Ida pursued her Master’s degree in Visual Design at the Scuola Politecnica di Design. She discovered the program through Online Result. We sat down with Ida to discuss her journey of researching and applying to a university abroad:
"Hi everyone! My name is Ida Serdarevic, and I am a 24-year-old design student from Bosnia and Herzegovina."
"I am currently living in Milan, Italy, where I am completing my Master’s in Visual Design. I earned my undergraduate degree in Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design at the International University of Sarajevo back home."
"The primary reason I wanted to pursue my education abroad was my desire to grow as a designer and reach my professional goals. I believe it is essential for personal growth to step out of your comfort zone, experience different cultures, and learn how people from diverse backgrounds approach problem-solving and creativity."
"As mentioned, I am wrapping up my Master’s at the Scuola Politecnica di Design. Before I began my search, I identified my top priorities: strong academic credentials, English-taught courses, and reasonable tuition fees—as securing a design scholarship as a student from Bosnia can be quite challenging. While the city and social life weren't my top criteria initially, I feel incredibly lucky to have landed in Milan."
"Even before finishing my BA, I knew I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree that built upon my previous studies, especially since visual design is such a broad and diverse field."
"My first choice was Central Saint Martins in London, as I had previously attended a summer course there and fell in love with the professors, the school, and the city. However, I decided against it for two main reasons: the high costs and the two-year program duration, as I specifically wanted a one-year Master’s program."
"After a rigorous search, I found the Scuola Politecnica di Design. The fact that an internship was an integral, school-managed component of the curriculum truly 'sealed the deal' for me."
"Location wasn't my primary concern, but I am thrilled that I ended up in Milan. It is a stunning city with a rich culture, a vibrant nightlife, and—in my experience—truly amazing people."
"Online Result was immensely helpful; it served as a centralized platform where I could easily compare different schools and access vital details like tuition fees."
"Before finding Online Result, I spent countless hours scouring individual university websites, trying to locate basic information like tuition costs and start dates—details that are often difficult to find on school portals."
"Online Result played an active role in my application process, guiding me to find not just any school, but the right school. It has been a significant factor in shaping my academic future."
"I didn’t need to take an English proficiency test for this application since my previous education was in English, though requirements vary significantly between institutions. I do plan to take the IELTS soon for my next goal: applying to the 'Type and Media' Master’s program at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, Netherlands."
"Regarding finances, I didn’t receive external funding; however, I am incredibly fortunate that my parents were in a position to support my education entirely."
"My advice to students from my home country—and indeed any non-EU country—is to start researching scholarships early. Many schools offer funding, but it is often prioritized for EU or US students. I also highly recommend contacting the embassies of your destination country, as they occasionally offer specific scholarship opportunities."
"Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am delighted with my choice of school, and my time in Milan and the people I’ve met have become a defining part of my life."
"To sum it up: if you have the chance to study abroad, take it! It is an irreplaceable and invaluable experience. The growth you will undergo, both personally and professionally, is inevitable. The cultures you experience and the connections you make will stay with you for life."
"Were you inspired by Ida's story?"
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