MY STORY: My name is Abhilash Varma and I am from India. I am a Software engineer with an MBA.
After a few years working in Bangalore, I started to consider the option to study a masters abroad with the idea of getting better job opportunities.
PROBLEM? I did not have the money, either the energy to prepare for exams. As an IT guy, I am used to fix bugs, so I took this as a challenge. I started to research for options to fix my own life and scale up professionally.
Then, I found the option of studying a Vocational Diploma in Spain. The vocational diploma is what we know in India as ITI.
Wait…I am a masters guy, why should I go lower the level and studying a diploma?
Reasons:
1. No-tuition fees. Program is fully funded by the Spanish government.
2. No entry exam required.
3. No IELTS or TOEFL required.
4. No Spanish exam required. (You only need to prove you have completed an intense course of Spanish language).
5. Practical teaching.
6. Internships in companies as part of the curriculum.
7. Job oriented.
MY CONCLUSION? Studying a vocational diploma in Spain is the easiest gateway to Europe.
I created a plan. I will study Website design vocational diploma in Spain. It will be an easy course for me, as I don’t start from the scratch and I will get job in Europe.
MY LIFE NOW? Plan worked out better than expected. Coming to Spain was the best decision of my life, here is why:
1. I enjoyed the course and got excellent grades.
2. I have a lot of Spanish friends. Spaniards are social creatures by default.
3. I speak Spanish like a pro (Spanish is easy for Indians).
4. I pay 400€ rent for my own apartment (not sharing) in Huelva.
5. I eat healthy and go to beach every weekend. I am fitter now and cook with olive oil. (Spain is the largest producer of olive oil).
6. I registered myself as a freelancer in Spain. I converted my student visa into entrepreneurship visa.
7. I work remotely, I am my own boss. I generate good income and I have time for myself without pressure of international corporates.
8. I have access to universal health care in Spain. I don’t need to pay for private insurance. (Spain is known for having the best health care system in the world).
9. I learnt that thinking outside the box pays off. Everyone in my community looked at me weird when I said I was going to go to Spain (not a traditional destination for Indians) and for a vocational diploma, vocational what?
10. I made my way to Europe, without the need of selling a kidney to fund my studies.
I am happy.
