I’m starting to get more questions about going abroad for an undergraduate education. I love the sense of adventure, so let’s talk about your options and the differences.

What is important to understand is that American higher education is not the norm. In other countries, university is a shorter, more focused experience.

There are no general education requirements. You don’t attend Uni to figure out what you want to do; you go to study something very specific and nothing else.

The variety of majors may also be quite different from that in U.S. colleges, and changing majors means starting over from scratch.

Most students have done some prep work at the high school level to know what they plan to study. Frequently, a nationwide exam determines if you can even go to university, and exam results determine which colleges are options for you.

Extracurricular activities, essays, and even grades may not be considered; only the final exam score will be considered. 

While Americans are not usually required to take the same exam, international universities may want SAT scores, Advanced Placement scores, International Baccalaureate scores, or another entrance exam. Refer to specific institutions for their criteria.

Assuming you meet the admission criteria, the next question is which languages you are fluent in.

Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia are easy options for most monolingual Americans. The good news is, there are plenty of English-speaking programs in countries where English is not the first language, too. English-speaking programs exist throughout Europe, a few in Asia, and a few in the Middle East.

Cost is also a consideration for most families. What is interesting is that costs can be quite competitive because, without general education requirements, most international undergraduate degrees average three years, not four.

Costs vary tremendously, with some countries charging international students much higher rates, while others are outright free.

Norway, for example, offers free tuition, regardless of nationality (but for many degrees, you do need to speak Norwegian, and student visa fees may apply).

FAFSA-based financial aid is not eligible for most international programs, and scholarships are uncommon.

Dreaming of an American college experience where you can try lots of majors before deciding, but in a foreign country? You are in luck!

There’s a nice consortium of American colleges abroad. They use the traditional four-year American model of higher education, where you can go in undeclared, and you still get many of the benefits of living in a foreign country.

You can find that list here. Another advantage is that American students may qualify for financial aid using the standard FAFSA.

Living abroad at some point in college should be mandatory, in my opinion.

The personal growth of navigating a foreign culture, possibly a language, understanding how the world sees America, and how the American way is not the only or even the best way of doing things is an extraordinary growth experience. It opens our eyes as to what we take for granted, which is a life lesson.

The world is full of opportunities, and whether for a few years or just a term, be adventurous and discover them.