If you’re planning what you want to study as an undergraduate, you’re likely already considering where you would find the best programs to meet your goals. Sometimes that comes down to the faculty who are teaching at the campus, the school or program size, the rate of admission, or financial aid—but that decision is quite often going to be geographically-motivated, as well.
Location almost always plays into which colleges interest you the most.
And why not? After all, if you love being close to the beach and you have two comparable programs to choose from (one with ocean access and one in a flat, land-locked location), well, your love for sand and surf is probably going to win!
If regular access to sun and water makes you happy, that’s great for your mental health! And a positive mental attitude is always a win-win. So, with that in mind, why not expand your horizons even further and consider international destinations for getting a bachelor's degree abroad?
Can I get my bachelor’s degree abroad?
Yes! You absolutely can get your bachelor’s degree abroad! In the past, it might have been the assumption that international study was primarily reserved for graduate students or for the kinds of short-term, cultural-immersion programs offered through many American universities—which were geared more toward those looking for a semester or possibly even a full academic year abroad rather than a complete degree. But times have changed!
If you’re interested in exploring a wide variety of program choices, gaining a competitive advantage in your field, learning new skills, traveling internationally, and saving money on tuition, this is definitely an option for you to consider.
Getting a bachelor’s degree abroad holds so much potential.
Getting a bachelor’s degree abroad isn’t for everyone. You have to be comfortable being independent and prepare yourself to adapt to new ways of living abroad, but if you have those skills, or if you’re willing to grow those skills, a whole world of potential awaits!
There are plenty of other opportunities and benefits to getting a bachelor's degree abroad—but you don’t need to stop with one course of study. In fact, you might even consider getting a second bachelor's degree abroad in order to specialize in a complementary program before considering advanced study as a graduate student. Or, maybe you want to improve your opportunities in your current career path. The opportunities for getting a bachelor's degree abroad are greater than ever!
READ: 14 English Speaking Universities Around the World
Is getting a degree abroad worth it?
Even with all those benefits, you might be wondering if getting a degree abroad is worth it. Maybe moving halfway around the world sounds exciting, but you’re concerned about being so far from home, your family, your friends, or your four-legged pal.
It can be exhilarating to pack your bags with the idea of relocating for four years, but when the destination is more than a quick flight, bus ride, or train trip away, the excitement can turn into trepidation.
Maybe you’ve found the perfect program in the Italian countryside, but you don’t speak Italian. Or, maybe that second bachelor’s degree you want to pursue to improve your career path means you need to leave your job behind.
Whatever the situation you might be facing, it’s important to weigh your options and make sure that you’ve done all the necessary research and preparation to make sure that your story is one of challenge, yes, but also of success!
How is getting a bachelor’s degree abroad different from studying abroad?
To get a bachelor’s degree abroad, you’ll need to directly enroll in a university in your destination.
So once you’ve decided that getting a bachelor's degree or a second bachelor’s degree abroad is the right next step for you, it’s important to understand how getting a bachelor’s degree abroad is different from simply studying abroad. Since you’re not just packing your bags for a few months, or even one full year (rather, you’re preparing to move to a new location for the long-haul!), you want to make sure you understand exactly what you can expect!
When you choose to study abroad, it’s likely that you would go through your home university or through a specific program that works with you to provide travel documents, an on-site coordinator, transportation options, scheduled activities, and even cultural exchanges or homestay. When you’re engaged in study abroad, you’re a participant in an established program and much of the on-the-ground work of being an international student is managed for you.
When you’re getting your bachelor’s degree abroad, you’re in charge. You will have the same (or mostly the same) resources available to any college or university student, but it will be your responsibility to manage the details.
Most higher education institutions have offices that provide support to international students—just like in the United States—but it will be up to you to register with that office, sign up for the available support, and make sure you are fully prepared to manage your own progress. So make sure you’re fully prepared!
How to get a scholarship to study a bachelor’s degree abroad
Tuition abroad tends to be more affordable than in the U.S., but it doesn’t hurt to have a scholarship!
The overall cost of international study for bachelor’s degrees abroad is typically quite a bit less than comparable programs in the United States. That’s one of the big advantages that most programs offer, and part of what makes getting a bachelor's degree abroad so appealing.
But what about things like cost of living, fees for books and materials, meal plans and housing, travel to and from your destination, and all the other expenses you might not even anticipate while being far from home? How do you obtain financial aid? Are there scholarships? How do you prepare for those other add-ons?
Fortunately, there are several options for funding your degree program abroad—some that are country-specific and others that offer global applications processes. A short list of several options to get you started is below. However, make sure you contact your intended college or university as well, as they often have lists of both internal and external scholarships or fellowships that can support you while you’re a student.
- GoAbroad Travel Scholarships & Financial Resources
- Department of Education (FAFSA) Options for Foreign-Study
- Bureau of Educational + Cultural Affairs Fulbright Program
- Australia Awards Scholarships for Study in Australia
- International Scholarships for Trinity College, Dublin
- WMI Scholarships for Students Studying in Developing Countries
- Financial Programs for Studying in the Netherlands
- Chevening Scholarships for Study in the UK
One note about some of the more popular aid options like The Council on International Educational Exchange or The Institute for the International Education of Students: These well-known nonprofits are primarily geared toward providing support to study abroad programs, rather than bachelor’s degree programs abroad. However, their life-long learner grants might be particularly useful for those engaging in study for a second bachelor's degree abroad. It could be worth an inquiry, just in case!
Are there cons of getting a bachelor’s degree abroad?
As with anything in life, there are some downsides to getting a bachelor’s degree abroad.
With all of these listed advantages, you might be wondering if there are any cons of getting a bachelor's degree abroad. While some challenges can exist, they are minor—especially if you know what to watch for.
The list of things to keep in mind will definitely vary from location to location. For example, the cost of living might be higher than you’re used to in some places, especially if you find yourself in places like Hong Kong, Zurich, or Tel Aviv.
In other locations, transportation might be challenging. Or, cultural differences might require you to adapt to different expectations around things like gender roles or dress. But in terms of the degree itself, there are a few things to keep in mind, including the following six reminders:
1. Recognition outside of the program location might be limited
With so many programs available, it’s possible future employers might not recognize or be familiar with the institution you choose. It might be necessary for you to educate others about the history, reputation, and advantages of your choice.
2. Grading scales and GPAs can vary from what you’re used to
You might be a straight-A student, but many international programs include much harsher qualifications for grades that are above average. The grading rigor could put a dent in your GPA, so you’ll want to share details about that process with applications that follow.
3. Language proficiency requirements might be challenging
After spending 3-4 years obtaining your first or second bachelor's degree abroad, you will hopefully gain fluency in the language of the country you’re living in. However, the initial adjustment can present a challenge, and there are typically expectations of proficiency for students.
4. Not being able to earn money while in school can be difficult
A student visa that doesn’t allow employment on or off campus can be a deal breaker for some.
Some countries have relatively liberal rules about student workers who are in formal programs, but some limit the amount you can earn. Others might have fellowship, scholarship, or financial aid programs that prohibit working while in school. Be sure to ask ahead of time!
5. Some countries require strict secondary school credentials
In some countries, like Germany, if you were home-schooled or did not graduate from your high school with a B+ average (or better), you might not qualify for admission to their programs. Germany offers free tuition and generous financial aid, which makes it an appealing choice—so it could be that the program of your choosing might not be aligned with your high school experience.
6. Some opportunities have caps and restrictions
As is the case with the strict secondary school credentials, some countries, universities, and programs have caps for the total number of international participants. Make sure you examine these criteria before selecting your program—not once you’re already there. You don’t want to find that the program you choose is closed after you satisfy the general requirements.
As with anything else, you can do your best to avoid the potential pitfalls or cons of getting a bachelor's degree abroad by doing your research, investigating all of your options, and making sure that you ask the important questions…and get the answers you need to be fully prepared!
How do you get a foreign degree accredited in the US?
Make sure your degree will be accredited where you need it to be!
Accreditation requirements can vary, depending on the program and the country. There are international clearinghouse organizations that will verify and validate the credentials you earn when obtaining your first or second bachelor's degree abroad.
However, sometimes specific countries, universities, colleges, or programs can be in-between or outside of the process of accreditation. Make sure you ask before you take the leap—especially because a lack of accreditation typically signals an inability to secure federal financial aid while you’re studying.
Perhaps even more importantly, once you’ve graduated, how do you get a foreign degree accredited in the US? If you do a search, you will find plenty of organizations that charge people to do an evaluation. While many of them are reputable, the best, first place to start is with the resources provided by the United States Department of State or the United States Department of Education’s International Affairs Office.
The two organizations recommended by the Department of State are:
- National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- Association of International of Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE)
Whichever service you choose, make sure you verify their ability to be impartial and thorough, and don’t work with anyone who won’t provide you with a full report.
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Now you have the information you need to launch your search: How to plan for getting a bachelor's degree abroad, how to get a scholarship to study a bachelor’s degree abroad, and even how to get a foreign degree accredited in the United States. So what’s next?
If you’re an independent, self-motivated person who is ready for an adventure, then it’s time to start your search! Soon enough, you’ll be studying the subjects that excite you most while spending time in a place that will bring you learning experiences that go far beyond the classroom—and impact your life for years to come!
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