As college decisions rolled in, most seniors prepared to scatter only a few hours away from their homes. But for a small group of students, the next four years will require crossing borders and embracing new cultures as they set off to study at international universities.
For these students, the decision to attend universities outside of the U.S. is formed by dual citizenship, affordability, lifestyle, and different cultural perspective, College Counselor John Klasen said. Senior Jack Guerin is heading to McGill University in Montreal, Canada, a choice deeply tied to both his background and practical considerations, Guerin said. Guerin’s father is from France, and holding a French citizenship significantly influenced his desire to study in either France or Canada, as it helps with tutition costs, he said.
Your paragraph text (1)Similarly, senior Anna Chyzh will attend IE University in Madrid, Spain, in pursuit of being closer to home. Chyzh moved from Ukraine to the United States during high school and feels that her decision to study in Europe is like stepping back into a familiar rhythm.
“I’m from Ukraine, and a lot of my family and friends are still in Ukraine,” Chyzh said. “Europe is also closer to me culturally. For example, in the U.S., there is more driving. In Europe, there are more walking cities in the suburbs. I prefer that. I also prefer the lifestyle in Europe because everyone is more laid back.”
As a Ukrainian citizen, Chyzh will attend IE on a student visa with the help of a scholarship to offset the cost of the private institution, she said. The university’s instruction in the English language made it a practical fit, allowing her to pursue her dream of going abroad without the added pressure of learning academic Spanish, Chyzh said. At IE, she plans to study business administration, drawn to the school’s global outlook, Chyzh said.
“It has cool connections, and I’ll get good internships and get a job afterwards, so I’m happy with that,” Chyzh said.
Chyzh is also motivated by the chance to expand her worldview outside the classroom, she said.
“I like the opportunity of meeting people from all over the world,” Chyzh said. “Plus, I love living in Europe because it’s closer to every other country in Europe, and traveling there is much cheaper. I’m glad that I’m going to be able to travel more during my studies.”
Applying to international universities is more complex than staying in the U.S. because many of the international schools have their own applications and timelines, Klasen explained. Typically, only four or five South seniors actually end up going to international schools a year, Klasen said.
“Sometimes it has to do with dual citizenship and the advantages of cost savings, which can be very advantageous,” Klasen said. “Sometimes it could just be for the free spirit that wants to experience a different culture. Even if they don’t have citizenship, some of the schools internationally are cheaper than the state schools here, and at some of those schools, you can also finish a degree in three years.”
However, logistics can be a hurdle, Klasen explained.
“The biggest challenge is for parents and students who sometimes don’t think about coming home for Christmas, the cost of travel, or when the student isn’t just able to jump on a quick flight if they feel homesick,” Klasen said.
Despite the challenges, there are long-term rewards, Klasen said.
“One of the biggest benefits is experiencing a new culture, growing in that capacity, exploring potential job markets in some of the international cities, as well as the opportunity to travel and explore other places while they’re there,” Klasen said.