The choice of University is one of the very strategic decisions for your career, and it must be approached thoroughly. Universities differ from one another according to many factors.
Naturally, the choice of the University will be held in parallel with the program selection and what speciality you intend to study at the University.
People say the USA is the land of endless possibilities. There are over 4,500 USA universities offering undergraduate degrees. Harvard, Stanford, MIT and Caltech are just a few big names international students dream about. The issue with these endless possibilities is that you will eventually need to choose.
If you are one who also has this dream, and you look forward to seeing your dreams come true, it is essential that you know how to choose a college or University in the USA among many great options. We will be looking at various factors you have to consider to help you make the perfect and right choice.
As students and parents consider their future educational options, they may become confused about the distinction between colleges and universities. Many believe that a college is a private institution and a university is a state-funded institution. Others may believe that a university offers a better education than a college. In reality, distinguishing between a college and a university is much more difficult.
A college is a specific educational institution or establishment. It is one that offers higher education as well as specialized professional or vocational training.
For example, community colleges and junior colleges may only offer two-year degrees. Most colleges offer bachelor’s degrees, and some also offer associate degrees. The institution offers specialized courses and instruction.
A university is an institute that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is a high-level educational institution where students pursue degrees and conduct academic research. They also provide graduate programs leading to a master’s or doctorate.
Medical and law schools are also available at universities for students interested in pursuing professional degrees. Some universities have special programs that allow students to earn both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in a shorter period. Because of the more significant number of enrolled students, universities generally offer classes and programs more diverse than colleges.
It is best if you take your time researching various potential options. It takes time to identify which colleges might be a good fit for you, so start this process months before you want to start your studies. Use the criteria listed below to select the best USA university for you.
Also, keep in mind that the school year in the United States begins in August or September.
You’re most likely planning a career in the field of study; your best bet is to focus on what you’re passionate about and then work out the details. You must be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you genuinely see yourself studying and pursuing a career in your chosen field. If you answered yes, you’ve already completed the most crucial step.
Do not dismiss your intuition! Even if you’ve always been told that such decisions should be based on logic, you’ll spend the next three to six years studying your subject, so make sure your heart is in the right place.
Once you’ve decided on the subject you want to study in the United States, you should begin your search. University rankings and subject-specific rankings can be beneficial in locating US universities that are a good fit for your interests. Make a list of institutions that interest you and thoroughly research each one.
There is no general rule, but all of these resources can assist you in locating the best universities in the United States.
There are over 4500 colleges and universities in the American university system. The college or University, the presence of the campus, its accessibility, climate, and proximity to large cities or natural sites are all important factors to consider. Each state and city has its distinct personality, culture, climate, economy, history, etc.
Some states have a higher proportion of international students than others. If you plan to study in a big city, keep in mind that the cost of living there is quite high. It can also complicate your time because the hustle cab can sometimes affect you and your university student experience.
Although attending college in the city can be a very rewarding experience, as city life can help complement your time as a student and add a layer of cultural discovery to your collegiate career. You will save money if your University is in a nearby small town. However, it may also imply that you do not have access to the amenities or diversity of a large city.
It is best to look into available courses before applying to a college or University to avoid being disappointed with your program. If you already know what academic path you want, make sure that any school you’re considering has a major that fits into that path. If you like the University as a whole and are interested in a particular subject, see if it is covered in the curriculum on offer.
You may attend a school that primarily offers courses in your field of study. Some colleges in the United States specialize in one field, such as business or engineering. On the other hand, students who are still undecided about their academic goals may want to consider enrolling in a college that offers a diverse range of majors.
After all, the courses are what you will spend your time studying, and I can only assume you want to enjoy them.
Despite what its marketing team may claim, no school can provide the best programs in all fields of study. You can get a sense of a college’s overall academic quality and reputation by looking at its rankings.
You could also try to assess the career and research achievements of the faculty in your target department by looking for awards or recognition for any groundbreaking publications or discoveries.
Colleges and universities range in size from small colleges with fewer than 1,000 students to large state universities with over 50,000 enrolled each year. The majority of international students attend large research universities. However, before choosing one of these large universities, keep in mind that hundreds of smaller universities and colleges may also be good options for you.
Smaller class sizes and a more sheltered environment are common features of small colleges. Because they typically have a lower student-to-faculty ratio, you may receive more personalized attention. While small schools may not have as many programs as large universities, they frequently offer specialized degrees.
Large, research-oriented universities offer more technical degrees, such as architecture and engineering. Furthermore, if they are public, tuition costs are typically lower. These schools will have more international students, so other students from your country will likely attend.
Students with specific interests and goals thrive at large universities because they can take advantage of various coursework, activities, and professional resources. Larger schools frequently have well-stocked libraries, cutting-edge research facilities, and nationally-ranked sports teams.
You must research to determine the cost of your studies at a US university and your ability to pay. You would have to add transportation, lodging, and other living expenses to these costs. If you discover that some of the US universities you are considering are too expensive for you, that does not mean you must eliminate them from your list.
Most US universities provide financial aid packages to well-prepared students who do not miss the deadline. Please keep in mind that costs rise every year.
Minimum scores in the certificate, on standardized exams, SAT and ACT, and tests of English proficiency TOEFL or IELTS are typically specified among the entrance requirements. These tests, though slightly different, focus on general knowledge and skills in math, verbal reasoning, writing, and science. They are usually required of all students for the University to effectively compare students and predict how they will perform in their first years of study.
Moving to a different country to further their education is exciting and terrifying for most international students. This is why it is critical to begin your research early and gather all the information you require to live comfortably during your studies.
Most universities in the United States provide on-campus housing. That will be fantastic for you because you will most likely have the opportunity to interact with and learn about other students. You must double-check all of these details for each University to which you intend to apply.
Because personal development occurs outside the classroom, it is critical to consider the campus environment when selecting a college. Depending on your interests, you may want to consider schools with well-known athletic teams so that you can attend games and other social events.
Also, if academic achievement is your primary goal, consider enrolling in a Carnegie Foundation-accredited research university. These institutions devote significant resources to student and faculty research projects.
You should consider scholarships and funding when considering how to pay for a US education. Not all US universities provide scholarships to international students, and government loans are not always available to cover tuition and fees. According to statistics, only 8% of foreigners are given scholarships in US colleges and universities.
If you are applying for a scholarship, your application for admission must be very careful, even if you are applying to a University where there is little competition for a place. One of the most perplexing traps I’ve seen international students fall into is becoming preoccupied with tuition fees or the types of scholarships available. Aside from government funding, universities can seek funding from various governmental and private organizations in the United States and your home country.
When deciding where to study, university rankings can be a useful guide. We recommend you pay close attention to the following world rankings of American universities. Investigate each school’s admission requirements and how your record compares to them.
Keep in mind that most colleges and universities base their admissions decisions on academic performance.
To assess the significance of a ranking position, you must first understand the factors considered in the calculations: the quality of the material base, high research activity, the number of well-known scientists, cultural figures, awards, and discoveries.
These rankings can provide information about certain aspects of schools, but they may leave out important information such as student satisfaction, engagement, and alums performance. They may also be biased toward smaller universities that specialize in a few key areas. At the end of the day, all US universities are known for something, so make sure to cast a wide net.
Check all of the representatives from American universities who are important to you.
Accreditation certifies that a school or program meets a set academic standard. It is critical to understand whether a college or University is accredited. If you attend an unaccredited college or University, you will be unable to transfer your credits to an accredited college or University.
In the United States, no national government authority or Ministry of Education sets higher education standards. Some states authorize or approve schools, but this only applies to financial and licensing requirements, not educational quality.
Colleges and universities have formed associations to set their standards. These organizations, known as “accrediting bodies,” evaluate each college and University in the United States. If the institution meets the minimum standards of the accrediting association, it receives an acceptable rating and is now labelled “accredited.” This means it has earned the right to be included on the acceptable schools maintained by the accrediting association. To remain accredited, a school must maintain these high standards.
Nobody can accurately predict one’s chances of admission to a particular college. Nonetheless, reviewing the information provided by schools will help you understand your chances of admission.
Selecting a college that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals is critical to your success. Finally, deciding which factors are most important for your lifestyle and what you hope to gain from higher education would be best. After researching these factors, you can make a shortlist of schools and start looking into them.
You can use this school search tool to find the perfect school for you.
Colleges are typically smaller institutions that focus on undergraduate education in various academic fields. Universities are generally larger institutions that provide various undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Many universities are also dedicated to research.
When referring to a higher education institute in the United States, the terms college and University are used interchangeably. A bachelor’s degree can be obtained at a college or University in the United States.
There is no distinction between a college and a university at the undergraduate level. They have their distinction and significance. Universities offer both bachelor’s degrees and undergraduate programs, whereas colleges, with a few exceptions, only offer bachelor’s degrees.
Students can begin looking at colleges and universities whenever they want. Still, it may not make sense to begin intensive research two years before the end of secondary or high school.
Studying abroad can offer incredible opportunities for anyone who wants to make new friends, learn about different cultures, and experience the world. It’s full of life experiences that can’t be found in a classroom. It could be a life changing experience. But it’s important to know some things before you go.
Studying abroad is not just about going to a new country and having fun. It’s also about being an adult for the first time. For most people studying abroad, this means being completely independent for the first time with no friends or family nearby. That can be overwhelming, but it’s also a learning experience that will help you become an adult.
It requires a lot of research such as what college is the best, what study abroad program to choose, accommodation, tuition fees, and more. You will have to do the research, but it should be very much worth it in the end.
But is it really hard? Not really! If know what to do and what not to, anyone can study abroad. In this article, we will cover the major topics and discuss some of the questions you may have to help you study abroad.
There are a few common questions that most students and their parents have. Whether it is the living cost or tuition fee, we are going to take a look at them all so you can get an idea of exactly what you should do.
Every student who wants to study abroad has a dream country they want to go to. But not every country is ideal for studying abroad. If you plan on studying in your dream country, it’s important that you do some research before you commit. Some countries are easier than others when it comes to visas and immigration procedures, while others can be difficult if you don’t have enough money.
Also, you can’t ignore the living cost. European countries are a lot cheaper than US or Australia when it comes to living costs. While Asian colleges are cheaper than European ones. You should research the college fees and living costs in your dream country before you go there.
Find out why so many internationsal students study abroad in the U.S. and Canada.
There are several types of study abroad programs, but your study abroad program depends on what you want to do. If you choose an exchange program, you will have to transfer from one college to another. If you choose a direct enrollment program, then you can go straight into the class with the rest of your classmates. But keep in mind that study abroad programs are not easy to get into.
If you want to study at a university in another country, then you should apply for an exchange program. If it goes well, depending on the college’s regulations, you may be able to transfer credits back to your home university.
You should think about why you want to study abroad and what kind of courses interest you. Are you interested in studying a course that isn’t offered at your university, or do you need to take an English course before you graduate? Be sure that you know what courses are available before you go abroad.
Tuition fee is probably the biggest concern of both students and their parents. Even if you wanted to study abroad, it can be a bad idea if the cost of studying in that country is very high. You should always consider whether or not studying abroad fits into your budget and how much money you will need during your stay.
It’s obvious that colleges like Yale or Harvard are expensive, but have you thought about public colleges in France, for example? You probably haven’t! Public colleges in European countries are much cheaper than private ones. Most German or Dutch universities have a tuition fee of as low as €500, but they don’t compromise anything on their educational quality. You should research carefully the tuition fee of each country because you can save a lot if you know how to do it.
Depending on where you’re going, facilities might vary from college to college – and they may not be the same as what you’re used to. If you’re going to a European country, many colleges will have everything you need such as Wi-Fi and computers in every room. On the other hand, some Asian universities don’t provide any of those facilities.
They are many colleges that offer accommodation to their students and there are some who don’t. And if there’s no free dorm room to live that means you have to live off-campus. In that case, you should think about how you’re going to get from your house to the college every morning and back again. And the living cost will be much higher as well. You must research thoroughly about the college facilities to know what the college has to offer or not.
Now you what some of the major things to consider before studying abroad. Now take a look at some of the lesser-known facts that you should consider before going abroad.
If the country you’re going to speaks your first language, it’s pretty easy for you. But if it doesn’t, there will be some struggles as English may not be as prevalent as in your home country. In some places, even basic communication can be hard if you don’t speak a foreign language. Also, if you prefer English, you have to make sure that the college you plan to study provides the courses you want in English.
Don’t forget to look into cultural differences before you go because what’s normal for others may not be so for you and vice versa. For example, in some Asian countries, it’s considered rude to stare at people. When you are in a different country you have to pay respect to other cultures.
Most students go to another country for studying. However, some of them decide to do a part-time job while they study abroad and it’s totally fine. Even though you’re abroad, you can still get a part-time job and make an income every week as long as your visa allows it. But the thing is if you want to work, you should research where and how to get a job. Also, don’t forget to ask the college whether they allow their students to take up a part-time job.
Since studying abroad means staying in another country for a while, you have to prepare your housing well beforehand! It’s not easy to find an apartment abroad so be sure that you know about different options before going. For example, some colleges offer dorm rooms for students and you can stay there while studying. But other colleges don’t provide such options so you have to look for your own place to live in.
If the college has a certain bus system that makes it easy for students to go around, then you’re lucky! You don’t need to worry about where to go and how. But if there’s no such thing, you should look into the private and public transportation system of that country before studying abroad. It’s not that hard because many countries have well-established systems and usually students can go around by themselves easily.
Visas are very important, whether you go as a student or tourist. Only those who have student visas can study in a foreign country and it’s your responsibility to find out about that as soon as possible! You can’t just go there and get a visa after you’re already settled down because it will be illegal. So take care before going overseas!
In most countries, it’s required that you have health insurance even if you’re just a tourist. So before going to study abroad, find out about the country’s health insurance system. Also, check whether the college provides students with a free insurance plan or not.
If you’re finding it hard to pay the expenses from your pockets, you have to research student loans. Your college can provide you with some information but there are also private organizations that offer international student loan options. You just have to apply for it so don’t worry too much!
Try to find additional funds from scholarships by searching our international scholarship database.
We have researched and found out a few things that might be helpful to you before studying abroad.
Almost every college knows that students are struggling to raise the money for studying abroad. So of course, many of them are willing to help you financially by providing scholarships and financial aid if you meet certain requirements.
If you’re not sure about your living conditions, think about getting a room with roommates. You can save money because the rent is shared between several people so it’ll be easier on your wallet.
If you’re studying in a country where no one follows the rules of driving, you should learn about the traffic rules before going. You don’t want to get into trouble because you didn’t know how to drive properly.
An ex-student who has studied abroad would be able to give you the most accurate information about studying in that college. They know what it’s like overall so ask them before going. Remember that they are your elders so respect their advice! You can learn a lot from their study abroad experience.
Talking to study abroad advisors is a good idea if you want to know more about studying and living in another country. They will be willing to help you out so don’t hesitate and ask them anything! They can help you with the application process, what will be the total cost, finding an apartment, suitable study programs, etc. You can either go to a study abroad office or seek online help.
Don’t forget about your expenses so manage them carefully. There’s no need to prioritize shopping over studying because that won’t help you in the long run. You can go for a little trip if you have some time off but try not to waste your money on useless items.
So there you have it. We hope that you will take advantage of your studying abroad experience so enjoy your student life to the fullest! It’s an important experience but doesn’t forget about your future because if you do, it will be hard for you to get a job in the future.
An adventure of a lifetime. A dream for many. A great opportunity to pursue your higher education in a foreign land – but is it affordable? Between tuition, insurance, travel and living expenses the cost of an international education quickly adds up.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, it’s important to know your options for financial aid – and start saving!
One of the biggest factors in finding appropriate financial aid for a study abroad program is the location of the university you would like to attend. The availability of support for foreigners attending an American school is very different from that available to Americans pursuing an international education in Europe or elsewhere.
With that in mind, there is no simple answer to the best way to fund your study abroad adventure, but there are resources and opportunities for everyone, including undergraduate and graduate students.
From federal student aid to study abroad scholarships and from private sponsors, state organisations and your schools’s financial aid office – there is a financial aid package that will help you cover your study abroad expenses.
In this post we’re going to explore all the options and answer all the most common questions our readers have about securing financial aid for study abroad programs in the U.S., Canada and around the world. We’ll cover sections for Americans studying outside the U.S., international students coming to America, and those attending international schools around the world.
This is a topic that comes up all the time with our readers. Many students ask “Can you get FAFSA for study abroad?”.
First, let’s explain that FAFSA is the the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is a federal government form that determines your financial needs and informs most colleges’ financial aid offers. FAFSA collects information from applicants and parents, then uses a formula to calculate your capacity to pay for college in the United States and your financial aid requirements.
You won’t be able to receive any kind of federal financial aid in the US without completing the FAFSA, and it is very likely that you would need to complete it in order to receive financial aid directly from your college or university, too.
Federal aid is available for U.S. students seeking to study abroad. The type of program, duration of study and your status as an undergraduate or graduate can affect your eligibility, just like it does at schools in the U.S., but there are some differences when applying for this type of funding.
One of the biggest differences in the financial support for international studies is the duration of the intended study abroad program. At IEFA we generally talk about 2 main categories of international study: Study Abroad and Foreign Enrolled.
“Study Abroad” would be the term for those taking part in a short program of one semester or up to one academic year at a foreign university. Students on this type of program may be able to receive financial aid from the government if they fill out the FAFSA, meet the eligibility requirements and get the required paperwork completed by the financial aid office both at their home (U.S.) college and the foreign university they will attend.
Unfortunately, if your college is not part of the federal program then you would not be able to receive federal support for your study abroad costs.
A “Foreign Enrolled” student, on the other hand, is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is taking their degree program entirely at a foreign university. These students don’t have a “home institution” – a college in the U.S. They must therefore navigate the application process and study abroad experience themselves directly with their chosen school.
The good news for foreign enrolled students is that at many top universities around the world federal student aid is available and those same universities may have relationships with lenders who offer private loans for eligible students, too, meaning there are more funding opportunities and your study abroad dreams may be closer than you think.
If you are studying inside the U.S. or abroad, there are a number of different federal student loan programs and financial aid options. If you’d like more information on federal loans, you can learn about Stafford Loans here. Stafford loans are for students attending college at least half time. They provide an excellent educational funding resource for US citizens and permanent residents.
Funding options for international students in the U.S. are more limited than they may be in your home country.
In terms of the financial aid that you may be able to receive there are a few broad categories.
Whatever country you’re from, if you’re studying in Canada you’ll face the same challenges as many other students around the world.
The great news is that as well as the funding that you may be able to find by talking to your study abroad office such as tuition discounts, waivers, scholarships and more, there are also student loans available at a number of top universities across Canada. These loans do not require you to have collateral or a cosigner. Find out more about international student loans in Canada.
Do you have any questions about funding your study abroad experience? Let us know in the comments!
Studying abroad is a great way to experience new cultures, meet people from all over the world and learn about different perspectives on life.
Studying in European countries can be a life-changing experience. Especially if your’e planning to study at a Spanish university.
Studying in Spain as an international student can be a hugely rewarding experience because it is a country with so much to offer. However, in order to stay for more than three months, you’ll need a student visa for Spain.
Studying abroad can be intimidating and scary at first but once you’re there it’s easy to get into the swing of things.
Read on if you want some tips about studying in Spain.
Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula and neighbors countries like France, Portugal and Andorra. Spain is no doubt a beautiful country with a rich history and diverse culture. Spain is famous for its architecture, food, and wonderful climate. Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Valencia are famous around the world. Also, if you are a fan of Soccer, you will be able to enjoy the world-famous Spanish Football League La Liga. Visitors to Spain will also enjoy its rich culture, such as Flamenco and Gaudí architecture.
Spain is a beautiful country with a diverse climate, food and welcoming people, so it’s no wonder that international students are flocking to this country in droves to study abroad!
Spain has a large number of universities including both private and public universities. Many Spanish universities are hugely famous among international students and have good rankings as well. Universities like the University of Barcelona, the Complutense University of Madrid, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid rank among the top international universities. These are just some of the universities you should consider if you are looking to study in Spain.
There is no better place than Spain to get a degree in Spanish language. Many universities also offer degrees for foreign students who prefer a course delivered in English.
If you are thinking about getting an MBA degree as an international student, Spain would be the place for you. Because three of the top colleges for MBA in Europe are located in Spain and they are IESE Business School, IE Business School, and Esade Business School.
The living cost varies from location to location. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have a high living cost. And on the other hand, cities like Granada, Valencia have a lower cost. So depending on your budget, you can choose a place to live in.
The good news for international students who study in Spain is that the cost of living is generally quite affordable there.
You can find excellent quality food at very reasonable prices in Spain. There are many inexpensive stores where you can buy fashionable clothes at an affordable price.
Even transportation costs are more reasonable than other European countries. It won’t be hard for you to travel wherever you live – no matter where and when, including exploring the rest of the country.
Universities in Spain are also cheaper than in many other European countries. The average tuition fees of a Bachelor’s degree are around 550 EUR to 3,500 EUR per year and for a Master’s degree is around 750 EUR to 4,000 EUR per year. That makes Spain one of the cheapest destinations for international students. However, the private colleges set their own rates according to their facilities. Private colleges charge around 10,000 EUR to 25,000 EUR per year.
The University of Barcelona holds the no. 1 ranking in Spain and one of the finest colleges all over Europe. The University of Barcelona was founded back in 1450, making it one of the oldest universities all over the world. The university consists of more than 100 departments, which are classified into 18 faculties and 2 schools. The 18 faculties are based on multiple subjects including Biology, Dentistry, Earth Science, Chemistry, Fine Arts, Education, Economics, Geography, Law, Math, Library Science, Medicine, Philology, Philosophy, Pharmacy, Psychology, and Physics. The University of Barcelona offers 75 Bachelor’s degrees, 353 Graduate degrees, and 96 Master’s degrees.
International students pay around 3,500 EUR to 6,000 EUR per year depending on the course.
The University of Barcelona is a public university which ranks among the top 100 best colleges and universities in Europe. It has about 150,000 students enrolled from over 140 different countries making it one of the most diverse institutes for higher education in all of Europe. The Compl
The Complutense University of Madrid is one of the top universities all over Europe. It was founded back in 1293, making it one of the oldest universities around the world. The Complutense University of Madrid offers more than 90 undergraduate degrees, more than 170 postgraduate degrees, and more than 175 Master’s degrees. All the courses are taught in mostly Spanish. However, the Complutense University of Madrid also has English programs for international students. It offers subjects such as Arts and Humanities, Science, Medical Science, Social Science, Law, Engineering, Business Management, etc.
International students pay around 3,000 EUR to 9,000 EUR per year depending on the course.
The University of Navarra is one of the best universities in Spain for international students. It was founded back in 1952. The University of Navarra is located in Pamplona, Spain. More than 11,000 students study here and over 10% of them are from other countries. The university offers 35 Bachelor’s degrees, 32 Graduate degrees, and 38 Master’s degrees in both Spanish and English languages. Its main campuses are located in Pamplona and San Sebastian. However, its prestigious IESE Business School also has offices in Barcelona, Madrid, New York, Munich, and Sao Paulo. It offers courses such as Engineering, MIM, MBA, MArch, etc.
International students pay around 3,300 EUR to 8,500 EUR per year depending on the course.
The University of Granada is the 4th largest university in Spain. It also hosts a large number of international students each year. It was founded back in 1531. it is also one of the most significant universities in Europe in terms of its historical importance. The University of Granada offers more than 89 Bachelor’s degrees, 100 postgraduate degrees, and 28 doctoral courses programs. The University of Granada has a wide range of courses including biology, biochemistry, food science, environmental sciences, statistical sciences, mathematics, dentistry, etc.
International students pay around 2,300 EUR to 7,500 EUR per year depending on the course.
The University of Valencia is one of the most popular colleges all over Europe. It was founded back in 1499. The university now offers degrees in sciences, engineering, health sciences, humanities, education, and social, economic, etc. It has 18 faculties, schools, and 19 interdisciplinary research institutes. The University of Valencia offers more than 50 bachelor programs, 110 master’s degrees, and 60 doctoral programs in both Spanish and English languages.
International students pay around 3,500 EUR to 7,500 EUR per year depending on the course.
Some additional information sources:
https://www.studying-in-spain.com/spain-student-visa-interview-questions-and-tips/
https://erudera.com/spain/
Studying in Spain is an attractive prospect for many international students. The Spanish universities and colleges are highly valued among people looking to pursue a higher degree. Many affordable colleges are available and offer high-quality education.
Studying in Spain is an interesting and rewarding experience, but you should be sure to explore the country outside of your studies as well. There is so much to do and see in Spain that you won’t want to be stuck inside your classroom all day.
Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime, and there are many reasons why people choose to study in Spain as international students.
If you’re studying in Spain and need additional funding, you should seek out a scholarship. Alternatively, if you are a US citizen in Spain, you may be able to apply for a loan.
You might also be interested in studying in the U.S.
The latest data covering international students in the USA and American students studying abroad has been released – here are the highlights:
Over 1 million international students studied in the US in 2019/20, including those taking an academic program and those on OPT (Optional Practical Training).
That’s over 5% of the total number of enrolled students, but it is almost 2% (or 20,000 students) lower than the previous period. Early indications suggest that due to the pandemic international student enrolment in 2020 could be down by a further 16%.
Almost 350,000 US students studied abroad for academic credit in the 2018/19 academic year (the latest data available).
That’s almost 2% higher than the previous year – continuing the trend which has only been increasing for over 10 consecutive years.
Incoming students to the US came mainly from China (35%) and India (18%).
The top 10 countries of origin for incoming students were:
California was the individual state that hosted the most international students in total (with over 160,000).
The single most popular institution in the US for international students was New York University – hosting over 20,000 students from around the world!
Outgoing US students’ top destinations were the UK (11%), Italy (11%) and Spain (10%).
The top 10 destination countries for US study abroad students were:
For more on this data please visit https://opendoorsdata.org/annual-release/
If you’re studying abroad you may be able to fund part of your education with a loan:
Read more on the blog.
Or search our scholarships listings.
DirectTextbook.com Photo Essay Contest Scholarship
Deadline: January 15
Every student knows that textbooks are expensive! This scholarship is a great opportunity for students like you to gain a little extra cash to help pay for your books. This contest is open to US citizens enrolled in an accredited 2 or 4 year college or university for winter or spring term. If you plan on studying abroad through your US school this is a great way to help boost your bank account for your trip.
To enter the DirectTextbook.com Photo Essay Contest you must submit an original photo that captures the theme “Expectations.” Students can be a graduate or undergraduate student but must have a 2.0 GPA or higher and not be currently incarcerated.
Prizes include:
Get more information on the DirectTextbook.com Photo Essay Contest Scholarship and get help paying for your textbooks!
In September we announced that InternationalStudent.com was hosting their ninth annual Travel Video Contest. The contest was open to anyone age 18 and older who is enrolled or plans on being enrolled in a college or university outside their home country. If you’re wondering who walked away with the winning titles last week- we have the answer and are pleased to announce the Travel Video Contest Winner!
The $4,000 grand prize winner was Danielle Boxill for her video “My Illustrated Life.”
Danielle grew up Trinidad and it was there that she discovered her love for animation. Wanting to pursue animation as a career- she first wants to start by obtaining an accredited animation degree. Studying in the US will be her chance to start her dream. Watch “My Illustrated Life” and watch Danielle’s story unfold. Danielle will also be blogging about her studies in the US through her very own blog. Visit her blog on InternationalStudent.com to hear (and maybe watch) more of her stories come to life.
The second place winner ($500) was Anh Nguyen for his video “Revisiting Homeland Vietnam.”
After visiting his homeland of Vietnam Anh realized that along with the vast beauty, there is also vast poverty- and he was inspired to make a difference. Watch Anh’s video and see how he plans to take action within Vietnam.
The third place winner ($250) was Drew Thomas for his video “Hollywood of the North.”
Drew has a love (and talent) for visual effects. He wants to take his talent to the next level by attending CG Masters School of 3D Animation & VFX- but needed some financial help. Watch his video and see just how talented he is and why the InternationalStudent.com judges thought he deserved the third place title!
Next year InternationalStudent.com will host their tenth annual Travel Video Contest and you won’t want to miss out! Check back September 2015 for your chance to enter the contest!
The 2014 InternationalStudent.com Travel Video Contest
Deadline: October 22nd
For the ninth year InternationalStudent.com is hosting their Travel Video Contest! Not only is this one of the more fun scholarship opportunities- it can really boost your bank account if you win! Although there will be great runner-up prizes and a viewer’s choice award, one lucky grand prize winner will receive $4,000 for their studies abroad.
Who is eligible?
This contest is open to those who are 18 and older and who are enrolled or plan on being enrolled in a college or university outside their home country. The winner will receive their very own blog on InternationalStudent.com- so you must be willing and able to contribute at least once a week to the blog while preparing for and on your trip.
How do you enter?
Create a video in five minutes or less on why you want to study abroad and where you want to go. One key item to keep in mind when creating your video: be creative! Keep the InternationalStudent.com judges entertained to make it into the final round of winning videos. How you keep them entertained is up to you, but here are a few tips and tricks to get you started! Make sure you enter your video and entry form before the deadline of October 22nd to be eligible to enter this contest.
Sign into your account then get more information on the 2014 InternationalStudent.com Travel Video Contest here. Follow the link to the InternationalStudent.com contest page for all of the official rules and regulations and to see the past winning videos. Keep in mind the judges want to see original videos- but checking out past winners is a good place to start.
The winner of this contest will be announced in November during International Education week. Make sure you stay connected during that week! Not only will it be announced on the InternationalStudent.com site and social media, but if you are one of the lucky winners you’ll be notified through email and telephone.
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Deadline: December 19
Trying to get ready for your study abroad journey and find more financial aid? If so, apply for the Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship. Tortuga Backpacks specializes in carry-on sized bags for travelers who are preparing for city adventures and wants to give back to one lucky traveler. This biannual award is once again open for you to apply if you meet the necessary criteria!
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship you do not need to be attending a specific school or studying a certain field- however, you must be a US citizen or US permanent resident studying abroad- or be a student visa holder. You must also be a full time undergraduate student in good standing with your college or university, be attending a degree granting college or university in the US, and have applied for a study abroad program that will help you receive credit toward your degree.
Before applying, students should read all instructions and eligibility requirements on the Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship to ensure they are eligible to apply.
If you meet the criteria of eligibility and want to apply, complete the application form found at the link in the Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship listing before the deadline of December 19th at 11:59pm PST.
The Scholarship winner will be announced January 5th through the Tortuga Backpacks blog and social media accounts. One winner will receive $1,000 for their study abroad journey.
Tortuga Backpacks was founded in 2010 by childhood best friends Fred Perrotta and Jeremy Michael Cohen after a backpacking trip to Eastern Europe. Their mission is to “to help people take amazing trips.” Read more so you can enter to win before December 19th for a chance to win!
Chris Meyer Memorial French Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
Students who want to study the French language through a homestay summer program won’t want to pass up this award. Students who would like the opportunity to participate in this program without having to pay tuition must demonstrate not only outstanding academic performance through their Grade Point Average (GPA), but also through extracurricular performance in the field of French language and culture. Those who apply must have a passion for French culture and be involved in French school work or school projects that demonstrate this, or through foreign language clubs and events.
One student will receive full tuition for this program and one will receive a partial tuition.
To apply, students must submit the following:
• Your reasons for applying for a fellowship or scholarship
• Academic strengths and challenges
• Any applicable internship/leadership/work experience or volunteer activities
• Your future academic and career plans, including an explanation of how a fellowship or scholarship and participation in an Abbey Road summer program will support these plans
• The reasoning you used to determine your preferred summer program choice
• Any other information you feel the Scholarship Committee should know
The Chris Meyer Memorial French Scholarship is sponsored by Abbey Road in memory of Chris Meyer (1980-2009). Chris was a member of the of Abbey Road’s French Homestay Summer Programs staff in 2002 and 2003, and diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002. Although diagnosed with this illness, he graduated from Stanford in 2004, began a Ph.D. program in art history at Harvard and received numerous awards and recognition including the Harvard Presidential Fellowship and a Mellon Fellowship.
Learn more about this scholarship and how to apply here.
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