The Problems With US Education Quality
Will the end result of your top US college choice be worth it? According to my reading, the answer is no. Let’s talk about the quality of the learning experience that undergraduates receive on campus.
EU Master’s: 3 Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Europe
Interested in learning why so many Americans are excited about getting their master’s degree in Europe?
4 Tips to Navigate European College Admissions Like a Pro
It is virtually impossible to excel in every category colleges are looking at, so students and parents feel inadequate and vulnerable to rejection. Here’s advice on how to prepare for European college admissions process.
5 Myths About Studying in Europe (And the Truth Behind Them)
If you’re considering studying in Europe as an American student, you may have heard a few myths about the experience. While studying abroad can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity, it’s important to separate fact from fiction in order to make an informed decision. Here are five common myths about studying in Europe, and the truth behind them:
9 Reasons to Go to College in France
Did you know you don’t have to speak French to go to college in France? There are dozens of colleges in France that offer a total of 540 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs – entirely taught entirely in English.
A College in the Netherlands Worth Considering for US Students
While the amenities, funding, and basics at research universities in the Netherlands is pretty consistent, I have found that this isn’t the case as much with universities of applied sciences.
A Firsthand Report from a US Student in the Netherlands
The Hague, the honors liberal arts program connected to Leiden University in the Netherlands. I recently checked in with Theo to see how his transition has been going.
A Sense of Optimism in a Time of Darkness
I don’t have to tell you, but the divisiveness in the country is continuing to escalate. Where I often see evidence of this in the comments of our BTS Facebook ad.
What It’s Like to Not Worry About College Admissions
We had already dealt with having his counselor automatically saying “No” to anything outside of the box and then having to go up the chain of command to get accurate answers.
A Student Perspective on University College Utrecht
“Classes are typically two hours long, with a 15 minute break in the middle of the session. The class size is also relatively small, with the maximum being 28 students.”
Affordable & Outstanding College Options in Poland
One of the many benefits Beyond the States members gain is access to objective information I provide in our database about schools I visit – even when that information is negative. This trip did make me wonder why more students don’t study in Poland.
Anglo-American University: International Relations Degree
Hey everyone! My name is Hunter Vaughan and I am a new Beyond the States Ambassador for Anglo-American University (AAU) in Prague, Czechia
Master’s Degrees in Architecture You’ll Love
In Europe, there are 183 accredited, affordable, 100% English taught Architecture Master’s degree programs for international students. Twenty two of these programs offer free tuition, even for international students and a total of 76 offer tuition of less than 5,000 EUR.
College in Europe: How to Find a Job After Graduating
I talked to hiring managers in the fields of banking, technology, and bio-technology and heard similar things. They said that, as long as the school is accredited, the country in which the degree was acquired does not matter in the least.
Are Degrees From Europe Recognized in the US?
Is a degree from Europe valuable enough in the US? Does it allow students to get into grad school and get a good job? Who gives accreditation to universities in the States?
Are US Study Abroad Programs a Good Path to Global Citizenship?
We made it a priority to travel internationally from the time they were young, even when it meant long flights with cranky kids or making financial sacrifices. As they are older now, we see them developing the qualities associated with global citizenship.
Benefits & Obstacles of Studying in Europe
I strive to be totally transparent about college in Europe. Studying in Europe is a fantastic option but, like anything else in life, their are benefits as well as obstacles.
Best Food Science Degree Options in Europe for US Students
The Beyond the States database contains dozens of programs related to food and beverage. These have different focuses, some are more about food science or agribusiness while others focus on the arts related aspects of the field, such as writing or criticism.
Best University in Spain with English-taught Programs
Unlike a number of other foundation programs I have seen, the price for this program is quite reasonable, at 6500 euros for the year.
How to Transfer to a University in Europe as an American Student
I’ve been getting a lot of emails from college students in the US these days. Whether it’s due to the political climate in the US, frustration with how their universities (or fellow students) handled the pandemic, or seeing ROI issues around US higher education first hand, these students are seeking alternatives.
Can I Use the GI Bill to Attend College in Europe?
There are 735 universities in continental Europe that offer English-taught bachelor’s and/or master’s degree programs. More than 220 of these schools accept the GI Bill.
10 Mind-Bending Career Benefits of Studying in Europe
Discover the 10 ways that studying abroad at European universities will transform your career and fast-track you to CEO.
Choosing Your Area of Study for Colleges in Europe
One of the biggest differences in applying to universities in Europe is that you are applying to a specific program, as opposed to applying to just the overall university, but this doesn’t mean that you must know exactly what you want to study.
Easing US College Admissions Woes: The European Advantage
The American dream is uniquely expensive when it comes to attending college, and stressful enough to prematurely age even the most optimistic applicant. But there’s hope.
College Beyond the States™ Book Updates
There have been some changes regarding schools in the book that I want to point out. Some are major admissions changes, while others are just things to keep on your radar if you are considering that particular school.
College in Europe: 9 Reasons to Study Abroad
Europe has amazing college options for American students, offering English-taught programs costing far less than you’d expect.
College in Europe: The Escape Plan From The Madness of the US
Why don’t more people opt out of this costly, stressful, and arbitrary system? I think it’s because many don’t know that there actually is a better way!
My Experience Visiting University College Cork
I can’t tell you how glad I am that we added Ireland! Though more expensive than most of the offerings in continental Europe, they are still less expensive than private universities in the United States.
Czech Student Life as An American Student
“My name is Claire, and I am studying Environmental Engineering at Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Czech Republic. I am currently in my second year having experience with both COVID and non COVID times.”
Degree Choices in Sustainability, Water, and Climate Change
These topics are viewed differently in many parts of continental Europe. They’re seen as opportunities for growth and learning.
Do European colleges have sports?
We sometimes get the question, “Will I miss out on sports by going to school in Europe?” The answer is, “No”, but the form may be different than what one expects.
5 Ideal Personality Traits for International Students
Though these qualities are all distinct, the combination of these traits is a crucial component for success as an international student in Europe.
Does the Travel Ban Affect Students Going to College in Europe?
First off, the ban does not apply to students. Secondly, and related to the first point, is that the ban is based on country of residence as opposed to citizenship
Enjoy High School by Planning to Attend College in Europe
I can only imagine how different the last three years of our lives would have been (as well as the next four) if we didn’t know about these alternatives.
Five Ways to Improve Your Cultural Diversity
I recognize that most Americans are not exposed to cultural diversity on a regular basis. How can those students develop the traits needed for success abroad?
Guide to College in Germany for International Students
Studying in Germany as an international student can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Germany is known for its high-quality education and research opportunities, and many international students choose to study there because of its reputation for excellence.
Global Citizenship: The Biggest Benefit to College in Europe
The benefits these students talked about seriously gave me goosebumps and made me so excited for the experiences my kids and your kids can have!
Going to College in Italy as an American Student
There are unique obstacles when applying to higher education in Italy. The first applies to master’s and bachelor’s degree students applying to both private and public universities.
The Study Abroad Guide to College Tuition in Europe
Since 1985, US college costs have surged by about 1000 percent, and tuition fees continue to rise. But in continental Europe, the average cost of all the 100% English-taught, accredited bachelor’s programs is just $7,390 per year.
Hidden Costs of US Colleges vs Hidden Savings of Colleges in Europe
Many of you may know that I now have kids in both the US and European higher education systems. My daughter Ellie is attending an in-state university in North Carolina (NCSU). My son is studying at a university in Prague, Czech Republic (AAU).
How a Small Hiccup Led to a Change in Plans for Sam
We are really starting to turn a corner here in much of Europe. Curves are flattening, restrictions are gradually and methodically being lifted, and we’re even starting to think about late summer travel possibilities.
How European Countries like Denmark Consider Costs
In good news, the Ministries are working with universities to improve educational outcomes pertaining to employability of international graduates.
How I’m Preparing My Kids for College in Europe
I’ve been thinking a lot about resilience lately. There will undoubtedly be things in life that knock our kids for a loop. They are also sure to make mistakes in life that will have consequences.
How long does it take to get an MBA? Far too long in the US.
For those contemplating an MBA, will taking on debt after college pay off long term? But what if there was an option that could bring the MBA in sooner for less money, and also contributed to your ability to land the job of your dreams?
How to Choose Which Country to Visit for College
As you may remember, we made plans to move to Malaysia in spring 2020. We applied for a visa, and Ellie and I spent an incredible six weeks looking at schools, apartments, and just exploring.
How to Fill the Missing Pieces of Your Transcript with Pre Master
We often hear from students who earned their bachelor’s in one area of study but are now interested in a master’s degree in a different field. We also hear from people who are interested in changing careers.
How to Get a Business Management Degree in Europe
“This is a very unique program, which allows us to study in three different countries, moving each year to a different campus they have around Europe.”
Study Nursing Abroad: Best English-Taught Nursing Programs in Europe
For a person with the right temperament, the Nursing profession is an excellent choice. But how does one become a Registered Nurse (RN)? How much does Nursing school cost in Europe? And will my foreign degree be recognized in the US?
How to Go to College in Belgium as an American
Today I have an update on Jared, the student from Chapel Hill we worked with who is now attending KU Leuven in Brussels, Belgium.
How to Prep for European College Admissions
In Europe, the admissions requirements are defined. The goal of is to meet their requirements, not to be better than all the other applicants in a number of different categories.
Why I have a hard time justifying $171,250 more just for the US social experience.
I recently started looking at the cost of college in Europe and found massive savings are possible.
Erasmus Program: Study Abroad in Multiple Countries
Unlike the US university system, which views studying abroad as an opportunity to generate high fees from unwitting students, the European study abroad is promoted by the EU who puts money INTO encouraging students to study in outside their home country.
Why hasn’t the idea of college in Europe caught on?
If you are already exploring the option of college in Europe, you likely have what sociologist Mark Granovetter refers to as a “low threshold”.
Hungary: Options for International College Students
I’ve learned about some amazing programs for international students to study in Hungary, discovered the Hungarian flatbreads called langos, and finally understood the appeal of Budapest!
Important Terms to Know About European Colleges
When I started to document the colleges in Europe with English-taught degree programs, I realized that there were many terms and concepts I needed to understand before I could delve in too deeply.
International Studies vs Relations at Leiden University
Because our programs are two of the most popular English programs at Leiden University and on the surface level may seem similar, we want to break down some of the ways they are distinct.
Internships: The Ultimate Advantage of College in Europe
One thing that sets bachelor’s programs in Europe apart from those in the US is that most programs in Europe have at least one semester set aside for an internship.
Is College in Europe Safe?
I often get questions from parents about whether it is safe to send their kids to college in Europe. Granted, this question usually comes from parents who probably won’t send their kids overseas anyway, but safety is certainly something that is on most of our minds these days.
Leaving Friends while Traveling Abroad
“I am going to talk about my experience with leaving friends behind when I moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Maastricht in the Netherlands.”
Life in Brussels, Belgium as an American Student
Brussels was not my favorite city in Europe. But recently, I spent some time with friends to find out their opinions on student life in Brussels. See why I changed my mind.
Moving from California to France: Toulouse Business School
“Before university, in California I worked full time and didn’t want to jump into the rest of my life too soon, so I decided to once again enroll in school but this time overseas.”
My Personal Travel Experiences as a Student in Europe
This week’s post is written by one of our student ambassadors. Sam (yes, that Sam…) is from North Carolina is a student at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Navigating College in Europe with Ellie
We have put less emphasis on exploring specific schools or programs over the last years, and more time thinking about areas of study that match her interests.
Review: Nova School of Business and Economics in Portugal
Portugal has done a great job at positioning itself as a wonderful place for expats and has created several initiatives to lure people to move to the country. So, it is surprising that this isn’t done at the higher education level yet.
Save $1000’s on a STEM Degree by Going to College in Europe
Of the 3,443 bachelor’s degree programs in the Beyond the States database, 33% are in STEM fields. In our master’s database, 38% of the programs are STEM.
How to Avoid Senioritis Like the Plague
As a high school senior, you’re probably counting down the days until graduation and looking forward to the next stage of your life. But for many students, the final months of senior year can be a challenging time.
Should You Move Abroad?
The most significant things I’ve learned through this experience are more around how I want to approach life than anything else.
Student Life at HU University in Utrecht, Netherlands
My name is Taylor Petersen, I am from Washington State and a first-year student at Hogeschool Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU). I am attending school here in Utrecht, Netherlands and today I am going to talk about my program, Creative Business.
Why You Shouldn’t Study Abroad for a Semester
Study abroad programs, like many aspects of the US college experience, tend to be unnecessarily expensive when compared with direct enrollment in a European school.
The Beyond the States Timeline to College in Europe
Alright, if you’ve stumbled here, then you’re at least curious about getting your English-taught college degree in Europe – or you may be further along than that, and ready to start the planning process.
Studying Abroad in Utrecht, Netherlands
“Why did I choose college in Europe? This is a question I get a lot, and often I am not sure how to respond other than simply, why not?” Read more on Taylor’s journey to studying overseas in the medieval city of Utrecht, Netherlands.
The Best Places to Study Abroad in Europe
The tremendous study abroad opportunities you’ll find while getting your full degree in Europe are one reason we encourage international students looking at degrees abroad not to have tunnel vision on one single European destination for their main program. Yep, you can study abroad while already studying abroad!
The College Experience in Utrecht, Netherlands
“After being exposed to BTS through a family friend, I began growing curious of what other opportunities could be out there for me.”
The Fast Track to a Health Sciences Careers in Europe
Are you considering a career in health sciences? Have you thought about the option to study medicine in Europe? Europe offers many programs that combine a bachelor’s degree with an advanced degree in areas like medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy.
The Fight Against the US Admissions Rat Race
Other than the already sky-high and still increasing tuition, another concern I had about sending my own kids to universities in the US was the high-stress admissions process.
Holidays for an American College Student in Europe
Thanksgiving can be a bit hard for first year students in Europe. It’s just like any other day with classes and student sometimes are a bit homesick by this time. So what are their options?
The Maastricht Science Program in the Netherlands
I will delve into its offered subjects/directions, its unique student-chosen curriculum, and lastly, how its academic year is laid out.
The Power Behind Problem-Based Learning in Europe
Part of the PBL process teaches students to debate their differences of opinion in respectful and elicit meaningful discussion. If only every college aged student could learn those skills!
The Story of Kyle in the Netherlands
“Deciding to leave everything behind and move to Europe took every ounce of courage I had, but it has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Below, I’ll walk you through the basics of my study program.”
College in Europe: Your Guide to English-Taught Degrees
More and more students are heading to Europe for college, and for good reason. Learn how to apply to colleges in Europe with this powerful guide.
Master’s in Europe: Your Guide to English-Taught Degrees
Getting a masters degree in Europe is an exciting and powerful way to improve your career prospects. We created this guide to help you get into grad school in Europe.
The Homeschooler’s Guide to College in Europe
The face of homeschool has changed a lot over the years. Learn how to deal with some of the obstacles you may face as a homeschooler and prepare your kids for college in Europe.
Thoughts on Central European University
You have likely heard of George Soros, the American billionaire, who was born in Hungary. While there are many newsworthy stories about him, one that I find fascinating pertains to his involvement with Central European University.
Timeline to College in Europe | 10th Graders
I’m in 10th Grade…What should I do now to learn about and plan for college in Europe?
Timeline to College in Europe | 11th Graders
I’m in 11th Grade…What should I do now to learn about and plan for college in Europe?
Timeline to College in Europe | 12th Graders
I’m in 12th Grade…What should I do now to learn about and plan for college in Europe?
Timeline to College in Europe | 9th Graders
I’m in 9th Grade…What should I do now to learn about and plan for college in Europe?
Timeline to College in Europe | Getting a Master’s Degree
GETTING A MASTER’S DEGREE IN EUROPE…Where do I start?
UK Schools are NOT on Our Radar: Here’s Why
Our passion at Beyond the States is to provide American families with solutions to the problems we face in the US, be it the cost, expectations for admissions, undergraduate experience, or employment issues after graduation. Here are the reasons UK schools don’t fit with our focus and why we won’t be listing them.
Ups and Downs of Expat Life, a Real Perspective from a Parent
I have to tell you-living abroad can be hard! I’m sometimes reluctant to talk about the struggles, for fear that it implies that we regret moving abroad (which we don’t).
Visiting Utrecht, Netherlands: How it Changed My Mind about College in the US
Why is there is not a greater emphasis on solving world issues? Is it because, as a country, we are geographically separated from much of the world, limiting our exposure?
What Can You Do With a Degree in Sustainability Studies?
As you may know, students in Europe apply to a specific field of study, which is like knowing their major ahead of time. This sometimes scares students, because they see it as choosing a career. This is a misconception though.
What I Learned About College in the Baltic Countries
A trip that helped me realize that there are some important questions students should look into when exploring a particular school or program in Baltic countries.
What is Academic Life in Europe Really Like?
I talk conceptually about the differences between academic life in the US and in Europe quite a bit. It can be difficult to wrap our brains around though. I thought it might be helpful to tell you a bit about what academic life looks like for my son, Sam, and other students in the International Studies program at Leiden University.
Everything About Denmark’s Friday Bars
Each Friday at noon, the academic departments or students themselves set up bars in a classroom or canteen in the building with beer and soft drinks.
What is “Winning” in College Admissions?
Certainly, the cost savings elements of college in Europe appeals to all of us first, but it’s there’s much more to it than that.
What It’s Like to Have Your Children Attend College in Europe
I don’t know about you, but when I went to college, we tied all sorts of stuff to the roof of our car and my parents helped me move in to the dorms.