International student success story: From Argentina to Carnegie Mellon
Argentinian postgraduate student Daniel Garaguso was excited about the prospect of studying overseas and a future career in the pharmaceutical industry helping to provide treatments that end suffering. He’d been admitted to one of the most prestigious schools in the U.S. and even had scholarships, but he didn’t have enough funds to cover all his expenses. Eventually, he found the resources to fund his education abroad. Here’s Daniel’s story.
Funding a postgraduate degree abroad
Daniel was excited about his admission to the MBA program at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He knew the value a postgraduate degree in the U.S. would bring.
“Having a master’s degree puts you in a position where you become a specialist, targeting a special segment of your career or something you want to achieve,” he says. “That’s why I wanted to pursue a master’s degree. I thought it would give me the best opportunity to find the right companies, build my network and show all my proficiency to the international market.”
But the money he’d been able to pull together through savings and scholarships just wasn’t enough, and he knew he needed a loan.
“I knew it was worth it, and I knew that the return on my investment in this career would be much higher than the cost, but I needed a company to finance and have that loan.”
Unfavorable and fluctuating exchange rates made paying for a U.S. education with Argentine pesos challenging. Daniel decided a fixed-rate student loan in U.S. dollars was the way to go. He started his research by talking to fellow South American students who’d secured education funding through MPOWER Financing’s no-collateral student loans.
How MPOWER Financing can help international students from Argentina
Funding an overseas education can be a challenge for any international student. Lenders like MPOWER Financing can help students overcome the barriers created at home by recessions, inflation and unfavorable exchange rates with funds in U.S. dollars disbursed directly to a school in the U.S. or Canada. Daniel knew an MPOWER loan was the key to a future international career:
“I was a little worried because I knew that without funding, I wasn’t going to make it. I still remember when I received an email saying that my loan was approved. It was indeed the start of something so great and beautiful that has happened to me and my family.”
Future career goals
Daniel is driven by his desire to help people suffering from diseases. It’s what propelled him into the pharmaceutical industry and continues to drive him.
“I dream (of) leading projects that will bring new drugs, new products, new treatments – things that will … mean something to stop pain and suffering in this world.”
Advice for future international students
Daniel strongly encourages every international student to trust themselves and have a clear financial plan.
“I know you have skills, I know you have these dreams and this hunger to succeed. But it’s not going to be easy. It will be challenging, and that’s why it’s very important to cover your funding (for) your school. Because by doing so you can focus all your strength on the fight to earn your place in the international market. Just be prepared, be confident and have a lot of self-esteem.”
Final thoughts
Daniel Garaguso’s journey from Argentina to an MBA in the U.S. mirrors the challenges faced by many international students. Daniel has successfully navigated the complexities of financing his education, combining savings, scholarships and an education loan through MPOWER Financing. With a passion for making a meaningful impact in the world, Daniel is an inspiration to others with global aspirations.
Interested in financing your education as an international student abroad? Start an application and check your eligibility in less than a minute.
