Studying MSc Biotechnology in the U.S. – Pros and Cons
“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett
Have you ever wondered how it’s like to study in the U.S.?
Well, it’s not so hard to envy others who have taken their Master’s Degree abroad. Currently, the U.S. is a hotbed of BioTech and completing a Master’s Degree there would definitely be a good catch.
But then, there are always two sides to the coin. The content of this article is a compilation of different opinions from MSc in Biotech students who have studied in the U.S.
First, let’s discuss why studying in the U.S. might be a good idea for you. The following are some good reasons why you would want to pursue your studies in the U.S.
Pros
- Studying MSc BioTech in the U.S. gives you an in-depth knowledge of your specialization
By any standards, the U.S. technological advancement has performed extraordinarily throughout the history. Many authors
have described this place as the “future for innovation” which can potentially produce broader and opportunity for those who are looking to specialize in BioTech.First, the U.S. is driven by enormous development in information technology and genetics. So if you want to expose yourself to greater advancement opportunities, studying abroad is definitely worth it.
There are many ways to accomplish your goals of studying abroad. First, you need to apply for funding, process your student visa, learn a lot of technologies, and prove your limits. Then as you begin to study, you can start learning how to develop your specialization and consequently get hired as an expert in your field.
- The exposure and the chance to develop your own innovation is greater in the U.S. than in any country, not just in India
Have you ever dreamt of authoring your own invention? Well, there’s a chance there’s for it to happen even without spending too much. There are several universities and private organizations in the U.S. that offer scholarships for MSc BioTech students.
The Oregon State University, for example, is offering scholarship grants for MSc BioTech students who want to develop innovative products for agriculture. Other schools like the University of Wisconsin and Montgomery College also offer scholarship grants for different BioTech related specialties.
On top of it all, you will have the chance to immerse in a diverse culture, meet various forerunners in BioTech, and work with competitive colleagues
- The quality of education is great and this could be your chance of living your American Dream
If you’re getting an MSc in BioTech in India, nothing will stop you from getting a quality education after you cleared the GATE Exam. All you have to do is to study hard, clear the exam, and choose a university where you can pursue your studies. You will have the same exposure in India as you do in the U.S.
However, we all have that one American Dream which we visualize before sleeping. There is no harm in having a huge ambition. Who can stop you from going to the U.S. if you have the passion for BioTech?
Like many other countries, the U.S. has tons of universities that offer quality education. What makes the MSc journey more memorable is the chance to meet various international students and professors. They could teach you lessons that are not found in the traditional classroom setting. This what truly makes puts more quality to the entire academic life when you’re in the U.S.
- There are more and more chances for innovation
When we think of studying MSc in BioTech in the U.S., the first thing that comes in our mind is innovation.
Well, the chances of turning your science experiments into innovations is higher in the U.S. There are private organizations who are willing to sponsor your studies in exchange for an inchoate right in your invention. Fortune like this might take a while but it’s going to be worth it.
As mentioned, there are always two sides of the coins. Studying MSc in BioTech is not for everyone. There are only 30 percent of the student population in India that go to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s Degree, the rest settle in India.
So if you’re wondering if studying MSc in Biotech abroad is something that suits you, here are the following reasons why you would prefer to stay in India.
“There’s no better way to serve your own country than to study and work for it.”
Cons
- Studying in the U.S. is a smart idea if you have plans to work there in the future.
Generally, U.S. industries would prefer their own products over offshore candidates. So, if you have plans to work in the U.S, then only you should finish your studies in American Universities. There are several top-performing universities in America where you can finish your master’s Degree. If you’re passionate about BioTech, you will enjoy a far more challenging environment.
This does not mean, however, that students who plan on settling in India must not study in the U.S. There are various aspects of this which one needs to explore.
- Being away with family and your comfort zone can be very excruciating.
The distance from India to the U.S. is 13, 568 km to be exact – that is 8, 448 miles away if you travel by plane. So if you decide to pursue your Master’s in the U.S., you must be ready for separation anxiety and homesickness.
If you’re used to staying at home or if it’s your first time to leave the country, your first few months in America will feel like hell. You will be missing your significant other, your family, and even your friends.
In addition, the weather in the U.S. is a lot colder than in India. So, expect to make major adjustments in your clothing and the lifestyle. Normally, you’ll get sick during the first few months as your body adjusts to the temperature. Consequently, you’ll lifestyle in India would be completely different in the U.S. If you’re used to cuddling up in bed when it’s raining, you can’t do this when you’re studying abroad. Whether it’s snowing or raining, you just have to get up and study.
The saddest part is that no matter how lonely it can be to live in a foreign country, your family is too far to console you.
- It’s very expensive to pursue MSc in BioTech in the U.S. considering the fact that you don’t have a scholarship.
Those who have earned a scholarship grant must be lucky enough to the study in the U.S. But if you don’t, you won’t be able to enjoy the same privilege.
On average, the cost of studying MSc BioTech in the U.S. is between $30,000 and $120, 000 per year depending on the university or program you’re enrolled in. Sometimes, the cost of living will push you to the limit. The average rent price across the country is $1,231 – multiply that to 12 months and you’ll end up broke.
Perhaps you can save on the cost if you’re staying with a relative but still, you would be spending on the food. The average food cost for a U.S. household is $6, 602, which translate to at least $2,600 per person annually.
Of course, you also need to spare some allowance for a get-together with colleagues, where you can share information over a specific book. So if you want to pursue your Master’s Degree, it is highly advisable that you get a scholarship grant. Unless if you are rich, then off you go.
Try to get a Scholarship not less then 3000$ as an amount lesser then that will lead to an immense financial pressure on you till the time you are about to complete your course.
I get to meet a lot of Biotech Graduates and Postgraduates who are the U.S returned. Either they have completed their studies and are here back to India looking for job opportunities as they could not survive there succumbing to the financial crisis, but most of them had to leave their studies in between and return back seeking either job opportunity or to complete their studies.
- Working part-time and studying MSc in BioTech would not be such a good idea.
Working part-time and studying is a normal trend for most MSc students. However, it doesn’t work all the time. When you’re in India, it’s easier to move around and balance your schedule because you’ve gotten used to the place. There’s more stability in your work, considering that it’s your home country.
Your employer in the U.S. may be willing to fund your course wholly or partially, but you can’t avoid scenarios wherein you’ll be forced to spend more time for your work than your studies.
Employers will demand more productivity on your end which will diminish your focus. Perhaps, working part-time will work great during your first year. But when you reach the second year, it can be difficult to manage as your circumstances change.
Working Part-Time & Studying simultaneously is No joke! It looks pretty lucrative & Challenging from this side, but once you get into the shoes yourself you will realize how difficult and time consuming it is.
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There you go, studying MSc in the U.S. is something that calls for a serious decision-making process. Before making a swift decision, talk to your relatives first and seek advice.
Better yet, look for a scholarship program that can help fund your research. You can start searching as early as now so you can fully prepare for your international studies. Good luck!
Read Also: Top 30 Competitive Entrance Exam List For M.sc Biotech Admissions
