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Full Service
Guaranteed Admissions

Guaranteed Admissions Bundle

The program selection & admissions process can be time-consuming, stressful & complex. For students & parents seeking tailored services, this package eases you through the entire process, helping you avoid the dreaded rejection letter, guaranteed.
$ 2,495 
$ 3,500 
Per Student
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Best Fit List Ultimate Bundle

This hyper-targeted Best Fit List uncovers the specific European colleges & programs that are a best match for your personality, budget, major, & geographic preferences – plus a one-on-one call with your admissions advisor, all courses, and lifetime access.
$ 995 
$ 2,000 
Per Student
Special Offer
Pay Once for Lifetime Access
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Do It Yourself

Premium Monthly Membership

Access a powerful database of 11,600 English-taught programs, plus online courses to help you master the program selection & college admissions process. Apply geographic, tuition, & area of study filters that reveal ideal matches, instantly.
$ 49 
$ 74 
Per Month
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Monthly
Premium Membership
Build your own list of programs.
Hire a Pro
Best Fit List Bundle
Hire us to do the heavy lifting.
Full Service
Get In, Guaranteed
Avoid the rejection letter.
Core Features
Full Database Access
Strict Budget Filters
Bachelor's Degrees
Master's Degrees
Bachelor's only.
Facebook Group Access
Call with Student in Europe
Online Courses
College Selection Course
Major Selection Course
Admissions Course
Netherlands Course
Business Programs Course
Study in Europe Masterclass
Help From Experts
Best Fit List with 3-5 Programs
$399 Add-on
Best Fit List Onboarding Session
$249 Add-on
Best Fit List Delivery Session
$249 Add-on
Add'l One-on-One Sessions
$249 Add-on
$249 Add-on
3 Included
Hyper-Targeted Program Search
DIY
Geographic Matching
DIY
Personality Matching
DIY
Budget Matching
DIY
Motivation Letter Reviews
$299 Add-on
$299 Add-on
Additional Email Support
Money-Back Guarantee
Total Value
$ 74 
$ 2,000 
$ 3,500 
Your Investment
$ 49 
Per month
$ 995 
One-time
$ 2,495 
One-time
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To buy individual services without a membership, click here. If you're a school or business, see business memberships.

Students that use Beyond the States get matched with their dream program, saving them thousands on tuition.

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Online Courses Included

The landscape can be confusing and frustrating, but it doesn't have to be. We designed these courses to help parents and students navigate through the entire process so you can pinpoint your perfect program and breeze through college admissions.
Online Courses
Masterclass
Free Preview
Choosing A University
by Jennifer Viemont
This 4-part course helps you determine your own criteria for choosing a program and school. We cover quantifiable criteria around budget, admissions requirements, and fields of study. We also discuss what to look for (and red flags) in schools, programs, locations, and student life.
Free Preview
How to Choose A Major
by Jennifer Viemont
This 3-part course is helpful even if you’re pretty sure what you want to study. Through lessons and exercises, you’ll learn how your unique interests translate into the different study areas in Europe, and which programs you’re most aligned with.
Free Preview
Admissions In Europe
by Jennifer Viemont
This popular 4-part course helps you understand Europe’s entirely different admissions process. We go through the differing admissions requirements of different countries, address potential obstacles, headaches, and solutions, and walk through the motivation letter and CV.
Free Preview
Business Programs
by Jennifer Viemont
4 lessons cover the similarities and differences of business programs at research universities, universities of applied science, and business schools. Learn about accreditations, admissions, and specific programs with unique offerings.
Free Preview
All About Netherlands
by Jennifer Viemont
A popular 7-lesson course due to the number and range of English-taught bachelor’s degree options in The Netherlands. Covers basic and specific information about the Dutch universities, academic life, student life, housing, admissions, and financial considerations.
Free Preview
On Your Mark

Masterclass by Jennifer Viemont

At the end of this six week course, you should have an understanding of why you want to study in Europe (beyond cost) as well as how to explore any remaining concerns. You'll cement knowledge of areas of study that align with their interests, preferably those the combine more than one interest area. Get an understanding of the strengths they already have as well as those they need to cultivate to succeed as an international student.
Free Preview
Get Set

Masterclass by Jennifer Viemont

This 3-week Masterclass covers European university application terms, timelines, and processes that U.S. students and high school counselors may not be familiar with. It will help you determine what you need to apply, how to gather those items, how to be sure those items meet the university specifications, a timeline for each of the European schools they will apply to, and how to write a motivation letter.
Masterclass are included in the Best Fit List Service and Full Service bundles only. They are not available for separate purchase.

FAQ

Common Questions

DIY

What's included in the Premium Membership?

Database Access

The DIY path allows you to browse thousands of accredited European programs taught in English. You won't have to bounce around hundreds of institutional websites in foreign languages, nor will you need to depend on free listing services that promote sponsored listings that may not be accredited at all. With Beyond the States, you'll find all the accredited English-taught programs in one place.

Online Courses

Beyond access to the only database of 11,400 English-taught programs in Europe, you'll get access to online courses to help you master the program selection & college admissions process. You'll learn how to discover your ideal area of study, which countries work for your needs, how to consider tuition, and many other topics that help you reveal your ideal matches, instantly.

While friends, social media, or online portals can be helpful, their information can be limited or biased. Our self-paced courses provide a deep dive into topics with action steps to complete along the way, guiding you through the often confusing European college landscape so you can avoid frustration and disappointment.

You'll get access to 5 self-paced courses:

  • Choosing a University – This 4-part course helps you determine your own criteria for choosing a program and school. We cover quantifiable criteria around budget, admissions requirements, and fields of study. We also discuss what to look for (and red flags) in schools, programs, locations, and student life.
  • Admissions in Europe – This popular 4-part course helps you understand Europe’s entirely different admissions process. We go through the differing admissions requirements of different countries, address potential obstacles, headaches, and solutions, and walk through the motivation letter and CV.
  • How to Choose a Major – This 3-part course is helpful even if you’re pretty clear about what you want to study. Through lessons and exercises, you’ll learn how your unique interests translate into the different study areas in Europe, and which programs you’re most aligned with.
  • All About the Netherlands – This is a popular 7-lesson course due to the notable number and range of English-taught college degree options in the Netherlands. Covers basic and specific information about the Dutch universities, academic life, student life, housing, admissions, and financial considerations.
  • Business Programs – 4 lessons cover the similarities and differences of business programs at research universities, universities of applied science, and business schools. Learn about accreditation, admissions, and specific programs with unique offerings.

These are self-paced video courses with full transcriptions available.

Private Facebook Group

After purchasing the product, you'll receive an email with a link to the Facebook group. Simply request to join the group and you'll be prompted to enter the email you used to sign up. Alternatively, you can also sign up for the group in the My Account section on our website - from there, click Community. Your request will be promptly approved and you'll now be a part of the Facebook community. Help is plentiful, with parents and students from all over the country providing instant feedback on your most pressing questions.

BEST FIT LIST

What included in the Best Fit List Ultimate Bundle?

This popular service, for Bachelor’ and Master’s prospects, is the cream of the crop. We use our expertise in creating a customized list of 3-5 programs just for you - based on the details of a comprehensive intake form you submit that digs deep into your needs, preferences, area(s) of study, budget, educational background, and on. Each Best Fit List Service is billed on a per student basis. You can order additional lists for additional students at any time.

Additional to everything included in the DIY package (see above), this service includes:

Best Fit List Service

Our BFL offering essentially allows us to pull the weight if you’re uninterested or unable to do the research, are in a time-crunch, or just need extra reinforcement when considering and choosing programs in Europe. The service includes:

  • Details and links to each program
  • Tuition, admissions, concentration options
  • Course and degree requirements
  • Internship & study abroad opportunities
  • Geographic & campus information
  • Housing info & considerations
  • Application advice & potential issues
  • Post-graduate employment information.
  • and more!

Preview a Best Fit List here.

One-on-One Session

After purchase, you will receive instant access to a comprehensive intake form as well as a booking link to schedule your call. You can elect to fill out the survey form before the call and review it during the call, or you can fill it out after the initial call to ensure you give us all the details in full. During the call we'll review each program from the list, the reasoning behind each one, and provide actionable advice on admissions, country requirements, and travel.

Best Fit List Delivery Time

Since we run thorough research for each student, including personality profiles and budgeting considerations, a Best Fit List takes 21 days (3 weeks) or less to deliver. You'll may receive an email if we have additional questions. You'll get an email with final delivery of your list.

Masterclass

Additional to the standard courses, the Best Fit List package includes access to our Masterclass. These are separated into two:

  • On Your Mark – At the end of this six week course, you should have an understanding of why you want to study in Europe (beyond cost) as well as how to explore any remaining concerns. You'll cement knowledge of areas of study that align with your interests, preferably those that combine more than one interest area. Get an understanding of the strengths you already have as well as those you need cultivate in order to succeed as an international student.
  • Get Set – This 3-week Masterclass covers European university application terms, timelines, and processes that U.S. students and high school counselors may not be familiar with. It will help you determine what you need to apply, how to gather those items, how to be sure those items meet the university specifications, a timeline for each of the European schools you'll apply to, and how to write a motivation letter.
GET IN, GUARANTEED

What included in the Guaranteed Admissions Bundle?

This full service package, for Bachelor’s prospects only, is the dream. We use our expertise in creating a customized list of 3-5 programs just for you - based on the details of a comprehensive intake form you submit that digs deep into your needs, preferences, area(s) of study, budget, educational background, and on. We then guide you through the entire admissions process and provide additional services to guarantee admission into one of the programs we selected for you. Each Best Fit List Service is billed on a per student basis. You can order additional lists for additional students at any time.

Additional to everything included in the Best Fit List Service (see above), this service includes:

5 x One-on-One Sessions

2 x Best Fit List Calls

You get two one-on-one consultation sessions, an onboarding call to discuss your intake form plus a follow up call to discuss the options we selected for you.

After purchase, you will receive instant access to a comprehensive intake form as well as a booking link to schedule your first call. You can elect to fill out the survey form before the call and review it during the call, or you can fill it out after the initial call to ensure you give us all the details in full.

After delivery of your list, you will receive a booking link to schedule a discussion call. During this one-on-one sessions, we'll review each program from the list, the reasoning behind each one, and provide actionable advice on admissions, country requirements, and travel.

3 x Additional Calls

Beyond the calls related to the Best Fit List, you'll get 3 additional calls that'll cover admissions and any other pressing issues you may encounter along the way. You'll be provided with 3 booking links that'll grant you direct access to Kristin Hamaker (our chief college advisor) calendar. You are free to utilize them when you need them most, although we'll recommend key moments in which we should begin discussions.

Best Fit List Delivery Time

Since we run thorough research for each student, including personality profiles and budgeting considerations, a Best Fit List takes 21 days (3 weeks) or less to deliver. You'll may receive an email if we have additional questions. You'll get an email with final delivery of your list.

Masterclass

Additional to the standard courses provided with the DIY package, the Best Fit List package includes access to our Masterclass. These are separated into two:

  • On Your Mark – At the end of this six week course, you should have an understanding of why you want to study in Europe (beyond cost) as well as how to explore any remaining concerns. You'll cement knowledge of areas of study that align with your interests, preferably those that combine more than one interest area. Get an understanding of the strengths you already have as well as those you need cultivate in order to succeed as an international student.
  • Get Set – This 3-week Masterclass covers European university application terms, timelines, and processes that U.S. students and high school counselors may not be familiar with. It will help you determine what you need to apply, how to gather those items, how to be sure those items meet the university specifications, a timeline for each of the European schools you'll apply to, and how to write a motivation letter.

These are self-paced video courses with full transcriptions available.

Call with Student in Europe

We'll put you in touch with a student in Europe so you can discuss their day in the life, as well as their entire admissions process. We cannot guarantee that they'll be from the exact university you'll be applying to, but rest assured that we'll do our best efforts. We have hundreds of students scattered all over Europe!

Email Support & Correspondence

With the full service package, you'll have access 5 email correspondences with 5 Q&As in each. This means we'll be able to answer a total of 25 questions via email, should you need them. This service helps you resolve any underlying concerns and avoid common mistakes throughout the process.

BEST FIT LIST

Can I see a preview of a Best Fit List?

Absolutely! To see a preview of a Best Fit List, click here.

Please note that Best Fit Lists are produced based on personality, career goals, geographic matching, and budget requirements, and require extensive research on country and college requirements, including admissions, proof of means, and many other variables that only years of experience can cover.

FACEBOOK GROUP

How can I get access to the Facebook group?

After purchasing any of the plans, you'll receive an email with a link to the Facebook group. Simply request to join the group and you'll be prompted to enter the email you used to sign up. Alternatively, you can also sign up for the group in the My Account section on our website - from there, click Community. Your request will be promptly approved and you'll now be a part of the Facebook community. Help is plentiful, with parents and students from all over the country providing instant feedback on your most pressing questions.

CONSULTATIONS

What are One-on-One Sessions?

Talk with Kristin

For added support and reassurance, some services include a 45-minute 1:1 consultation call with Beyond the States founder and Chief College Advisor, Kristin Hamaker. You can discuss any pressing questions, and glean from her expert guidance. You can also book a separate call by buying the add-on by itself.

Best Fit Lists Sessions

These include 2 calls. One onboarding call to discuss your personality and needs, and another to discuss your Best Fit List. This helps ensure your list of programs is pinpoint accurate to your needs.

Call Format

Calls will be held via Google Meet. To join the call, you'll need a computer with a working internet browser with microphone and video permissions. You can also join the call from the phone if you have Google Meet installed. If all else fails, you'll have numbers available on the calendar invite that you can call. You can reschedule the call directly from the calendar invite we send you, so long as it's not within the same day. Otherwise, this will be considered a non-refundable no-show.

You can bring others on the call, as long as you're within the same family group. Bring your mom, dad, daughter, son, or anyone else involved in your decision-making. You can add more people to the call by clicking 'Add guests' in the booking link. They don't have to be on the same computer or phone to join.

Talk with Students

Looking for a 1:1 with one of our student ambassadors in Europe? Get the full service package and get connected with students attending universities you may be interested in.

DATABASE

Are all the programs in the database really in English?

Yes! Not only are the programs taught entirely in English, but all out-of-class and homework materials are in English as well. Keep in mind too, that for the most part, the level of English proficiency is generally high in each of the countries represented in our database. Thankfully, you'll be surrounded by international students that are all in the same boat as you.

DATABASE

What countries & areas of study are reflected in the database?

Areas of Study

Agriculture, Architecture and Related Services, Biological and Physical Sciences, Business and Economics, Communications and Journalism, Computer Science, Information Science, and Technology, Education and Child Development, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences, Erasmus Mundus Program, Health Sciences, Humanities, Human Services, Liberal Arts, Math and Statistics, Social Science, Transportation, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Design, and Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure. Each expands into more specific areas of study, of which there are 212 in total.

Countries

The database includes English-taught programs from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

We don't include the UK in our database and materials. Our database and resources strictly reflect accredited, English-taught schools across continental Europe and in Ireland. 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.

UK schools don't necessarily qualify for our mission since they often have similarly high-tuition costs to the US, similarly flawed admissions processes, and fewer post-college opportunities due to Brexit. Read more in this blog post we did on the subject.

MOTIVATION LETTERS

What are motivation letters & why should I have it reviewed?

The motivation letter is a document that is sometimes required during the admissions process. It asks you to describe your competence as well as your personal motivations for pursuing a particular area of study at a specific university.

A motivation letter that slaps will swoon admissions faculty, so you need to ensure it leaves a lasting impression. But with so little resources available online, how will you know what they're looking for? What type of wording resonates well with European colleges? And how will you make sure your motivation letter is memorable enough for quick approval by the degree of your choice? This is where we come in. Having gone through the process ourselves and speaking to admissions experts from dozens of schools, we know how to tailor your motivation letter for admissions success.

NOTE: We'll be using our expertise to offer changes and suggestions, but we won't be rewriting it entirely.

The full service package includes a Motivation Letter Review for each of the colleges you apply to from the Best Fit List. Each Motivation Letter Review includes one round of revisions via email. Additional revision rounds require you purchase an additional Motivation Letter Review to your account.

GET IN, GUARANTEED

What is the money back guarantee?

Our Full Service Package guarantees that you'll get into at least one of the colleges and programs from the Best Fit List that we produce. This is why we include 5 consultation calls on the service, to ensure you get matched with the perfect programs that meet your aspirations, needs, and strict budget requirements. To qualify for the money back guarantee, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a tuition budget of at least $7500 per year.
  • You must not disqualify more than 5 countries from your Best Fit List.
  • You must apply to at least 2 of your Best Fit List college programs that we selected for you.
  • Have or plan to have an accredited high school diploma.
  • 2.75 Minimum GPA

If you decide to not apply or discontinue the application process for any of the colleges that we selected, you will not qualify for the money-back guarantee. We will discuss this process during the onboarding call to ensure we select college programs that you'll love.

On all other services and products, due to the nature of digital access and our services, we are unable to offer refunds or guarantees under any circumstances.

With 3200+ Bachelor's and 8200+ Master's programs, we're sure you'll find the one ideal program for you or your family members, and we're happy to guide your most pressing questions. If you can't find your ideal degree, please reach out to us for personalized search guidance. Bear in mind, there are no refunds products and services, except for the Get In, Guaranteed™ service, but we will provide extra help to ensure you get what you're looking for.

PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP

Can you give me details on the Facebook group?

Absolutely! Help is plentiful, with parents and students from all over the country providing instant feedback on your most pressing questions.

After purchasing the product, you'll receive an email with a link to the Facebook group. Simply request to join the group and you'll be prompted to enter the email you used to sign up. Alternatively, you can also sign up for the group in the My Account section on our website - from there, click Community. Your request will be promptly approved and you'll now be a part of the Facebook community.

You can keep access to the Facebook group for life.

ADMISSIONS

Do I need APs to study in Europe?

Some European colleges and universities do require APs, and this is because of the difference in high-school diplomas, but most programs across Europe do not have this requirement. Thankfully, you can filter for programs in our database that don't require APs for admissions.

GENERAL

Why should I study in Europe?

If you’re looking for a viable alternative to college in the US, either because you’re pursuing an affordable degree, and/or an admissions process that is transparent and accessible allowing you to opt out of the US college admissions rat race and exorbitant tuition costs, then a college degree in Europe may be just what you need.

Beyond cost-savings and straightforward admissions, you will surely also benefit from Europe’s access to travel, international experience and path to global citizenship, high-quality programs and employment perks of being an international student in Europe, and many other rewards that come with this unique experience.  

GENERAL

How do I apply to colleges in Europe?

The process for admissions at European colleges is relatively straightforward, and we offer resources for each step of the journey:

  1. Be aware of admissions requirements that different countries have and plan accordingly.  
  2. Follow your interests as opposed to padding your resume.
  3. Meet the admissions requirements.
  4. Don’t get caught up in the admissions stress around you.
GENERAL

Will my degree from a European college work in the US?

Yes, in fact it may offer you better career prospects. There is strong evidence that the name of the university matters very little in the hiring process, and this becomes even more true with there is relevant experience (including internships) on the applicant’s resume. Certainly the soft skills gained by studying outside of your home country is something that employers are looking for, and these could be highlighted in a cover letter.

Professions that require licensure are a different matter., and may require a few extra steps when you return to the US. These include many careers related to health care, education, social work, psychology, law, and architecture. There are some fields of study, like education, that really do need study completed in the country in which you intend to work. If you want to be a teacher in the US, you need to learn about the curriculum and policies specific to the US. In fact, the majority of the English-taught education type programs in Europe focus on teaching at international schools as opposed to the education system in that country. A university in Finland, for instance, wouldn’t have an education program about the Finnish education system taught in English because teachers in Finland need to be fluent in Finnish.

Read more about whether or not a degree from Europe will work in the US.

UNDERGRADUATE

Are there Bachelor's degrees in Europe that are taught in English?

Yes, there are over 3400 of accredited, 100% English-taught undergraduate degrees to choose from across Europe; no foreign language required. More and more students from the US, and other countries, are heading to Europe for higher ed opportunities, and for good reason - there are so many affordable, high-quality English-taught programs that offer something…more.  

GRADUATE

Are there Master's degrees in Europe that are taught in English?

Yes, there are over 8,000 of accredited, 100% English-taught master’s degrees to choose from across Europe; no foreign language required. More and more students from the US, and other countries, are heading to Europe for higher ed opportunities, and for good reason - there are so many affordable, high-quality English-taught programs that offer something…more.  

FINANCIAL AID

Can I get financial aid as a US student in Europe?

While many schools in Europe work with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), many do not. However, sometimes they offer other funding opportunities. At most schools in the Netherlands, for instance, incoming international students can apply for the merit-based Holland Scholarship, which is a one-time payment of 5,000 euros. And in France, all students— including international students—can receive a housing subsidy, called CAF, of around 100 euros per month. Finland just recently began charging international students tuition fees; however, along with the fees came a mandate that every school offer scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships are generally a merit-based tuition waiver for anywhere from 25-100% of tuition. Note: our database of schools offers a filter for schools that have a FAFSA #, and our listings often include other financial support opportunities for that school.

So what happens if you have money saved in a 529 account and the European school you want to go to doesn’t have a FAFSA number? Here’s a podcast episode we did on this very topic. Super insightful!  

TUITION

Why is college in Europe so cheap?

Europe considers education to be a right, not a privilege. That's why they subsidize college and promote a stronger work-force, which will then pay taxes as a productive citizen. Typically, a European country will recover college expenses after 9 years, even when you factor in that many students are international.

In continental Europe, the average cost of all the English-taught bachelor’s programs is just $7,390 per year. Since 1985, US college costs have surged by about 1000 percent, and tuition and fees continue to rise. Even when you factor in the cost of travel, going to college in Europe if often cheaper than one year of tuition at a state college in the US.

Looking for add-ons?

Choose from these one-off options below.
One-on-One
Popular

One-on-One Consultation

Have any pressing questions? Need expert guidance? Throw down with the best, in real time. Hop on a direct video call with chief college advisor Kristin Hamaker to discuss your college and program search, as well as important things to watch out for.
$ 249 
$ 349 
Per Call
Limited Slots Available
Reserve your spot immediately!
Buy This Package
  • 45-Minute One-on-One Session.
  • Talk directly with Kristin Hamaker.
  • Get hints, tips, and actionable advice.
  • Recorded for you to review later.
  • Invite multiple guests.
One-on-One
Popular

One-on-One Consultation

Have any pressing questions? Need expert guidance? Throw down with the best, in real time. Hop on a direct video call with chief college advisor Kristin Hamaker to discuss your college and program search, as well as important things to watch out for.
$ 349 
Per Call
Limited Slots Available
Reserve your spot immediately!
Buy This Package
  • 45-Minute One-on-One Session.
  • Talk directly with Kristin Hamaker.
  • Get hints, tips, and actionable advice.
  • Recorded for you to review later.
  • Invite multiple guests.
  • or save $100 when you become a member.
Find Your North

Best Fit List Matching Service

This hyper-targeted Best Fit List uncovers the specific European colleges & programs that are a best match for your personality, budget, major, & geographic preferences so you can avoid the mistakes behind choosing your program.
$ 399 
$ 599 
Per Student
Special Offer
Receive a survey link after purchase.
Buy This Package
  • Indicate your preferences.
  • Get a list of 3-5 programs.
  • Bachelor's and Master's produced by your expert advisor
Find Your North

Best Fit List Matching Service

This hyper-targeted Best Fit List uncovers the specific European colleges & programs that are a best match for your personality, budget, major, & geographic preferences so you can avoid the mistakes behind choosing your program.
$ 599 
Per Student
Regular Price
Receive a survey link after purchase.
Buy This Package
  • Indicate your preferences.
  • Get a list of 3-5 programs.
  • Produced by Kristin Hamaker.
  • Save $200 as a member or buy a bundle.
Stand Out

Motivation Letter Review

A motivation letter that swoons admissions faculty will ensure you leave a lasting impression and receive a quick decision. Add some sparkle to your application, ensure your motivation letter stands out from the rest, and set yourself up for admissions success.
$ 299 
$ 399 
Per Letter
Special Offer
Receive a survey link after purchase.
Buy This Package
  • Submit your current motivation letter.
  • Get it professionally reviewed.
  • Receive a free revision round.
  • Drastically improves your chances.
Stand Out

Motivation Letter Review

A motivation letter that swoons admissions faculty will ensure you leave a lasting impression and receive a quick decision. Add some sparkle to your application, ensure your motivation letter stands out from the rest, and set yourself up for admissions success.
$ 399 
Per Letter
Regular Price
Receive a survey link after purchase.
Buy This Package
  • Submit your current motivation letter.
  • Get it professionally reviewed.
  • Receive a free revision round.
  • Drastically improves your chances.
  • or save $100 when you become a member.

With Beyond the States, you're family.

Meet Your College Advisor

Kristin Hamaker

Kristin Hamaker

Chief College Advisor
As an admittedly counter-culture parent to a college-bound kid, and armed with a creative writing degree and an entrepreneurial past herself, she naturally joined the BTS team as a writer and advocate and general right-hand.

Not interested in a membership?

Buy individual services.

One-on-One
Popular

One-on-One Consultation

Have any pressing questions? Need expert guidance? Throw down with the best, in real time. Hop on a direct video call with chief college advisor Kristin Hamaker to discuss your college and program search, as well as important things to watch out for.
$ 349 
Per Call
Limited Slots Available
Reserve your spot immediately!
Book a One-on-One
Buy Now
Find Your North

Best Fit List Matching Service

This hyper-targeted Best Fit List uncovers the specific European colleges & programs that are a best match for your personality, budget, major, & geographic preferences so you can avoid the mistakes behind choosing your program.
$ 599 
Per Student
Regular Price
Receive a survey link after purchase.
Buy Now
Stand Out

Motivation Letter Review

A motivation letter that swoons admissions faculty will ensure you leave a lasting impression and receive a quick decision. Add some sparkle to your application, ensure your motivation letter stands out from the rest, and set yourself up for admissions success.
$ 399 
Per Letter
Regular Price
Receive a survey link after purchase.
Request a Motivation Letter Review
Buy Now

Discover all the English-taught European college programs in one place.

Beyond the States provides easy access to 11,600+ European bachelor's and master's programs across 870 universities, 550 cities, and 212 areas of study, plus all the resources you need to get there. No sponsorships. No bias.
3400+
English-taught bachelor's programs in our database.
8200+
English-taught master's programs in our database.
550
Beautiful European cities to choose from.
870
Top-tier universities accepting international students.
332,948
Typical savings against a private university in the US.
60,123
Typical savings against in-state tuition in the US.
All inclusive of tuition, living, food, books, health insurance, travel expenses, as well as hidden fees. Compiled with data from students and the official websites from KU Leuven, UNC, and Duke.

FAQ

Common Questions

Best Fit Lists

What are Best Fit Lists?

This popular service, for Bachelor’ and Master’s prospects, is the cream of the crop. We use our expertise in creating a customized list of 3-5 programs just for you - based on the details of a comprehensive intake form you submit that digs deep into your needs, preferences, area(s) of study, budget, educational background, and on. Every Best Fit List includes:

  • Details and links to each program
  • Tuition, admissions, concentration options
  • Course and degree requirements
  • Internship & study abroad opportunities
  • Geographic & campus information
  • Housing info & considerations
  • Application advice & potential issues
  • Post-graduate employment information.
  • and more!

Our BFL offering essentially allows us to pull the weight if you’re uninterested or unable to do the research, are in a time-crunch, or just need extra reinforcement when considering and choosing programs in Europe. 

Lifetime members get one free Best Fit List service for one student.

Best Fit Lists

How quickly are Best Fit Lists delivered?

Since we run thorough research for each student, including personality profiles and budgeting considerations, each list takes 21 days (3 weeks) or less to deliver. You will receive instant access to a comprehensive intake form, and you'll get an email if we have additional questions. After that, you'll get an email with final delivery of your list.

Best Fit Lists

Are Best Fit Lists available after signing up?

Yes! You can order your first list, or even additional lists, after signing up for a monthly or yearly membership. If you sign up for a lifetime membership, you get one Best Fit List included for one student. Exciting! 

Best Fit Lists

Are Best Fit Lists for one student?

Each Best Fit List is billed on a per student basis. You can order additional lists for additional students upon signing up or after signing up.

Community

What are the monthly Q & As?

This is a member-only resource that lets you ask any question and get it publicly answered at the end of the month in a Q&A blog post.

Questions submitted before the 15th of every month will be answered publicly at the end of the month in a Q&A blog post. All members will be notified via email. 

Please note, not all questions may be answered. We are not able to make specific country, city, school, or program recommendations here, nor provide financial or career advice. 

For more personalized recommendations, we recommend the Best Fit List or a One-on-One consultation. Both are available in your member Dashboard on our website.

Please submit one question at a time. For additional questions, click on Submit Another or refresh the page.

Community

Can I cancel my membership and keep access?

Your access and benefits are valid for as long as you are a member. If you cancel renewal, your access and benefits, including access to the Facebook group, are valid up until the expiration date of your membership, which is usually 1 or 12 months after you signed up, depending on your payment plan.

Community

How can I get access to the Facebook group?

After you sign up for a membership, you'll receive an email with a link to the Facebook group. Simply request to join the group and you'll be prompted to enter the email you used to sign up. Alternatively, you can also sign up for the group in the My Account section on our website - from there, click Community. Your request will be promptly approved and you'll now be a part of the Facebook community. Help is plentiful, with parents and students from all over the country providing instant feedback on your most pressing questions.

Consultations

Do I need a computer to be on the call?

No, you can join the call from a phone using the Google Meet app or call in using the number from the calendar invite.

Consultations

What are consultations?

For added support and reassurance, you can book a 45-minute 1:1 consultation call with Beyond the States Chief College Advisor, Kristin Hamaker. You can discuss any pressing questions, and glean from her expert guidance. Calls are held via Google Meet. 

 Looking for a 1:1 with one of our student ambassadors in Europe? We’re currently shaping this offering, which is similar to the calls with Kristin. Stay tuned for an announcement on this! 

Consultations

What days can I book the call for?

Availability will vary based on Kristin's schedule. You can see her availability using the booking link.

Consultations

How can I book a consultation?

For those who aren't members (yet!), go here to book your consultation. For members, click My Account in the top menu of our site's page, and book your discounted add-on consultation from there. 

Calls will be held via Google Meet. To join the call, you'll need a computer with a working internet browser with microphone and video permissions. You can also join the call from the phone if you have Google Meet installed. If all else fails, you'll have numbers available on the calendar invite that you can call. You can reschedule the call directly from the calendar invite we send you, so long as it's not within the same day. Otherwise, this will be considered a non-refundable no-show.

Consultations

Can I bring others on the call?

Absolutely, as long as you're within the same family group. Bring your mom, dad, daughter, son, or anyone else involved in your decision-making. You can add more people to the call by clicking 'Add guests' in the booking link. They don't have to be on the same computer or phone to join.

Consultations

What if I need to reschedule?

You can reschedule as long as you're not changing the date on the day of the booking. Otherwise, this will be considered a no-show.

Consultations

Can I book a call with a student from Europe?

We're working on onboarding previous Beyond the States customers that attended college in Europe. They'll be available for one-on-one calls similar to the calls with Kristin, except this time you'll be hearing from a student that has/is getting a degree in Europe. Sit tight for an announcement!

Consultations

Will I be speaking with Kristin directly?

Yes, your call will be 1:1 with Kristin Hamaker.

Consultations

Why should I speak to Kristin?

Kristin can help you contextualize the entire journey and provide valuable insights that'll keep you from making common mistakes. With this in mind, it's important you run as much research as possible before hopping on the call. Ideally you'll have a number of programs already selected and would like further insights on which one is worth paying attention to. She can otherwise help you with filter selection and run searches with you during the call. Looking for a 1:1 with one of our student ambassadors in Europe? We’re currently shaping this offering, which is similar to the calls with Kristin. Stay tuned for an announcement on this! 

Courses

What format are these courses taught on?

These are self-paced video courses with full transcriptions available.

Courses

What are the Masterclass topics?

We offer two self-paced Masterclasses:

  • On Your Mark – At the end of this six week course, you should have an understanding of why you want to study in Europe (beyond cost) as well as how to explore any remaining concerns. You'll cement knowledge of areas of study that align with your interests, preferably those that combine more than one interest area. Get an understanding of the strengths you already have as well as those you need cultivate in order to succeed as an international student.
  • Get Set – This 3-week Masterclass covers European university application terms, timelines, and processes that U.S. students and high school counselors may not be familiar with. It will help you determine what you need to apply, how to gather those items, how to be sure those items meet the university specifications, a timeline for each of the European schools you'll apply to, and how to write a motivation letter.
Courses

Can I buy these courses after I sign up?

Yes! You can unlock add-ons at any time after signing up.

Courses

Which course is best for me?

We recommend you start off with the Mini-Courses to get the lay of the land. Once you've committed to a program or a college, take the Masterclass(es) so you ensure you conquer the admissions process successfully.

Courses

What are the Mini Course topics?

We offer 5 self-paced Mini-Courses:

  • Choosing a University – This 4-part course helps you determine your own criteria for choosing a program and school. We cover quantifiable criteria around budget, admissions requirements, and fields of study. We also discuss what to look for (and red flags) in schools, programs, locations, and student life.
  • Admissions in Europe – This popular 4-part course helps you understand Europe’s entirely different admissions process. We go through the differing admissions requirements of different countries, address potential obstacles, headaches, and solutions, and walk through the motivation letter and CV.
  • How to Choose a Major – This 3-part course is helpful even if you’re pretty clear about what you want to study. Through lessons and exercises, you’ll learn how your unique interests translate into the different study areas in Europe, and which programs you’re most aligned with.
  • All About the Netherlands – This is a popular 7-lesson course due to the notable number and range of English-taught college degree options in the Netherlands. Covers basic and specific information about the Dutch universities, academic life, student life, housing, admissions, and financial considerations.
  • Business Programs – 4 lessons cover the similarities and differences of business programs at research universities, universities of applied science, and business schools. Learn about accreditation, admissions, and specific programs with unique offerings.
Courses

Can I take courses to help me get into European schools?

Yes, while friends, social media, or online portals can be helpful, their information can be limited or biased. Our self-paced Mini-Courses and Masterclasses provide a deep dive into topics with action steps to complete along the way, guiding you through the often confusing European college landscape so you can avoid frustration and disappointment.

Courses

Do I even need a high-school or college counselor?

Not necessarily. We would hope that students would get exposure to the various alternatives through high school, but we know that counselors are often over- worked and for various reasons do not seek this information out on their own. Most of our student members, and those who have gone on to study in Europe, claim that they were not supported by their high school counselors on the topic of college abroad, but they were also not surprised by this.

Database

Are all the programs in the database really in English?

Yes! Not only are the programs taught entirely in English, but all out-of-class and homework materials are in English as well. Keep in mind too, that for the most part, the level of English proficiency is generally high in each of the countries represented in our database. Thankfully, you'll be surrounded by international students that are all in the same boat as you.

Database

What general areas of study are reflected in the database?

Agriculture, Architecture and Related Services, Biological and Physical Sciences, Business and Economics, Communications and Journalism, Computer Science, Information Science, and Technology, Education and Child Development, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences, Erasmus Mundus Program, Health Sciences, Humanities, Human Services, Liberal Arts, Math and Statistics, Social Science, Transportation, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Design, and Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure.

Each expands into more specific areas of study, of which there are 212 in total.

Database

What if I don't find what I'm looking for?

With 3200+ Bachelor's and 8000+ Master's programs, we're sure you'll find the one ideal program for you or your family member, and beyond the database we have a treasure trove of guiding resources, including our personalized Best Fit List service and 1:1 Consultations with BTS Chief college advisor, Kristin Hamaker . 

If you can't find your ideal degree, please reach out to us for personalized search guidance as part of your Find Your Ideal Degree™ Guarantee. Bear in mind, there are no refunds on memberships or add-ons, but we will provide extra help to ensure you get what you're looking for.

Database

What countries are covered in the Database?

The database includes English-taught programs from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

General

Do you have UK colleges in your database?

We don't include the UK in our database and materials. Our database and resources strictly reflect accredited, English-taught schools across continental Europe and in Ireland. Our passion at Beyond the States is to provide American families with solutions to the problems we face in the US, be it the costexpectations for admissions, undergraduate experience, or employment issues after graduation

UK schools don't necessarily qualify for our mission since they often have similarly high-tuition costs to the US, similarly flawed admissions processes, and fewer post-college opportunities due to Brexit. Read more in this blog post we did on the subject

Membership

How do I unlock add-on offerings like classes and a Best Fit List?

Head over to your member Dashboard from the top menu on our site, and tap on Unlock add-ons.

Membership

Can I cancel my membership and keep access to the Facebook group?

Your access and benefits are valid for as long as you are a member. If you cancel renewal, your access and benefits, including access to the Facebook group, are valid up until the expiration date of your membership, which is usually 1 or 12 months after you signed up, depending on your payment plan.

Membership

Will my subscription auto-renew?

Yes, a membership to Beyond the States gives you unlimited access to the database and renews monthly and yearly, depending on which membership plan you purchased.

Membership

Do you offer refunds?

Due to the nature of our product, we are unable to offer refunds under any circumstances.

Membership

What if I don't find what I'm looking for?

With 3200+ Bachelor's and 8000+ Master's programs, we're sure you'll find the one ideal program for you or your family members, and we're happy to guide your most pressing questions with our Monthly Q&A's. If you can't find your ideal degree, please reach out to us for personalized search guidance as part of your Find Your Ideal Degree™ Guarantee. Bear in mind, there are no refunds on memberships or add-ons, but we will provide extra help to ensure you get what you're looking for.

Motivation Letters

Will you be rewriting my motivation letter?

We'll be using our expertise to offer changes and suggestions, but we won't be rewriting it entirely.

Motivation Letters

What are motivation letters?

The motivation letter is a document that is sometimes required during the admissions process. It asks you to describe your competence as well as your personal motivations for pursuing a particular area of study at a specific university.

Motivation Letters

Why should I get my motivation letter reviewed by Kristin?

A motivation letter that slaps will swoon admissions faculty, so you need to ensure it leaves a lasting impression. But with so little resources available online, how will you know what they're looking for? What type of wording resonates well with European colleges? And how will you make sure your motivation letter is memorable enough for quick approval by the degree of your choice? This is where we come in. Having gone through the process ourselves and speaking to admissions experts from dozens of schools, we know how to tailor your motivation letter for admissions success.

Motivation Letters

How do I order a motivation letter review?

Tap the 'Unlock add-ons' from your member Dashboard on our site, and click on your plan to select the corresponding feature. Once paid, you'll be invited to submit your motivation letter for review.

Motivation Letters

Do I get a revision round on my motivation letter review?

Yes, each Motivation Letter Review includes one round of revisions via email. Additional revision rounds require you to add an additional motivation letter review to your account.

Search free learning material

This form searches blog posts, cities, countries, colleges, areas of study, podcasts, and guides. It does not search the database. To search for programs and colleges, please sign up and login.