Applying to international universities as a U.S. applicant not only gives you exciting chances to broaden your horizons, but also to educate yourself on the global stage. There are many great reasons to apply to college in a different country, but you should know beforehand that if you’re a U.S. resident, the application process is very different from that of the schools you’re applying to in the United States.
However, while that might sound intimidating, all you need to succeed is the right preparation and the ability to keep yourself on track. Everyday, our team works with students looking to pursue their education abroad. To help them take the next step, we’ve written this blog packed with some things you should know.
1. Research Admission Requirements Early
Don’t go into the international admissions process expecting it to be exactly like that in the United States. Start your research early and give yourself time to understand each country’s unique country’s timeline and expectations. You may want to start by checking out specific educational requirements, looking into standardized testing expectations, and finding everything you need to get the necessary documents.
It’s also particularly important that you communicate these details to the appropriate people, meaning guidance counselors, educational advisors, and parents. They need to know it as much as you do! There will come a time when they need to submit paperwork on your behalf or send in recommendations. Being personally aware of what needs to be done and when will help you stay on track throughout the process.
2. Understand Visa and Immigration Regulations
Securing a student visa is an important step when studying abroad, as some places will not let you in without one! Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the visa requirements of your destination country well in advance. This means understanding what’s necessary for proof of admission, financial stability, and other biometric data collection details. This part, in particular, is best not left for last, as we’d hate for you to gain acceptance to the school of your dreams and not be able to attend because the proper paperwork wasn’t filled out.
3. Assess Your Language Skills
It’s not uncommon for global education institutions to require proficiency in a local language, but not all. Look into if you need to pass exams like IELTS or TOEFL before attending. Consider taking language courses if your chosen international university requires them, but also for your own benefit. It can be hard to find yourself away from home and everything you know; the last thing you’d want is to not be able to order yourself a coffee on top of that! Prepare yourself to communicate in a new country, and be sure to take your studies seriously.
4. Prepare a Personal Statement for International Applications
Spend some time tailoring the personal statement you may have already written for the international schools you’re applying to. Pro Tip: Spend some time reflecting on the academic values and culture of the school to make sure your edits best resonate with their expectations.
It’s important to note that while personal statements are typically expected in U.S. college applications, foreign applications may require different content, messages, or information altogether. This can impact how your application is perceived. Make sure you’re not projecting U.S. application expectations onto foreign applications. Take your time and do your research!
5. Connect with Current Students and Alumni
If possible, engage with current students or alumni from the international universities you are interested in. Finding ways to seek out belonging to this network beforehand can offer invaluable insights into the academic rigor and campus life, potentially contributing to your decision-making process and helping you develop a sense of community before arriving.
It’s also a great way to gain insights into awesome spots for tourists, places to visit when you’re feeling homesick, or to simply have the opportunity to meet another friendly face. Don’t shy away from making these connections just because you aren’t there yet. It can make all the difference in your international experience.
6. Plan for Financial Aid and Scholarships
Try to explore the financial aid options available for international university applicants. There are many scholarships available every year that go unclaimed, and attending school abroad can be expensive. Understanding the scholarships, tuition fees, and living costs is essential in creating an effective budget. There are dozens of websites offering opportunities for grants and aid, as well as resources to help you understand what expenses to anticipate and their associated costs. Having trouble finding them? A Marks Education College Counselor might be the perfect source to help you find aid, choose best-fit programs, and write an essay that stands out.
7. Be Mindful of Time Zone Differences
Beware the time zone mishap! Time zone differences can be a huge problem if you’re not paying attention to them. Whether this comes up as it relates to interview schedules, deadlines, or events, plan accordingly. The last thing you’d want is to come across as unprepared just because of a simple time zone mishap!
One helpful tip: Your iPhone allows you to easily check the time in other countries using the Clock App. Take advantage of this! You can also enter time-zone-fixed dates and times into your phone calendar to help keep everything straight.
8. Embrace the Cultural Differences
Try to spend as much time as you can preparing for the different academic and social norms of the cultures you’re planning to study in. You should aim to understand as many of the nuances of everyday life as possible. We find that spending even an hour every week learning about the place you’ll live beforehand will leave you feeling more confident and prepared to live abroad. Do your research ahead of time, but also, don’t be afraid to ask while you’re there. There are some things that the internet just can’t teach you. This tip is mostly about the confidence in preparedness. However, being brave enough to ask is a great skill to have when abroad.
9. Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Some things are just universal: but having good grades is so important. International universities often prioritize a good academic record over all else. Whereas in the United States there is the expectation that schools weigh extracurriculars and personal factors into the decision, that is much less so internationally. We recommend that you continue to prioritize a strong academic record. Take as rigorous a course load as possible to demonstrate your commitment and readiness for your proposed field of study.
10. Work with Educational Advisor Support
Dealing with applications to foreign schools can be complex for some and even overwhelming for others. At Marks Education, not only are we just as prepared to tackle questions of school fit domestically, but also internationally. We’ve spent decades helping students apply to foreign schools and are here to help you submit the best application possible. Feel free to contact our office for a free consultation! We’re here to help!