Hi there!
So I’m currently a senior in high school in the US, and I am also home schooled. Due to my dad’s job, my family will most likely be relocating to a different country later this year and the idea of going to college abroad, (like getting your degree there, not just for a semester), has come more to my attention. I am still applying to state colleges here, but I would really love to go to another country. I really only have Germany in mind right now, but if anyone has any other suggestions… Anyway, I’m just looking for more insight and advice about going to college in Germany, like admission requirements, is it really worth it? I would also want to know more about the whole process and hear about any experiences. I have found that there are quite a few universities who offer degrees/courses in English, and those are what I hope to apply for. (I am still planning on taking some lessons to learn German).
Oh, and if there are any other high schoolers also looking to go abroad for college, please message me! It would be nice to talk with someone else my age who also wants to study in another country.
Thanks!
A few things to know about most European universities:
- Admissions is most often based on standardized tests (APs, Subject tests, and SAT/ACT - GPA and ECs not relevant to your course are either secondary or irrelevant
- In most cases, you apply to study one subject, and that is all you study- with few if any class choices in the first year or two. Changing courses tends to mean going back to the beginning.
- Generally, grades are based on a small number of exams (often just 1), with much less emphasis on continuing assessment than in the US.
- Most undergrad humanities degrees are 3 year and STEM/language degrees 4, though there are variations (Scotland, for example is always 4 years).
- The vast majority of European universities are what would be considered 'commuter' colleges in the US. Although there is often some form of housing for international students, most students either live at home or find their own housing locally.
- European universities do not hold students hands: in general, they expect students to handle things themselves- including international students. The fewer international (that is, non-EU) students a uni has, the more true this tends to be; the bigger the differential between EU and international fees the more likely it is that they will make at least a notional effort at helping international students get started (they like the money).
- In general, you will find less direct professor-student interaction and more large lectures (especially at the lower levels). There is a range, though, that varies by subject, country and university, so do your homework.
- There are quite a few courses taught in English (you can search for them [here](http://www.eunicas.co.uk/)), but remember that everything around the course will be in the local language- all your admin dealings, for example.
A new and interesting option is the [Amsterdam University College](http://www.auc.nl/l) ‘Liberal Arts’ course, which is designed to be similar to a US undergrad experience and is relatively inexpensive (~€20K/pa). English is widely spoken in Amsterdam, which would make the practical parts of getting settled easier.
You’ll have 18months to become fluent to bilingual (~ = high degree of proficiency such as is only typically achieved AP +2 years of college courses). Then you’ll be able to start your degree, which will last 3 years. Each year, about 60% students fail the year on average, so in actuality it takes much longer to get the degree.
You have some programs in English in the Netherlands such as University Colleges, Sciences Po Reims in France, Bocconi in Italy, plus Ireland (UCD, Trinity Dublin, Maynooth…), and Great Britain.
So your father will work in Germany, I assume? You sound as if you are in a fluid situation and not sure what you want to do. In most European universities, you choose your subject (like a major) at the moment you apply.
One option you might consider is to spend a year in Germany learning the language. You could start at a Goethe Institute, then enroll as a special student in a German Uni, where you could probably take courses - even basic language ones - for free. This would open a world to you of cosmopolitan students, where you could engage people with very different points of view, explore subjects, and formulate the direction you want to take. Then you can apply with your chosen subject. Plus, you will have the experience of learning a language in the actual environment, which is radically different from studying it in a class.
Regarding doing a degree in English in a country with a different native language, I must admit I don’t see the point. It’s fine for a semester, but it is a lost opportunity to get to know a country from the ground up - starting with the language. If you want to study in English, stick with the US or Britain and Ireland.
Based on the research I’ve done, I’m not sure I agree with MYOS1634 about having trouble in English at University Colleges in the Netherlands. They are all taught in English. In fact, I read somewhere that at Leiden all faculty meetings are held in English even when all the participants are Dutch. Virtually every educated Dutch person is fluent in English.
Also have a look at the growing number of programs being offered in English at Dutch universities in addition to those at University Colleges.
My son is actively exploring universities in the Netherlands.
@johnnya: my first paragraph in #2 refers to programs in German at German universities. The second paragraph recommended some options, including university colleges in the Netherlands.
You could look in to Bard College Berlin.
American-style liberal arts education and quite affordable. Very tiny and a limited number of majors, however. It’s probably a bit like attending a LAC 180 years ago in the US, when everyone in the same college studied the same general curriculum.
For Germany, you are going to need AP scores, especially being home schooled. You will need a score in 4 subject areas, Math or Science, Language, Social Studies, and English. They only care about scores, not anything you have done in high school. They will need a certified copy of your transcript.
You will need to pass the Test-DAF, and achieve German fluency to the level required to enter university. Most Americans also require the pre-university year of study to bring themselves to the level required, since most Americans lack the equivalent of a German Abitur. Direct admission can occur if you have the 4 AP scores that are required.
^ Except for Bard College Berlin, which is really a tiny American LAC plopped in Berlin.
DD, an American, is in her first year at Amsterdam University College. Annual COA is comparable to an in-state tuition in the US, even factoring in airfare. Overall cost for a Bachelor’s degree will be less than in-state in US because UCs are 3-year programs.
All Dutch UCs are 100% English. Prior poster mentioned the few limited non-British/Irish schools with English programs. Pay attention to different admission requirements. Dutch UC’s require a Full IB degree or a certain number of AP minimum scores.
For the OP, be aware that if you will need to (1) Use 529 savings plans to pay for college; or (2) need to take out a loan, the University will need to have a US FAFSA code. Most in Britain and Ireland have these, but not many on the continent. It is a pretty short list actually. Only 3 Dutch UC’s have a FAFSA code (Amsterdam, Utrecht, Roosevelt). You can look up which schools have a FAFSA code on the FAFSA code website under “FC” for Foreign Country. If school does not have a FAFSA code, 529 withdrawals are not tax-free, and you won’t be eligible for a direct subsidized/unsubsidized loan.
I looked at Amsterdam out of curiosity. WOW their Ap vs IB math requirements are wildly different.
Grade 6 or higher, International Baccalaureate Mathematics, Higher Level (grade 5 will also often be accepted)
Grade 3 or higher, AP Calculus AB, examined by the College Board
Do they not realize those requirements are not even on the same planet?
My daughter goes to Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Great school…instruction is in English. Awesome small city very close to Germany.