What is more difficult than applying to graduate school? Applying to graduate school as an international student! Columbia has a great reputation internationally, drawing students from more than 41 nations around the globe. However, moving to Chicago for school is a tremendous feat and requires an understanding of the program, living in Chicago, financial obligations, and self-reliance. I sat down with Shreya Singh (MAM ’17) to talk about her journey to and through Columbia as a Business & Entrepreneurship international graduate student.

Shreya Singh, MAM ’17 Photo credit: B.R.S. Sreenag

Shreya is a native to Chennai, India, currently studying Arts Management at Columbia College Chicago. Her background is in Classical Dance, and she was afforded the opportunity to come to Chicago on a Fulbright Student Program Scholarship. The Fulbright Student Program offers research, study and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and graduate students. Applications are considered one year before the desired admittance period for school, and the process is completed through the student’s home country.

However, not all students are eligible for Fulbright scholarships at the time they want to attend graduate school. Thankfully, Columbia offers other financial assistance including graduate assistantships, merit scholarships, and campus jobs. Many of these are automatically considered through the general program application. The most vital piece of advice from Shreya regarding tuition aid would be: “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Be transparent about your situation and don’t be afraid to negotiate your scholarship.” Asking for additional support does no harm and if you are confident in the competitiveness of your application, go for it!

Once you get your mind acclimated with your financial situation and how you will fund your education, the next step is most likely establishing your life in Chicago. If you were told the top two things to be hypersensitive to, it would be the weather and the crime for Shreya. Thankfully, Shreya found an affordable apartment to share with a classmate in the Edgewater neighborhood, right across the street from Edgewater Beach. She shared that the factors of crime and the weather were the least of her worries once she got to the states. Finding an apartment, enjoying the neighborhood, and furnishing the living space was the most difficult for Shreya. She urges all incoming students to be prepared for the move and not to expect things to fall into place on their own.

Edgewater Red Line Stop. Photo credit: B.R.S. Sreenag

Edgewater Beach | Photo credit: B.R.S. Sreenag

Our conversation shifted to academics, which is just as important to consider as financial aid. Sometimes it can be very enticing to get caught up in the finances that as prospective students, you may forget to consider if the program is the perfect fit for you. Shreya added, “the choice is just as important as the funding.” And she left no rock unturned when researching different programs. She recommends speaking with two faculty and three students, in hopes of receiving the most accurate overall perception of the program. Columbia stood out as the best program based on her background and the course offerings. As someone with experience in the arts industry, Shreya found great value in the practicality of the courses. Having faculty who are industry professionals offers an education that is unparalleled even by the most notable universities in the United States. Additionally, Columbia is a leader in course offerings relevant to industry leaders today, such as Box Office and Revenue Management.

Finally, I could not go without asking Shreya what advice she would give students looking into graduate school. Hands down she encouraged students to take responsibility for their education. Graduate school is a huge investment to make and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. She had an experience where she convinced a teacher to help her with a project that analyzed an Indian company. Even though there was a learning curve for them both, Shreya completed the project on a topic she was interested in and received the best experience for her investment. The key to success in the MAM program and obtaining the highest return on your investment is the commitment to your education. Do not take the opportunity lightly and be prepared and expectant of a quality education.

As an international student, it can be very difficult to find the right school for graduate studies thousands of miles (or kilometers) away. However, keeping to the core of your purpose will lead you to the right school. Be sure to ask for help with finances if that is a concern, prepare for the far move, stay committed to your studies and choose the right program. We hope Columbia will be your school of choice!