Yaw pursued his Master’s degree in Management of Built Environment at Politecnico di Milano. He discovered this prestigious programme through Online Result. We spoke with Yaw to learn about his personal experience navigating the international university application process.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Yaw Osei Sampaney Agyei; I am 25 years old and originally from Ghana.
Where are/were you studying and what programme? What degree and how long is your programme?
I am currently enrolled in a two-year Master's degree in Management of the Built Environment at Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) in Italy.
Why did you want to study abroad?
Having completed my entire education in my home country of Ghana, I felt a strong need to step outside my comfort zone. I wanted to gain global perspectives and acquire the advanced technical skills necessary to excel in the construction industry.
What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme (e.g. academics, accommodation, university services & facilities, personal & professional development, city & culture, cost & funding, practicalities, social life)?
Securing funding was my primary concern when choosing POLIMI and this specific programme. My next priorities were finding suitable accommodation and identifying resources that would enhance my overall academic experience.
The curriculum is comprehensive and highly practical, and I am confident that graduating from POLIMI will significantly elevate my professional career.
Was this your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason of your final choice?
I received offers from Loughborough University, the University of Westminster, and Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. Unfortunately, I had to decline these opportunities due to financial constraints and an inability to secure adequate funding.
Did you know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose for this particular location?
While the UK was my initial preferred destination, I had to reassess my options once I realized the financial burden would be unsustainable.
How did Online Result help you in your decision process?
If I recall correctly, it was through Online Result that I first discovered and applied to my initial university choice in the UK.
Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?
I chose the IELTS exam because the registration process was streamlined and accessible. A friend recommended it, which was ideal because my busy schedule prevented me from attending formal preparatory classes.
In short, most students can effectively prepare for the IELTS exam independently, provided they have access to the right practice materials.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?
Applying to study abroad is both a financial and emotional investment. Securing academic transcripts is a costly and time-consuming process that must be started well in advance. Furthermore, applicants often need to stay in constant contact with their referees to ensure recommendation letters are completed on schedule.
I was fortunate that my referee was reliable; however, I know a friend who was denied admission to an overseas university simply because his referee failed to provide a recommendation letter in time.
It is vital for aspiring international students to recognize that universities require strong letters of recommendation from academic tutors. It is essential to build positive professional relationships with your lecturers and keep them informed of your future academic ambitions.
Building these relationships ensures you can obtain strong support when you need it most. Additionally, if you are a non-native English speaker, I highly recommend the IELTS exam for your proficiency testing.
How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?
I am currently self-funded, though I certainly would have welcomed a scholarship. For those looking at Italy, the tuition fees are quite reasonable compared to other regions, though the cost of living—particularly accommodation in Milan—can be significant.
Students should be prepared to handle their own housing arrangements if university accommodation is unavailable. Additionally, it is wise to have at least 6,000 EUR in reserve and, if possible, reach out to a trusted contact residing in Italy.
When I applied for my study visa, the Italian Embassy in Ghana required the transfer of 5,380 EUR into a 'credito rotativo' account in Italy. The challenge is that Italian banks generally do not open accounts for individuals who are not yet residents or physically present in the country.
This is where having a trusted friend or family member is invaluable. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was finding a bank in Italy willing to facilitate this specific embassy requirement.
It took me five weeks to get my account opened, even though some banks had managed it for other students in just three days. The embassy simply requires proof of the account, regardless of the difficulty involved in setting it up.
The key takeaway from my visa experience is that the process is significantly easier—and often only possible—if you have a trusted contact on the ground in Italy to help you navigate the banking requirements.
Why would you (not) recommend this particular city / university? How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It was a total disaster, 10 – I had the time of my life)?
Overall, my experience has been positive. Milan's transportation system is excellent, though I rarely use it since my apartment is just a six-minute walk from campus. The locals are very friendly, although English proficiency can be limited. On a scale of 1 to 5, I would currently rate my experience here a 5.
Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?
Even though my programme is taught in English, daily life can be challenging due to the language barrier. In hindsight, I would have definitely taken Italian language lessons before moving.
I received my admission to POLIMI in late 2014 and began classes in October 2015; I wish I had used that time to learn the language. Fortunately, the university provides free Italian classes for beginners, and I am making good progress in learning to communicate.
Were you inspired by Yaw's story?