Arnaldo chose to pursue his Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Tourism abroad. After finding his ideal study programme through Online Result, he successfully enrolled. We sat down with Arnaldo to discuss his personal journey of researching and applying to an international university.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?
My name is Arnaldo DeSouza. I am 35 years old, a British citizen, and originally born in Brazil.
Where are you studying now? What university and programme are you attending? What degree are you pursuing and how long is your programme?
I am currently completing a two-year Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Tourism at the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) in Innsbruck, Austria.
Why did you want to study abroad?
I wanted to pursue my Master's abroad to broaden my horizons, meet diverse people, master a new language, and immerse myself in a different culture. MCI Innsbruck offered the perfect blend of high-quality university infrastructure and life in one of Europe’s most breathtaking locations.
How did you find your study programme? Why did you choose this particular university?
I spent six months using Online Result to plan my education. I focused my search on Master's degrees in German-speaking countries, specifically Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Online Result proved invaluable; I relied on its comprehensive database as my primary source of truth throughout the university selection process.
I started with little prior knowledge of the universities in my search area, but Online Result provided the essential data I needed to narrow down my favorite programmes and conduct in-depth follow-up research.
I utilized Online Result across every stage of the journey, from initial search to final enrolment. It kept me organized with key details like course offerings, tuition fees, locations, and application deadlines. Even when visiting official university websites, I used the portal to save and compare my top-choice courses.
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)?
My primary criteria were a full-time English-taught programme located in a mid-to-large-sized city with a reputation for excellent academic instruction.
Was it your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason of your final choice?
Management Center Innsbruck was one of my four finalists, alongside TU Berlin, FH Krems, and Heilbronn University.
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?
MCI utilizes its own entrance examination process, so I was not required to provide an IELTS score. The institution assessed my English and German proficiency directly during their specific admission exams.
What would be your advice for students from your country that consider to study abroad?
There are countless opportunities for international study, and universities are actively seeking motivated students ready to contribute a global perspective to their classrooms.
My best advice is to conduct thorough research on every university you consider. Whenever possible, attend open house events to speak directly with faculty and staff for firsthand insights.
How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?
I began saving three years before my Master's began. While tuition fees in Austria are significantly lower than in the UK, Canada, or the USA, diligent financial planning allowed me to comfortably cover my initial expenses.
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)?
While Innsbruck is a stunning city in the heart of the Alps, it is a competitive university town with a high demand for housing. My university did not provide direct accommodation assistance, making the search for a student dorm quite challenging. Additionally, while German is the official language, the local dialects present a unique learning curve.
The Tyrol region features distinct German dialects, and while many residents speak English, mastering the local language requires consistent effort. You must proactively attend language classes and engage in real-world practice to make genuine progress.
Is there anything you would do differently if you could do it over again?
Securing affordable housing was my biggest initial hurdle. Although the academic quality has exceeded my expectations, in hindsight, I might have opted for a one-year Master's program. If you are unable to work during your studies, be mindful that living costs can quickly add up.
What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?
The highlight of my experience has been meeting incredible people from around the globe and discovering how friendly and humble the local Austrian community truly is.
Living in the Alps is a dream—the natural beauty is simply unmatched. I’ve grown to love the local cuisine, the culture, and the convenience of biking everywhere; it is faster, healthier, and much more eco-friendly.
Has Arnaldo’s study abroad journey inspired you to take the next step?
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