Thank you very much. My purpose for an MFA? I know it sounds naive but just for the sake of it I guess, much like my linguistics degree right now, just enjoy the process of learning. I suppose it’s pure daydream to want to sustain myself by publishing novels in an English-speaking country. I’m not interested in journalism though, being an extreme introvert. Alternatively, I know a family friend who works as a translator and lives in Canada. Or who knows I might do a phd in English. If none of that works out I could go home and teach English which I’ll enjoy also.
First of all, you are a student at the University of Cambridge. This is one of a very, very tiny set of the top universities in the world.
One issue with attending one of the top 10 universities in the world: EVERYONE is brilliant. Someone who is “only” just top 1% of all students in the world might feel barely average or below average. However, some day you will wander outside of the walls of the University of Cambridge. Pretty soon you will discover that you are indeed very good at what you do. For now it is tough. This is something that I understand far too well (having attended a different one of the top 10 universities in the world for my bachelor’s degree).
Another issue which might or might not relate to you: When I was an undergraduate student I was young and not quite ready to work as hard as was needed for a top university. Sometimes I loved it but sometimes I felt overloaded. Then I worked at a real job for a couple of years. Then I went to a different top university for my master’s degree. At this point, after working at a normal job for two years I was older, I wanted to do it, I knew why I was doing it, and I was ready for it. I loved my time studying for a master’s degree, even though I studied nearly all waking hours while I was doing it. You might similarly find that even if Cambridge is a bit much right now, in a few years you might be ready for a similar challenge.
In terms of “feeling like a loser” if you go to Canada, you should keep in mind that Canada has a very, very good education system. We live in the US, but one daughter just graduated with an honor’s bachelor’s degree in Canada and got a great education. Her honor’s bachelor’s thesis would look quite good as a master’s thesis in the USA. Canada’s university system does have the flexibility of the US system. However, admissions is a bit more predictable and in some cases the cost can be more reasonable than in the US.
To me the two main advantages that Canada has over the US is that university education is often less expensive, and there is a more predictable path to staying in the country afterward if you want to. Otherwise, the system is very similar. The cost in Canada for an international student does vary quite a bit between universities. The most famous Canadian schools (McGill, Toronto, …) can charge more than other Canadian schools for international students, although they still cost slightly less than US universities (note the Canadian dollar versus the American dollar). However, the Canadian education system is very consistent and there are many very good universities. In the US university tends to be very expensive, with universities offering financial aid. However, financial aid will probably be very hard to get for an international student studying for a second bachelor’s degree.
Right now you will need to focus on your studies for this semester at Cambridge. Once you start your winter break, there are multiple options that you could consider.
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I’m so confused. You are attending college in a English speaking country, and unless you are using a translator here, your written communication seems OK.
I don’t agree with you. A degree in English should not be viewed as a short cut. And in your case, it is my opinion that a second bachelors degree is a waste of money…and time.
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You could visit the US without having to get a second BA.
Why do you believe that you will get a guarantee of a work visa with a 2nd BA in the US? With visas, there are no work guarantees, ever.
There are thousands of US students, with Literature degrees, who have difficulty finding employment. Because there is a lack of jobs in these humanities majors, the US Immigration Service isn’t going import more people to compete with current unemployable majors.
They will not agree with the concept that you “want to learn more and follow my dreams before I have to worry about making a living”. What companies would sponsor that idea?
I agree that getting a second Bachelor’s degree wouldn’t be a shortcut. It’s a waste of time and money. Read, read, read then write, write, write on you own. You don’t need a BA to write novels.
This.
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Thank you. But perhaps you misunderstood. Working in the US isn’t my goal. Getting an education that’ll help me become a writer is. Even though that might not work out, I can think of alternative careers (see my comments above). From what I understand your suggestion is I should get a job back home and write as a hobby…I don’t see how that’s more helpful than staying in education in an English-speaking culture.
But yeah you’re right, neither my current major nor an English major gets me anywhere near a visa. so if I want to stay a few more years in an English-speaking country the only way is education, which I want more than work right now anyways. and since most people tell me a second BA is a waste (well, it’s not in Cambridge but I’ve had enough of it here), I’m looking into MAs as well.
You need to get your bachelors, get a job…and write write write…and read read read. I’m not sure you are understanding what folks are trying to tell you. There are a LOT of successful writers who have no degrees at all related to literature or writing. They just write…and write some more.
You seem to think the key to being a successful writer is to get a degree in something related. That is not the case. @aunt_bea
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I don’t think the key to being a successful writer [in an English-speaking country] is to get a degree in something related…unless your mother tongue isn’t English and you did not grow up and do not have a job and live in an English-speaking country.
that “and” should be an “or”
OP has received a lot of feedback and the conversation isn’t going anywhere useful. Closing.
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