International Economics, Switzerland: Student Profile

International Economics, Switzerland: Student Profile

QS Staff Writer

Updated September 12, 2021 Updated September 12

Angela Bulgari explains how a master’s in international economics helped her get a job which is a good fit, and why she’d recommend studying in Switzerland.

"A bachelor's degree might not be enough for those with a big thirst for studying," Angela says. "At master's level, professors get involved more with your research and you feel you are treated on a more equal basis from an academic point of view."

The Moldovan student began her tertiary education at Essex University in the UK, studying for a bachelor's degree in financial economics.

It was in the last year of her undergraduate degree that a friend suggested she apply for a master's degree at Switzerland's Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (HEI).

Stronger credentials

"I wanted to study international affairs even before I went for my bachelor's degree and this seemed like a great opportunity to diversify my study portfolio," she says.

Three years ago, Angela graduated from HEI and is now working as a Financial Application Support Specialist for Thomson Reuters SA, a subsidiary of news agency Reuters.

She says her master's degree gave her the ability to have a wider view on career opportunities as well as recognizing a job that is a good fit for her.

"International affairs has many sides to it and can provide you with a fascinating job. However, there are several boring things to do within the sector too, which is equally haunted by insecure job status, short-term contracts and monthly consultancies."

Life in Switzerland

Studying for a master's degree was far cheaper in Switzerland than it was in the UK. "It's roughly 1,000 chf (Swiss francs) per semester or 2,000 chf a year, which is around US$1,000."

However, she adds: "The costs of living in Geneva are quite high. Try to apply for a scholarship from the Swiss authorities or your institute of study. It will make living in Switzerland a lot easier, and you'll get to enjoy more things with some money in your pocket!"

Despite the cost, Angela still enjoyed living and studying in Switzerland – the fourth country she's lived in.

"Geneva is a great city in the summer – if you're going to move here, move in the summer! There are many outdoor activities taking place: swimming, wake boarding, hiking, beach volleyball.

"It has a big ex-pat community as well, which makes it very dynamic. I'd recommend the summer Orange Cinema, the old town for cosy coffee breaks, and the Paquis neighborhood for world cuisines."

This article was originally published in October 2012 . It was last updated in September 2021

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