With so many great universities abroad, how do you know which one is the right fit for you? In this engaging course, Beyond the States founder Emeritus Jenn Viemont breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting a university outside the U.S.—from academic approach and campus culture to location, cost, and career outcomes.
You’ll learn how to look beyond rankings, identify what truly matters for your goals, and make an informed, confident choice about where to study. Jenn shares insider insights from years of guiding students through successful applications to top English-taught programs across Europe.
Section 1: Why “Rankings” Don’t Capture the Full Picture
- Explore the limitations of global ranking systems.
- Discuss why European universities should be evaluated on program fit, not brand.
- Listen: Why ‘Best Colleges’ Doesn’t Mean Anything
- Also consider: College in Europe as an American Student (difference in structure and experience)
Section 2: What Really Makes a University a Great Fit
Focus on:
- Program quality, not institutional prestige.
- Student support infrastructure (orientation, housing, advising).
- Campus location, language, work opportunities.
- Admissions model compatibility (e.g., credentials vs. holistic review).
Activity: List your top 3 university-specific priorities based on personal fit.
Section 3: Researching Universities with BTS Tools
- Use the BTS Database to filter by country, program, tuition, and language.
- Leverage BTS country pages for cultural context, admissions nuances, and lifestyle
Activity: Build a “University Comparison Sheet” listing 3–5 schools across your shortlisted countries with scores/notes.
Section 4: Watch for These Red Flags
- Tuition that seems too good to be true (check accreditation).
- Lack of international student support.
- Limited English-language program information.
- Over-marketing and under-substantiation.
Reflection Prompt: Which universities inspire confidence—and which give you hesitation?
Section 5: Next Steps
- Finalize your top 3 target universities.
- Prepare tailored questions for admissions: language support, deadline flexibility, visa guidance, etc.
Assignments
- Create a University Comparison Sheet (Excel or PDF).
- Complete a Red Flag Checklist for each shortlisted university.
- Finish the Choosing a University mini-course and note 3 new insights gained.
