International student success story: From the Philippines to a master’s in industrial engineering in Canada
Life sometimes offers opportunities we could never have imagined. That’s what happened to Troy Agujar, an international student from the Philippines pursuing a master’s degree in industrial engineering at the University of Windsor in Canada.
Troy hadn’t thought about studying abroad until he helped a friend find a school in Australia. Going through the process sparked his own interest. Initially, he was scared at the thought of studying abroad, but he pushed through his fears and moved forward. Now he’s grateful he chose this path.
Choosing a university and the program
While helping his friend pursue study abroad, Troy soon realized international education came with a hefty price tag.
Not letting that hold him back, Troy began searching for countries offering an affordable, quality education. Canada emerged as a promising destination with reputable institutions and reasonable tuition fees. The master’s program in industrial engineering at the University of Windsor especially appealed to Troy because it aligned perfectly with his academic background and career aspirations.
Funding education abroad
While the University of Windsor’s expenses were closer to what Troy could afford, he still needed outside funding to cover the remaining costs.
Troy explored scholarships first but determined awards wouldn’t cover all of his expenses. So, he began looking into a study abroad education loan for international students. During an online search, Troy quickly found MPOWER Financing.
“The first thing that came out [in the Google Search] was MPOWER Financing. I saw that it gives out loans even though you don’t have a collateral or cosigner, and it sounds way too good to be true. I read some posts on Facebook and tried to find out if this was really legit.”
Convinced he had found a solid resource, Troy submitted an online application, and MPOWER approved his loan. He couldn’t have been happier.
“With MPOWER, it gives you freedom to choose which university you want to study in and without those intimidating requirements [for scholarships].”
Troy’s plan after graduation
Now, with graduation on the horizon, Troy envisions a career in manufacturing that leverages his proximity to Michigan, a hub for industrial activity in the U.S. He’s confident he’ll secure a fulfilling position and gain invaluable experience in the global market before returning to the Philippines. His ultimate goal is to impart the knowledge acquired abroad to fellow engineers, enriching his homeland’s industrial landscape.
“I would love to make or create a business back home. There are a lot of business ideas that I have, and I would love to introduce in Cebu. I could go for the biggest companies back home in the Philippines.”
Advice for fellow Filipino students
Troy’s advice to Filipino students considering education abroad is meticulous financial planning. He says students should analyze their budgets carefully to reduce financial stress and be able to focus on academics.
“It’s really important how you consider your plans and how you are going to pay for the interest on top of daily expenses. You have to lay out your plan first and then go ahead and apply for the loan.”
Last thoughts: From the Philippines to Canada
Troy’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. He confronted the challenges of studying abroad with determination and is realizing his dream of earning a master’s in industrial engineering.
MPOWER Financing provided the financial support Troy needed to turn his aspirations into reality. MPOWER is ready to help more students like Troy achieve their academic goals. No dream is too big; no obstacle too great.
Interested in financing your education as an international student abroad? Start an application and check your eligibility in less than a minute.
