Are considering colleges in this country as your college-bound teen’s only option? Is your student interested in exploring different cultures, traveling, and gaining a more global view of the world? If so, then attending college abroad could be a viable option.

Why would your student consider attending college abroad?

Rather than studying abroad for only a semester or two, some Americans are choosing to attend school full time overseas.  In addition to the more than 260,000 students who study abroad each year for academic credit at a U.S. college or university, more and more American students, upwards of 40,000, have enrolled in higher education institutions outside of the U.S. for full degree programs.

By choosing an international degree program, not only is the student able to earn a degree, they have the opportunity to live and travel abroad as well; something they cannot experience if they attend college in the United States.

What can your student gain from this experience?

Your student will be immersed in the culture, gain a completely different world view, learn independence and self-sufficiency, and in most cases, be able to travel to bordering countries. The majority of international degree programs take less time to complete than standard four-year American universities, which can be cost efficient in terms of tuition in the long run. Many countries average tuition is less than that of the United States. Multicultural programs draw attention to the local culture, as well as learning other communication skills in the country’s native language.

Additionally, studying abroad offers you a valuable resume boost. Global companies are looking for applicants who have global experience, a knowledge of diverse cultures, and developed independence, learning to problem solve on their own.

What steps should your student take before applying abroad?

Students and parents should do their research. Students should always verify that a school is accredited regardless of the country they plan to study in. A student should consider length of degree, cost, language of instruction and degree types offered.

Students also have to do their due diligence in educating themselves about the countries and the cultures they will encounter.That is as important for an American student going to the London School of Economics or to the Sorbonne [in Paris] as it is for a course of study at this institution: American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

After students determine what university to attend, they should verify the level of support from the host institution to help navigate the move and get familiar with the campus and surroundings once the student arrives.

There’s nothing like an education experience abroad. With all the benefits listed above, it might be something your family and student should consider.