By Crystal Hui
It is quite common for college students to spend a semester or two abroad in a foreign country; however, few high school students consider applying to foreign colleges to receive their bachelor’s degree.
With many California colleges and universities raising tuition costs and lowering acceptance rates, it seems that applying to schools out of the country is a growing option with possible advantages.
For example, many British universities make it relatively straightforward for American students to apply by accepting advanced placement tests and SATs.
FVHS graduate Rosemary Nguyen plans to attend the University of the Arts London, which has an office in Colorado.
As an art student, Nguyen described the application experience as different, but not any easier than applying to a U.S. college.
“Instead of sending in a 12-20 piece portfolio and an artist statement, I had an interview where I had to bring 30 pieces of works and sketchbooks,” she explained. “I was still required to have an artist statement, my transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. But they didn’t ask for my SAT scores and having an interview was nice because it gave me a chance to explain a lot of my work, what influences me and where I’m coming from.”
FVHS graduate Kaitlyn Bannister will be attending the University of Glasgow in Scotland in the fall. “I always planned on going out of the country,” she said. “I love travel and it seemed like a good way to do it.”
“The school just based it off of my ACT and AP scores,” she stated.
For many students applying to college, cost is a limiting factor. Studying at a high-ranking liberal arts college in the U.S can cost anywhere from $55,000 to$60,000 a year, including room and board.
However, universities abroad can be much more affordable than American private colleges. It costs about $25,000 less for a student to attend a university of the equivalent in the U.K.
“It’s certainly cheaper than the other U.S. colleges that I was considering, and that definitely helped convince my parents,” Bannister said.
As an additional bonus, students can still apply and receive U.S. federal loans while studying out of the country.
Receiving a bachelor’s degree in Britain only takes three years whereas it takes four years in the U.S., saving both time and money.
However, going to Europe for college may not be the right choice for everyone. American colleges often have massive campuses and newer facilities while British universities may be more time-worn. “It’s a different pedagogical system,” Nguyen stated. “People do note that it’s a different type of education you’re receiving but they also understand that they are held to the same caliber.
“It takes a certain type of student that has a sense of adventure and being so far away from what’s familiar to you,” she said.
