Is International Higher Education the Right Path for You?
Going to college outside of the United States is not the right option for every student, just like attending a large research institution is not the right fit for every student. Students are driven to pursue a degree abroad for several reasons. Some see it as a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in a new environment culturally. For others, it is a more affordable option compared to studying in the United States. If you are curious about why more and more students are choosing an education outside of the US, check out our blog post on The Main Motivators for Choosing Higher Education Outside of the US. Whatever the reason is for being curious about pursuing higher education abroad, here are some things to consider if you are a good match.
You have the potential to be highly independent. One of the major differences I see between students I have taught from the United States and their international counterparts is their dependency on their parents. My students in Spain were quite comfortable going alone places, and my students from the Dominican Republic were used to taking on daily responsibilities. When the lockdown happened, students went from making their own micro-decisions daily like what to eat at the cafeteria to what to wear for school, to making nearly no decisions. This has impacted the idea of fostering independence. Being independent is a quality that is highly important when deciding if going abroad is the right choice for you. It is less about not needing help on anything but more about you being able to take action without the immediate guidance of your parents. Independence can be fostered and grown.
You can advocate for yourself. Coinciding with independence and advocating for yourself is a skill that can be developed. Advocating in college might mean asking for help if you need clarification during class, or asking a stranger for directions when lost. It is having courage in a moment of vulnerability. As a mentor and college admissions consultant, I help students develop the skills necessary to advocate for themselves in the adult world. I teach them basic skills like composing professional emails or guiding them on who to go to with questions. Advocacy is built overtime.
You have a sense of humor. It sounds strange to prioritize humor as a successful characteristic when choosing to go abroad to college. But humor can be significant. There will be situations that don’t go according to plan. There might be cultural differences in the way students or professors function in your new country of study. Having a lighthearted perspective and being able to laugh can keep your spirits high. I’ve traveled to many countries, mostly solo. Having a sense of humor in my arsenal has given me a resiliency that kept me afloat during situations that could have ended in annoyance or disappointment.
You are curious and open-minded. Being naturally curious about other people is a quality that will allow you to succeed in your new life abroad. There will likely be some cultural differences in your new country of study, even in English-speaking countries. Talking about religion or politics might not be considered rude and just a part of general discussion. Instead of being stuck in the traditions and background you were raised in, it is important to be non-judgemental and open-minded when forming friendships and meeting new people. We are often afraid of people who are different from us. I say, embrace the different people you meet and get curious about everything.
You know what you want to study. When applying to schools internationally, whether in Europe, or Australia, oftentimes you are applying to a specific academic program. In the United States, students can normally declare their major by the end of sophomore year, taking freshman year as a chance to explore through distribution courses. However, many programs abroad take only three years to complete and require specialization upon application. If you want to apply to a school in the UK, you are expected to apply to the specific major you are seeking at each institution, as opposed to applying to the college in general.
Conclusion
Electing to go abroad for undergraduate or graduate school is becoming increasingly popular. It is important to evaluate if this option is right for you and your abilities to foster independence, advocate for yourself, and be highly adaptable. At Tango College Abroad, we help students decide if going to college or grad school abroad is the right fit for them, all while teaching them the necessary skills they need to be successful in their higher ed pursuits.
