than working full-time, only taking occasional jobs in Berlin. Her advice to prospective students is practical: research scholarships, maintain a strict budget, cook at home, and engage with student communities. Effective financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience.
Advice for students from Kazakhstan and beyond
Maiya encourages others to embrace the study abroad experience. “Never be afraid to change your life, never be afraid of challenges,” she advises. She emphasizes that even a programme that isn't a perfect fit offers invaluable insights into your personal and professional interests.
She also stresses the importance of a positive mindset. Challenges are inevitable, but they facilitate growth. “Everything happens for a purpose; what you initially find boring or difficult may eventually become one of your most valuable lessons,” she notes.
What she learned and what surprised her
Reflecting on her journey, Maiya wishes she had been more relaxed during her first few months and more persistent with her German language studies. Overall, she rates her experience an 8 out of 10, highlighting her profound love for Berlin as the most significant discovery.
“Berlin is a city where everyone can find something for themselves,” she says. Her experience proved that studying abroad is about far more than just receiving a degree—it is about personal growth, broadening your perspective, and finding a sense of belonging far from home.
Inspired by Maiya’s journey?
Start exploring Online Result today and see where your own study abroad journey could take you.
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