International counselling since 2009
Your Dream
Our Expertise
Your Next Step
Accompanying students in their academic and professional journey, by helping them gain offers from leading universities, obtain overseas internships, and build the foundation for their success, across France, Switzerland, the UK, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Australia, USA, Canada, and many more worldwide
Tailored for Students
Trusted by Families
Recognised Globally.
About the founder
Guidance you can trust,
from someone who has
done this for years
Cristina
Founder & Director
My Next Step
Cristina founded My Next Step in 2009 to guide, advise, and support students through their academic and professional choices, driven by a simple conviction: that expert, honest guidance should never be a privilege, and that the right support can change the entire course of a life.
Born and raised in Switzerland, Cristina is Austrian and Bolivian. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, and an MBA in International Management in the United States. She then graduated from Sciences Po Paris (IEP), with a Diploma in International Relations. Her international background further translates in her proficiency in English, French, Spanish and German.
Before founding My Next Step, Cristina ran Prima Alpaca, a small import/export company. This experience allowed her to bridge her European background with her South American roots, to which she remains deeply attached. Earlier still, her career took her across Europe, the United States, and Latin America. She began in the diplomatic service at the Bolivian Embassy in Paris, then moved into international affairs and education through NGO work.
My Next Step is based in Switzerland, but its students stem from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds, reflecting a rich cultural diversity. To meet this plurality, My Next Step offers counselling services in English, French and Spanish.
Cristina insists on meeting personally every family joining My Next Step. Besides, she attends international education conferences every year, to stay ahead of how admissions and opportunities are shifting worldwide. So, the advice you receive reflects the system as it works today, not as it did a decade ago.
Over the years, Cristina has come to a firm conviction: “Education for all is the only real answer to today’s challenges. I believe that developing a critical mindset does more than sharpen competitiveness in the job market. It also nurtures creativity, tolerance, and understanding toward others. These founding principles continue to shape My Next Step’s philosophy, at a time when education itself is undergoing deep and uncertain changes.”
You Have Questions.
We Have the Answers.
At My Next Step, we simplify the process, provide clarity and help you move forward with confidence.
Prefer to chat? Message us on WhatsApp →
mY next step
Your Success
Is Our Priority
We go beyond guidance – we build lasting relationships, create meaningful opportunities and help you achieve your ambitions.
Personalised, Student-First Guidance
Tailored advice shaped around your unique goals, strengths and aspirations – because we genuinely care about your journey and celebrate your success.
Expert Counsellors
Our experienced counsellors bring international expertise and in-depth knowledge to support every decision you make.
Global Network
Strong partnerships with leading universities and institutions worldwide help open the right doors for your future.
End-to-End Support, Proven Results
We support you at every step from course shortlisting and applications to visa guidance and beyond.
We're not just consultants. We're your partners in success.
Studying abroad is a
once-in-a-lifetime decision.
It shouldn't be taken alone.
WE UNDERSTAND YOUR JOURNEY
Feeling Unsure
About What Comes Next?
Choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone.
Here are some of the common challenges students and parents face.
Which path is right for me?
Confused about the right course, country, or career direction.
Which university should I apply to?
Too many options and not enough clarity about what is the best fit.
How do I create a strong application?
Essays, documents, interviews, and deadlines can feel overwhelming.
Will I get the right support?
Worried about taking the right decisions and needing guidance at every step.
WHAT WE DO
Your Trusted Partner for
Every Step of Studying Abroad
From university admissions to internships and beyond, we provide end-to-end guidance designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals around the world.
Student Counselling
Personalised guidance tailored to your strengths, ambitions and long-term goals.
University Selection
We help you identify the universities and courses best suited to your aspirations and future plans.
Admissions Support
Expert support to create strong applications that showcase your strengths and maximise your chances of success.
Foundation & Language Programmes
Academic and English language pathways designed to prepare you for entry to leading universities worldwide.
DET, IELTS & TOEFL Preparation
Expert preparation to help you achieve your target scores with confidence.
Gap Year & Summer Programmes
Explore new cultures, develop valuable skills and gain international experience through structured programmes abroad.
Graduate Admissions
Specialist guidance for Master’s and PhD admissions at leading universities worldwide.
Internships Abroad
Gain practical international experience, enhance your employability and build a global professional network.
Experience what
Makes a difference.
For over 17 years,
we’ve helped students turn their aspirations into achievements.
Global Presence
Guiding Students
Around the World
We have helped students to successfully study in top destinations across the globe. Wherever you dream of going, we’re there to guide you.
United Kingdom
World-famous universities and diverse opportunities.
Netherlands
Inclusive, student-centred education with early specialisation.
Spain
Quality education and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle.
Italy
Historic universities and rich cultural heritage.
Australia
World-class education, outstanding opportunities and an exceptional quality of life.
Canada
High-quality education and welcoming communities.
France
Excellence in education and cultural experience.
Switzerland
Quality education in a safe and beautiful environment.
United States
Top Ranked universities endless opportunities.
The world is full of possibilities.
We help you get there.
Whenever you want to go, we are here to guide you along the way.
Success Stories
Real Students. Actual Dreams. Remarkable Outcomes
From ambitious goals to concrete opportunities, we are proud to have guided students to top Universities and life changing experiences.
Ready to write
Your Own Success Story?
Take the first step today – we’ll handle the rest.
Let’s create a personalised roadmap that helps you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Your success story could be next.
Student Success at Some of the
World's Most Prestigious Universities
Your Next Step
Start with a Personalised Consultation
A real conversation about where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there. You’ll leave with genuine clarity – whether or not we work together.
What happens after you get in touch:
- We'll reply within one working day - from a real person, not an automated email.
- Consultation by video call or telephone, at a time that suits you.
- A clear, personalised plan - with no obligation to continue.
- Completely confidential and handled with care - no spam, ever.
Prefer to message? Reach us on WhatsApp →
FAQ
Your questions
Our honest answers
Clear information. Real guidance. Complete transparency at every step.
We’re here not just to guide you abroad, but to help you build a future you’re proud of.
— MY NEXT STEP TEAM —
Who do you work with?
At My Next Step (MNS), Cristina will be your main spokesperson when it comes to your university applications. If unavailable, you will be put in contact with an experienced counsellor. When a Gap Year and/or an internship is involved, MNS works with longstanding and trustworthy local partners in several destinations. MNS will assist you throughout the process, even when you are abroad, and ensure that your expectations are met.
When should we start?
At MNS, we are accustomed to deal with last-minute applications. However, the earlier you apply, the better. You will then maximise your chances of being admitted
Which countries do you cover?
We cover all countries where English is the teaching language. Likewise for countries where French, German or Spanish is the main teaching language.
Do you help with student visas?
Yes, MNS will assist you with visa applications.
Do you guarantee admission?
MNS cannot guarantee admission, but we will certainly put all our efforts into your applications. To the best of our abilities, we will always guide you towards excellence, but at the same time, we will remain honest and advise you to apply to institutions with requirements that match your academic record and experience. We believe there’s a path to success for every student. Our mission is to help you get into your dream school – but your commitment matters just as much as ours. From start to finish, we work as a true team.
How are your services priced?
The first 30-minute consultation is free. Should you decide to continue working with My Next Step, we will share with you our list of services with their corresponding fees. As we offer customised services and seek to meet our students’ specific needs, before we start working together, we will submit you a personalised quote for approval.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes, absolutely. We work on a 1-to-1 basis and try to respond to each student’s specificities. Therefore, we will never share your information with other parties.
Do I need to sit the DET, IELTS or TOEFL - and which one?
Yes, you do, if you are not a native English-speaker and have not followed a curriculum taught 100% in English during 2 years prior to your application. Which one to sit depends on the universities’ requirements. For instance, the DET (Duolingo English Test) is accepted by more than 5,000 institutions worldwide. It is cheaper than other ELT tests and is convenient for students who do not have an easy access to a test centre, as it is online and scores are sent within 48 hours.
Are internships abroad paid and where would I live?
NO, in most cases (e.g. in China, companies are forbidden, by law, to pay their interns). However, in many countries, it varies according to the company’s internal policy and remains at its discretion. MNS and its local partner will provide you with accommodation solutions.
What is a Foundation Year and is it recognised?
A Foundation Year is an academic bridging programme between the completion of a high school degree and a university entry. Its purpose is threefold: help students improve their high school results and/or English level, to enter a more selective university and meet its requirements; ensure undecided students that the study path they wish to pursue their higher education in meets their expectations, by focusing on 3 subjects in particular; prepare students to comply with the university system they will join the following year. Students are assessed throughout the year, and their results will determine their acceptance to their chosen institution. After completing the Foundation Year, students receive a certificate. While this year does not grant them direct entry into Year 2 at university, it strengthens their CV, helps develop their overall skills and offers them the opportunity to apply to highly selective universities.