BerNa Dine

08/21/2026

International students, be careful with application links on social media!

A link may look like it’s for the entire university when it’s actually for a specific department or program. This can lead to incomplete applications, missing documents, or applying through the wrong portal.

Don’t just click the link verify it on the university’s official website before applying.

08/18/2026

One of the biggest mistakes I see prospective international students make is starting their U.S. grad school search with:

“Fully funded universities in the USA”
“Universities that guarantee funding”
“Universities offering full scholarships to international students”

That approach can make you vulnerable to questionable websites, fake schools, and people promising instant admission + funding just to take your money.

Instead, start with YOU and your academic goals.

Ask yourself:

*What program do I want to study?
*Which universities offer that program?
*Which programs fit my academic background and career goals?
*What funding opportunities are available at those schools?

Funding absolutely matters but it should be part of your school evaluation process, not the only reason you choose a university.

And please, don’t rely solely on random blogs or social media posts. Use Google, ChatGPT and other tools to discover programs, but always verify the information directly on the university’s official website.

Your goal isn’t simply to find a school that will fund you.

Your goal is to find the RIGHT school and then figure out how to fund your education there.

Save this if you’re planning to apply to graduate school in the U.S. 🇺🇸

And send it to someone who is currently searching for “fully funded universities.”

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

Some journeys are about the destination. This one was all about the views. 🇨🇭➡️🇮🇹

From Geneva to Milan, the train wound through the French Alps, revealing snow-capped peaks, emerald valleys, charming villages, and scenery that didn’t seem real. I spent most of the ride with my eyes glued to the window, trying to soak it all in.

Definitely one of the most beautiful bus journeys I’ve ever taken. If you’re traveling through Europe, add this route to your bucket list. 🚆🏔️✨

TravelVlog ScenicTrainRide Alps TravelBucketList

07/22/2026

Geneva Diaries 🇨🇭 | Episode 1

Before Geneva, life was a whirlwind comprehensive exams, my summer job, moving apartments, Amazon orders, dry cleaner runs, and celebrating my birthday the day before my flight. I was truly in survival mode.

Then I landed in Geneva... missed my stop, got on the wrong bus trying to find my hotel, and somehow made it. 😅

Stay with me through this series as I take you behind the scenes of presenting at the SDT Conference and my unforgettable European adventure. ✈️✨

07/15/2026

When I received my fully funded offer, I thought all my major expenses were covered.

Then reality hit.

There were mandatory fees I never expected to pay, like health insurance and campus parking.

These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re costs you should know about before arriving in the U.S.

In this series, I’m sharing the hidden expenses international students often overlook so you can prepare financially and avoid surprises.

Follow for more practical tips on navigating graduate school in the U.S.

07/07/2026

I’ve attended many conferences as a PhD student, but I had never presented at one. When the opportunity came to submit a proposal for an international conference, I convinced myself it was too big for me. I thought I should start with something smaller since I had never done it before.

On the day of the deadline, I decided to take a chance. I repurposed a paper I had written for one of my classes. There wasn’t enough time to ask any professors to review it, and I almost talked myself out of submitting it. Then my friend said something simple: “Submit it anyway. You have nothing to lose.”

So I did.

Today, I’m presenting that research in Geneva.

Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from the moments you feel least prepared. Don’t let fear make decisions for you. You don’t have to feel ready, you just have to be willing to try. Your courage can take you places your doubts never imagined.
🇨🇭

07/05/2026

A full scholarship may cover tuition, but stipends can vary widely. One student might receive $10,000 a year, while another receives $40,000+. That difference can significantly affect your living experience.

That’s why it’s important to apply to multiple universities so you can compare funding packages. And if you’re admitted to one school, don’t stop there apply for additional fellowships, scholarships, or assistantships if available.

Don’t just ask, “Am I fully funded?” Ask, “How much is my stipend, what does it cover, and will it support me where I’ll be living?”

The best funding offer isn’t always the first one it’s the one that allows you to succeed academically without unnecessary financial stress.

Masters Scholarships GradSchoolTips