<p>I'm a junior in Acoustical Engineering at Purdue, and I have just started to research grad school options. One name that keeps popping up for my desired field(s) (noise control and architectural acoustics) is Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. The program was recommended to me in passing by someone in my field, and the initial intrigue has led me to do some preliminary research on the university and Sweden in general. In general, I think I would enjoy the culture and the international group of acousticians working at the university.</p>
<p>Additionally, I will definitely apply to 2 or 3 American programs (Rensselaer and Penn St probably). Right now, I'm planning to apply for the Fulbright in Sweden and potentially the NSF for the American universities. For what it's worth, I've got a great GPA, two awesome engineering internships, a few average ECs, and I'm going to be studying in Mexico this summer, but I'm lacking any research experience (which worries me) mainly because of the internships during my summers. I should be able to drum up a couple of above average rec letters too. I realize that receiving these scholarships is not likely, even if you are a qualified candidate. If I'm not able to get major funding for Sweden, then Chalmers won't be happening for me, and I will likely rely on assistantships for funding in America.</p>
<p>Basically, my main concern is whether or not American employers will look at a Masters degree from Sweden with the same viewpoint/prestige as they would an American university. I don't want to invest all of this time/money into moving over to Sweden if it really wouldn't be worth it to my career in the end. Just to be clear, I do plan to work in industry in America (probably consulting or noise control for a manufacturer) after getting a Masters. </p>
<p>Also, am I crazy for considering this? I'm willing to have people try to dissuade me from moving to Scandinavia :) Is there anything else to consider that I've overlooked? It would be awesome if I could get feedback from Americans studying abroad for graduate studies. I think my experiences in Mexico this summer will help me figure out if I'm capable of moving to a foreign land to study, but for now, I believe I am.</p>
<p>Let me know if I need to give more information to fill in some blanks. Sorry for the rambling/lack of flow in this thread.</p>
<p>I will be studying a masters in regional and urban planning at London School of Economics this coming year. I sometimes think it might be detrimental to my overall career plans as I do plan to return to the US for work. It is my understanding from speaking with urban planners that it is best to study this subject at a school that is accredited by the American Planning Association, and of course, even LSE does not fall into that category. But my life’s dream has been to experience living in a different country, if only for a year or so, so off I go and hope for the best. </p>
<p>Is it a one year degree? That is another reason I’ll be studying in London. Even though living in London is quite expensive, I figure I’ll be saving money, especially compared to schools such as NYU, UPenn, or even Berkeley (state school, but still would cost almost twice the LSE degree when housing/living costs are factored in). I was also awarded some funding through LSE’s general support scheme, even as an international student. Perhaps Chalmers has a similar support scheme?</p>
<p>Sweden has a great reputation for design in manufacturing, architecture, and other areas. I’m not sure what Acoustical Engineering is all about, but if it is at all related to what I’m guessing it is, it seems as though studying this masters in Sweden could be quite good for you. It probably won’t hinder your career prospects in the US and could even give you an edge since you’ll come out of it with international perspectives and business contacts. It might help to ask Chalmers if you can contact alumni, especially American alumni or those who are working in the US, to ask questions about their experiences. But I say definitely apply for it, it can’t hurt!</p>
<p>Thanks for the response. I should say that all Masters programs at Chalmers are 2 years long and are instructed in English. Just to provide more information, Acoustical Engineering is very much an interdisciplinary field, combining topics such as Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and Architecture. I’m wanting to work as a consultant working to improve noise conditions in theaters, hospitals, schools, churches, etc. I’m also interested in designing quieter, more sonically appealing consumer products. I’m sure my final career path will depend on what interests me most during grad school.</p>
<p>Financially, right now I’m most worried about paying the notoriously high living expenses. Supposedly finding a place to live there is extremely difficult. I’m somewhat confident I can get most of my tuition covered through grants and scholarships offered by Chalmers/Sweden.</p>
<p>I especially like your suggestion to attempt to contact American alumni of Chalmers and see where they’re at now. That’s a great idea.</p>
<p>Good luck in London; your program sounds quite interesting (and you’re lucky it’s only 1 year long!).</p>
<p>Regarding the money: Don’t overlook the US Direct Loans that are available to grad students. (You might need that info even if you attend school in the US.) Also, not sure about the rules for Swedish student visas, but you may be able to work a limited number of hours. At least for now, Americans on student visas can legally work up to 20 hours per week term time in the UK. </p>
<p>I’ve heard that housing in Gothenburg and elsewhere in Sweden can be very tough to find, but as an international student you might get a lot of help from Chalmers. And of course, many students are in the same boat, but somehow manage to find some kind of housing. The cost of living might be a huge culture shock after coming from Lafayette, but you’ll get used to it. It will be something to talk about at least! For me, I’ll be moving from one very expensive city to another - I don’t expect my cost of living to change much. But again, many students, same boat, manageable. (Student discounts?)</p>
<p>I feel I’m trying to sell you on going - maybe I am! Anyway, your program sounds very interesting, and I’m sure wherever you end up will be the right place. Good luck with it all!</p>
<p>I was in Copenhagen to visit a friend who’s doing a PhD there (university is paying him an excellent stipend). It’s truly very expensive to be in Scandinavia! Just for a slice of cake or a cup of coffee, it can set you back $10. I’ve been to London as well as. I would definitely say that England <em>felt</em> cheaper than Copenhagen… strange to say that because of London’s reputation as a very expensive city, but if you’ve had a chance to visit any of the Scandinavian countries, then your perspective changes.</p>
<p>I would think really hard about Sweden and keep exploring other options. I’ve met a few Norwegians and they loved Norway but complained about the prices and COL quite a bit.</p>
<p>I have a friend who did a study abroad in Copenhagen; he really enjoyed the experience but noted the high costs involved for living/coffee/beer/etc. It kind of sucks that the main factor in education is $ for a lot of people. I pretty much refuse to go into debt to help finance my education. I’ve been fortunate to get good scholarships and parental support for my undergrad degree, so I haven’t had to take out any loans yet. I don’t want that to change in the future (and I won’t expect my parents to help finance any part of an advanced degree).</p>