Are Expats Considered International Students?
Not a simple answer
There is no simple answer as you are considered a citizen but often read as international. At most colleges, your application will be read by the international admission team as they as they are responsible for your region and often more familiar with the school curricula and other aspects related to student life in that area. It makes sense that your application would be read in the context of where you are attending school. You would be compared more to the students in your region. However, when it comes down to choosing an expat vs a true international student, you often have the advantage as you are eligible for federal aid and do not have the burden of providing proof of finances.
Although you are not an ‘international student’, you have the benefit of the international experience and hopefully language skills you have gained while living outside of the US. These are great assets to highlight in your applications. How has your international experience shaped you? What can you bring from this to your future campus? I help guide my students to focus on and add activities to their resume which will enhance their application and demonstrate their uniqueness. We also find creative ways to include these international experiences in their essays.
Our next post in our expat series focuses on how to apply for financial aid as a US expat.
Tips for Remote Campus Visits
Exploring campuses virtually and doing proper research allows high school students to gather valuable insights and make informed decisions about their academic future. To make the most out of this unique experience, here are some tips for navigating remote campus visits.
Choosing the right college is a monumental decision, and while the traditional campus visit is definitely the best option, it is not always possible. Working with international students, I have many families who are not able to make the trip to the US to tour campuses before making their college decision. Often, even if a student does have the opportunity to tour colleges, they don’t have the time or financial resources to visit all of the schools on their college list. Sometimes, the first time they set foot on campus is when they arrive for freshman orientation. While this is not ideal, there are many ways a student can get to know their future college without physically visiting. Exploring campuses virtually allows high school students to gather valuable insights and make informed decisions about their academic future. To make the most out of this unique experience, here are some tips for navigating remote campus visits.
1. Create a Virtual Tour Checklist: Start by thoroughly researching the colleges you're interested in and create a checklist of elements you want to explore during your virtual tour. This could include academic buildings, dormitories, recreational areas, and any specific features that matter to you.
2. Attend Virtual Information Sessions: Most colleges offer virtual information sessions that cover a range of topics, from academic programs to campus life. Attend as many sessions as you can to get a comprehensive understanding of what each college has to offer. Take notes during these sessions to help you remember key details.
3. Engage in Virtual Q&A Sessions: Seize the opportunity to ask questions during live Q&A sessions. Whether it's about the admission process, financial aid, or student life, engaging with college representatives will provide you with valuable insights. Prepare a list of questions in advance to make the most of these interactive sessions.
4. Connect with Current Students and Alumni: Many colleges arrange virtual meetings with current students or alumni. Take advantage of these sessions to gain authentic perspectives on campus life. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and what they love (and maybe hate) most about the college. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with alumni. This personal touch can be invaluable in making your decision.
5. Utilize Social Media and Online Forums: Explore college social media pages, student groups, and online forums where current students share their experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out to students on your own to get different opinions and more information. Many schools such as Bucknell and Chapman have student takeovers on Instagram to give real glimpses into student life. There are also plenty of YouTube and TikTok videos out there. Social media can provide endless insight into the day-to-day life of students, helping you understand the culture of each campus.
6. Schedule One-on-One Virtual Meetings: If possible, schedule one-on-one virtual meetings with admission counselors or professors of interest. This personalized interaction can offer tailored information and address specific concerns you might have. It's also an excellent opportunity to make a connection and demonstrate interest.
7. Investigate the Off-Campus: Getting to know the college town and surrounding area is also something to take into consideration. Take a look at online newspapers, social media pages and even Google Maps to research what is in the area, how the relationship between the university and town is, crime levels, and potential off campus housing and local entertainment options. Depending on the college location and campus life, the off-campus can be very important.
8. Seek Out Online Campus Tours and Videos: Many colleges provide virtual campus tours and videos that offer a dynamic perspective of the campus. Explore these resources to get a sense of the atmosphere and layout. Some colleges such as Carnegie Mellon actually offer Live Virtual Tours with student ambassadors so you have a chance to ask questions and request views of certain places on campus.
9. Compare and Contrast: As you visit multiple campuses remotely (and live), create a system for comparing and contrasting each college. Consider factors such as academic programs, extracurricular activities, campus culture, and any unique features that stand out to YOU. This will help keep your thoughts organized as the details tend to run together after several visits.
While remote campus visits may not replicate the on-site experience entirely, they provide an invaluable opportunity for high school students to explore their college options. Even if you do have the opportunity to visit campus, these tips can help with your college search too. By actively engaging with virtual resources, attending sessions, and connecting with current students, you can gather the information needed to make an informed decision about your academic journey. Remember, each effort you make to engage with and research your potential colleges brings you one step closer to finding the college that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Additional Resources:
Travel and Leisure Best College Towns and Cities
Virtual Tours on Appily (YouVisit)
The College Tour - YouTube channel with real students and stories
Digital SAT Tips
The digital SAT has successfully debuted internationally and will most likely remain the only form available for international students from now on. Many are a bit apprehensive about the switch, but so far the feedback has been mostly positive. Here are a few highlights and tips for the new digital SAT.
The digital SAT has debuted internationally and will most likely remain the only form available for international students from now on. Many are a bit apprehensive after witnessing CollegeBoard’s struggles with digital AP exams in recent years, but so far the feedback has been mostly positive.
Here is a quick breakdown of the primary differences between the two test formats:
WHERE and WHEN:
The test is still required to be taken at a school or official test center. However, the possibility of more test dates and flexibility in test centers scheduling them may make it easier for students to find a test date that fits their schedule and location. For international students, this could make a big difference as their previous test dates and locations were more limited. Students will register for the test on the CollegeBoard site as they did previously, however the new schedule for Fall/Winter 2023-24 has not been released yet. Students who have signed up for the Spring/Summer dates at international sites will already have the digital format. The digital format will be implemented in the US starting Fall 2023 for PSAT and Spring 2024 for SAT.
COMPUTERS and CALCULATORS:
Students can bring their own tablets or laptops or they can use those provided at the test site. It is beneficial for the student to bring their own device as they will be more familiar with it and provided laptops are limited. Graphing calculators will also be built in to the test, so students who feel comfortable using those can leave their own at home. The Desmos calculator which is built in is a great tool for students who are familiar with it, but if they are not, it is recommended to bring their own. Students will still be provided scratch paper and can use a pen/pencil to work on solutions as needed.
Before test day, students need to download the Bluebook App to their testing device. They should make sure it is sucessfully installed and familiarize themselves with it.
VERBAL SECTION:
The verbal section of the SAT will now have much shorter passages, mostly just a few sentences, as they are limited to how much text will fit on a computer screen. Students will only answer a single question about a short passage and then move on to another entirely different one. It would be beneficial to do some practice questions to get used to the format.
ADAPTIVE TESTING:
A major change with the digital SAT is the new adaptive testing model. Now, students will face different sets of questions based on the accuracy of how they answered the first module of each section. There are two possible levels of questions the students will receive and the highest score possible on the SAT will be different based on which level of questions they get. You can read more about this model here. Don’t be alarmed, it is not a sudden switch to much more difficult questions if you get the higher level for your second module. There is still a balance in the difficulty of the questions. The test prep experts at Applerouth who have seen more of the new test have assured me that students actually have to get a lot of incorrect answers to get the ‘lower’ level of questions. It also shouldn’t be looked at as a disadvantage. Instead of having these students struggle and lose time with harder questions, they are able to focus their energy on questions more appropriate for their level. Everyone gets to take a shorter test and spend more time on each question with this new model.
NEW TOOLS:
There are a few tools available within the digital format that can definitely help students. Students could practice making use of these tools to test more efficiently. My favorite two are:
Answer Eliminator – a tool to eliminate answers students deem as incorrect from view so they can focus on the remaining answers
Question Flag – students can now flag questions within a section for further review later.
TEST PREP:
As the new format has not been out long, most test prep companies have not done a lot of updating to their materials. When searching for a test prep company, I definitely recommend asking them how they have adapted their materials. Many of the tutors and companies do not have experience with the new test or access to materials to prepare students for the digital SAT. However, the official CollegeBoard site now has digital SAT prep materials available for free. Also, Applerouth has done a great job of getting materials ready for digital SAT prep.
The international ACT has been digital for years and as with the paper format, it is much different than the SAT. Students should consider taking a practice test for both the ACT and SAT to decide which test is the best for them.
How to Apply to German Universities
Over the last few years, the number of international students choosing to study in Germany has grown to over 380,000. With most public universities extending free tuition even to international students, the cost alone is a big draw. Add that to the safety of the country, availability of programs in English, opportunity for an international experience and easy travel within Europe, ability to work as a student and get an extended visa post study, and the high-quality education offered, it is easy to understand why students are interested in attending university in Germany.
Applying to University in Germany
Over the last few years, the number of international students choosing to study in Germany has grown to over 380,000. With most public universities extending free tuition even to international students, the low cost alone is a big draw. In addition, the safety of the country, availability of programs in English, opportunity for an international experience and easy travel within Europe, ability to work as a student and get an extended visa post study, and the high-quality education offered are major reasons international students are interested in attending university in Germany.
How much does it cost?
Public universities other than those in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg are free for both EU citizens and other international students. Students will need to calculate 700-1000 Euros/month for living expenses in addition to an administrative fee of 300-400 Euros/semester. This often includes public transportation for the semester. In Baden-Wurttemberg, public tuition for non-EU citizens is 1500 Euros/semester. Private universities costs can amount to up to 30,000 Euros depending on the school.
How to Apply
As with other countries, applying to university in Germany as an international and non-EU student is a bit different than for citizens. Unfortunately, there is not one streamlined process as it varies by school and program of choice. 170 universities use the central system, uni-assist, to process the documents and applications of international students. Students typically apply via the program and mail certified copies of their application documents to the system to be processed. They are then verified through the program and the results forwarded to the universities. Other universities use the platform solely for verifying the documents and then require the students to submit a separate application to the school itself (a process known as VPD – preliminary review documentation). Programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy have a nationwide limit (Numerus Clausus). Many other programs of study have a regional or university limit. Universities may have additional criteria such as entrance tests, portfolios, or recommendation letters materials in addition to the general requirements. Whatever the program of study and university may be, it is very important to follow the instructions given by the university on how to apply with your specific background.
Students can typically start during summer (March) or winter (September) semesters. Application periods are usually early May to July 15th for the winter semester and early December to January 15th for the summer semester.
Hamburg, a popular student city
The General Application Requirements for international students:
Certified copies of high school diploma/leaving certificate also known as the university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)*
Not all diplomas and leaving certificates are eligible for direct entry to a university or to some programs. To find out how yours will be evaluated, use the search tool on Uni-Assist and Anabin.
If your country requires the passing of an exam to enter university, provide a certified copy and translation of results.*
Copy of all transcripts/overview of subjects taken and grades*
Proof of language proficiency – level of German and English required varies by university, check their criteria individually. Proof of proficiency can be shown in several ways.
German proficiency can be proven via the DSH test (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) which is given at universities, TestDaF (German test for non-native speakers) given at various test centers around the world, the Deutsches Sprachdiplom or certificates from the Goethe-Institut.
English proficiency can be proven via the IELTS or TOEFL examination, graduation from an English speaking school (only in certain countries), Cambridge English Language Certificates, and sometimes but rarely, having taken English as a subject in school.
Application fees – if applying via Uni-Assist, the fees are 75 Euros for the first application and 30 Euros for each additional. This includes each subject applied for.
*These documents must be in English or German, if they are not, you will need to provide certified translations of the certified copies. For detailed information on the certification and translations of documents, check out uni-assist. Confirm document language requirements with the universities.
German University Prep Course (Studienkolleg)
Students who do not meet the standards for direct entry to a university or a particular program of interest are recommended to apply to the Studienkolleg. Studienkolleg is a 2 semester college prep program which concludes in an exam to test the student’s levels of German and Math for university entry (Festellungsprüfung). The Studienkolleg is offered at many public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) and private schools and students can choose to take specialized courses depending on what they want to study in university. The cost of these programs is typically 100-400 Euros/semester for public programs and can be more for private. Students need to calculate an additional 700-900 Euros/month for living expenses. Application for Studenkolleg can be done via the uni-assist page or the school itself. Spaces are limited and students typically need a German level of at least B1 to apply.
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements vary by citizenship. Citizens of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland can enter the country using a valid ID card and register as residents after finding accommodation. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel and several other countries can enter the country without a visa, but will need to apply for a residence permit as they are only permitted to stay for 3 months without one. Seek advice from the German embassy or consulate in your country to get exact details on visa requirements.
If you require a visa to enter the country, you must apply for a student visa or prospective student visa before leaving your country. The documents you will most likely need are:
Passport valid for time of stay
Health insurance coverage certificate
Public health systems from various countries will cover a student while studying in Germany. If not, the student will need to find insurance valid in Germany which can be from a company in another country or a public company in Germany. For verification of which insurances are valid, contact the university directly.
Proof of financial resources
As of January 1, 2021 students are required to have proof of a minimum of 10,332 Euros for one year of study in Germany. There are various ways to demonstrate this such as proof of income of parents, documentation of someone in Germany who will assist you financially if needed, receipt of scholarships and/or banking statements. The best way to establish proof is to allocate this amount in a separate ‘locked’ account through a German bank which will not be available to use until your arrival in Germany (Sperrkonto).
Either a university entrance qualification recognized in Germany (can be provided through Uni-Assist for prospective student status) or letter of acceptance from German university (for student visa)
Certificate of language proficiency, German and/or English depending on program of study
While it may seem overwhelming to put together an application to study in a foreign country, there are many great resources available to help. Remember, the international student office at each university will be the most reliable source of information and place to get your questions answered. Start early to give yourself time to research requirements, form a solid list of universities and programs of interest, gather all of the documents needed and get them processed.