More US students are searching for international options for college, and there are a number of reasons why this is happening. Whether they’re looking to get a cheaper option or just want to experience an adventure, there are thousands of students who travel abroad to study. While there are cons to studying abroad, such as more limited majors than are available in the States, the pros are just as numerous. Below, we outline three major reasons that students are citing when they decide to make the leap. 

1. The Cost of College in the US

While the average person with a college degree makes $30,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma, the cost of some institutions still doesn’t make much sense. With some US university sticker prices rising to nearly $100,000 annually for four years, the almost half a million dollars of debt is nearly impossible to pay off after graduation. This financial burden is scary for many students and completely excludes others from the equation. Expenses alone are driving students to look at international avenues for earning a college degree. 

That said, the cost of college is just part of the conversation. The pricing models for colleges and universities are hopelessly unclear. From complicated meal plans to hidden technology and laboratory fees, some college and university websites are often cryptic at best. Students budget with the information they have only to find out that their calculations are way off and in the wrong direction; the costs are much heftier than they thought when they enrolled. The result of this puts many students in greater debt than they originally imagined, and for others, it means racking up bills they can’t pay and dropping out before finishing a program–debt with no degree, a double whammy. 

International schools, on the other hand, are an attractive option because they can be affordable, and, in some cases, free. Germany, for example, had more than 12,000 American students studying in their universities in the 2018-2019 academic year. One reason for this is that the public universities stopped charging tuition fees in 2014. Germany isn’t alone; several other countries around the world welcome international students with cheap or free tuition. Students shouldn’t dismiss the cost of living, including rent and food, in some countries that have more expensive costs of living than the US, but very inexpensive degree programs make international options highly appealing, especially for students who want the adventure that comes with travel. 

2. Adventure and Appeal 

Many US students earn their degree abroad because of the adventure. From personal growth to cultural immersion, university life outside of the states can be a transformative experience. In some cases, it requires students to learn a new language. In other cases, it provides an excuse to go to an exotic location, such as the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. Beyond academics and expense, students are choosing to go abroad so that they can meet new people and experience a new way of living altogether. 

Stripping themselves of family connections and any reliance on friends and relatives for comfort, students who study abroad–whether for one semester or four years–gain independence in a way that doesn’t come from staying at home. It’s much more than moving to a new state, they are often forced to acclimate to foreign customs, foods, and general lifestyle differences. These adventure-seeking college-goers even report doing so to become more open-minded about life and less likely to take things for granted.   

3. Employment Options

Some students who leave the US for college are looking for academic and career benefits associated with earning a degree in another country, particularly when the degree comes with the prestige of a special international program or institution. That said, just having the international experience on a resume can speak to employers about adaptability, global perspective, and cultural awareness. 

Two studies comparing job attainment after graduation demonstrated that 90% of those who studied abroad for some or all of their degree found a  job within 6 months of graduation versus only 70% for those who didn’t. And, the median salary of those who went abroad jumped up by $7,000 more than their counterparts. It doesn’t just make financial sense in terms of tuition, it can improve employability and boost salaries. An added benefit is career exploration outside the US and possible work experience in an international company. 

Conclusion 

Studying abroad can be fun and financially rewarding, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Being away from home is not for everyone, which is an important consideration given the expense of travel and the time and effort it takes to acclimate to a new country. On the other hand, for those who want to avoid the rising costs of college in the US, who seek the thrill of new environments, and who want to level up their resume, it can be well worth it. The best thing that any future college student can do, regardless of location or distance, is to gather as much information as possible about the degree programs, their cost, and everything else that you can learn about schools before applying. 

If you want to know more about how students can easily explore international (and US) options for college, schedule a demo with MaiaLearning.