How to Search for Colleges Abroad
How to Search for Colleges Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and world-renowned universities is a popular destination for international students. Why study abroad for just one semester when you could get your entire bachelor’s degree abroad? Getting your degree abroad is an exciting opportunity that opens doors to new cultures, experiences, and educational systems. However, finding the right college can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. In this post, I’ll break down how to search for colleges abroad and pursue your international college dreams.
1. Define Your Priorities
As with any college search, before diving in, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Ask yourself the following questions to get started:
What is your field of study?
While teens often don’t have an answer to this question, it is important to have a solid idea before you search for colleges abroad. Not all programs are offered in English, and many colleges have specific requirements for admission to their different programs. Many international colleges do not have the ‘liberal arts’ approach colleges in the U.S. do, and the education is more program/major specific. Also, unlike in the U.S., some university systems such as those in Germany or the U.K. do not offer as much flexibility with changing majors and exploring other programs. Check out this blog post for tips to help you choose your college major.What kind of campus life are you looking for?
Are you interested in a bustling city environment or a quieter, more rural setting? Do you want to be close to a major airport to fly home? Some students thrive in large metropolitan areas, while others prefer smaller towns with a more intimate college atmosphere. Do you want a more traditional campus setting similar to that of colleges in the U.S.? Many German universities have less centralized campuses with buildings spread throughout their cities and little to no student housing, while campuses such as those of St. Andrew’s and Edinburgh in Scotland are more similar to the colleges you find in the U.S. College campuses and student life abroad vary significantly from country to country and school to school, so it is important to really think about what you want from your college as you search.What languages do you speak or want to speak?
While many universities in Europe offer courses in English, not all do. Some schools require a certain level of proficiency in their native language for undergraduate courses even if they are primarily offered in English. Check language requirements and plan ahead to meet them! Either way, one of the benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to learn another language. Pick a college in an area with the language you want to learn.What is your budget?
European tuition fees vary greatly depending on the country, public vs private, and the program. While some countries like Germany and Norway offer free or low-cost education to all students, others such as those in the U.K. and Netherlands have higher tuition rates. Factor in that attending a college that only requires three years of study for a bachelor’s degree could potentially save you a lot of money.
2. Use Online College Search Platforms
Once you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, many platforms can help you begin your search for colleges across Europe. Here are some useful pages to get started:
Country or Region Specific Databases
A great place to start looking for colleges is country-specific databases. Here are a few of them:Netherlands - https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/studies
Germany – https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/universities/all-degree-programmes/
Japan - https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/search-for-schools/school_search.php?lang=en
Australia - https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/find-a-course
College Websites
Most universities in Europe have detailed information on their official websites, including admissions requirements, course offerings, and tuition fees. Start by identifying universities you are interested in and exploring their offerings. As always, the more reliable data for each college will come from the school itself.
4. Understand the Admission Requirements
Once you've narrowed down your options, research each university's admission requirements. Note that the traditional U.S. high school diploma is often not sufficient for admission to international universities so it is important to plan ahead to meet the specific academic requirements. Academic requirements vary significantly and may include several AP tests, the SAT or ACT, and/or other admissions tests. English proficiency tests, personal statements, proof of other language proficiency, and/or proof of finances may be additional application requirements.
5. Visit Open Days & Attend Virtual Tours and Information Sessions
If possible, attend university open days or information sessions. While demonstrated interest is not typically a factor in the admission process, these events give you an invaluable opportunity to get a feel for the campus environment, meet faculty members, and talk to current students. Virtual sessions are especially useful if traveling abroad to visit colleges isn’t an option for you. Also, many international colleges send counselors to college fairs. Check out the fairs in your area to see if colleges of interest may be there.
Conclusion
Searching for colleges abroad can seem like a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect university for your academic and personal goals. Take the time to explore all the possibilities and choose a university that will help you thrive academically and culturally.
Get ready for an incredible international study adventure!
ACM specializes in helping students with their international college search and applications, schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Why study in Europe? Check out this blog post.