Is an international university right for you?

I have always been drawn to working with a diverse range of students, and I was able to pursue this passion more directly when I worked as a college counselor at a private school in Madrid, Spain. What began as a two‑year commitment became an eight‑year experience, during which I witnessed how profoundly transformative an international bachelor’s degree experience could be for my students. I supported them as they applied to universities across the European Union, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Korea, Australia, and Japan. Many of them returned to share their challenges, successes, and defining experiences, further reinforcing my belief in the lasting impact of international education.

In the U.S., the idea of attending university overseas can feel bold, unfamiliar, or even unrealistic. But the world of higher education has changed dramatically in the last decade. More programs are taught in English, and more countries are welcoming students from across the globe. Families are discovering that an international degree can be financially accessible, academically enriching, and personally transformative. The global landscape of higher education is shifting in ways that are opening doors rather than closing them. This isn’t just about adventure; it’s about opportunity, affordability, quality, and preparing students for a world that is more interconnected than ever.

Reasons to consider international education

• Shorter degree timelines. Many universities outside of the U.S., and especially in Europe and Australia, offer bachelor’s degree programs that take just three years.
• Lower costs. International students are eligible for scholarships at many universities.
  • United Kingdom: approximately $25,000 to 35,000 a year, including an estimate for living expenses
  • The Netherlands: approximately $20,000 to 40,000 a year, including an estimate for living expenses
  • Spain: approximately $10,000 to 20,000 a year, including an estimate for living expenses
  • Japan: approximately $8,000 to 12,000 a year, including an estimate for housing; cost will drop after the first year
  • Australia: approximately $39,000 to 46,000 a year, including an estimate for housing (There can be higher cost for more specialized degrees)
• Internationally respected programs. You can find highly ranked universities around the globe.
  • Popular options for international students in the UK include Cambridge University, London School of Economics, St. Andrews University, and Oxford University. Check out UCAS to learn more about applying to and attending British universities.
  • In the Netherlands, students often consider University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, and Utrecht University.
  • Prestigious Spanish universities include Complutense University of Madrid, University of Navarra, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and IE University.
  • Japan’s top schools include Sophia University, University of Tokyo, and Kyoto University.
  • Interest in Australia is growing, with long-standing top universities such as University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and University of Queensland.
• Cultural immersion. Living in a new culture builds independence, adaptability, and a global mindset.
• Career advantages. Employers increasingly value cross‑cultural experience, international networks, and fluency in multiple languages.
• A transformational experience. It’s in the day‑to‑day life of the experience abroad that makes it truly transformative. Students often describe their time abroad as the moment they discover who they are and what they are capable of. They can expect improved cultural competence, a broadening of their perspectives, friendships and connections with individuals from around the world, new academic expectations and accomplishments, travel opportunities, and a sense of independence that cannot be replicated at home.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Terry Pratchett: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”