Support Isa studying in Denmark

*to avoid website tax: info below!*

Hello everyone,

As many of you already know, I have been offered a place at one of the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Copenhagen, to pursue a Master’s degree in Global Development, which starts on the 1st of September this year.

Coming from a small town in the Brazilian countryside, where opportunities are extremely limited, and growing up in a single-mother household facing constant financial struggles, this offer truly means the world to me. I have worked incredibly hard to get here.

I have always dreamed big, even when I felt out of place in my reality. For years, I felt small and as though I had to work twice as hard as everyone else. Recently, I was formally diagnosed as gifted, which finally explained why I often felt frustrated at not being where I believed I could be, misunderstood by others, and unable to fully develop my potential.

At 18, I sold all my clothes to move to another city and study at one of the best universities in Brazil, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. I worked full-time during the day and attended classes at night, often arriving home close to midnight. I graduated with distinction.

Then, in a bold move, I left everything behind and moved to England to live my dream of being in a multicultural environment, improve my English, and broaden my horizons. Between anxiety, fear and uncertainty, I worked as a waitress in hotels, a nightclub hostess, a personal assistant, an au pair and a babysitter. I moved house 10 times, and at times I didn’t even have a place to stay.

Now, as an international student, I am required to pay tuition fees for my Master’s programme, which total approximately £17,000 for the two years. With my savings, I have managed to pay part of this fee to secure my place, as well as visa applications and a return ticket to Brazil (around £1,000). What still remains uncertain is how I will pay the rest of my tuition fees and how I will manage living costs in Copenhagen, including flight from Brazil to Denmark, rent, food and transport for at least the first couple of months.

I am hoping to secure a student job as soon as my documents are ready, but until then, I simply do not have the means to support myself - and committing to a loan feels scary. That is when a friend suggested the idea of starting a crowdfunding campaign.

It feels very strange to ask for help as I am used to handling things on my own, but this opportunity is truly a lifelong dream. I know I will regret it forever if I don’t try. I want to have the opportunity of trying, at least. I want to grow, and I want to make a meaningful impact in the world through my work.

I will be forever grateful if anyone can support me in making this dream come true. I am also happy to create a group to share a full report of expenses or send updates privately if anyone wishes. Also, if you rather avoid the website fees and make a direct contribution, my bank details are: Isabela De Morais / sort code 04-00-04 / account number 1584076.

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for reading, sharing and donating! <3