Across the world, from Qatar to China; I hear amazing stories from my students on their experiences in countries they first never imagined they would apply to. 

Some of the countries students have applied to include:

Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, England, Estonia, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Netherlands, Portugal, Rwanda, Scotland, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, UAE, USA, Qatar…a growing list!

International education guidance encapsulates the world; not just the west including but also looking beyond the west. I introduce the idea of learning beyond the top 5-marketed countries, coupled with the value of networks, stories and opportunities that exist in multiple countries.

I work with my students and their parents on understanding finances, education opportunities, the diversity of locations and what they can expect in Colleges and Universities across the world. Every country has a valuable group of people that appreciate and provide opportunities for international students.

To say that students and parents in most parts of the world are unable to learn beyond the USA, UK, Australia and Canada says a lot about the ‘business of education’, the marketing of brands and the conditioning into the belief of ‘top universities’. A general search on the internet will show the results of colleges in the top marketed countries for higher education, which highlights good study opportunities but also does not necessarily represent the best educational experiences for everyone.

The stories and successes of my students who are studying in different parts of the world far from where they once planned to initially head to, represent the changing, knowledgeable landscape of higher education opportunities around the world.

For more, check out my testimonials.

There are several ways. Colleges and Universities may have the following options, though not all institutions will have every kind of scholarship:
 
1. Scholarships based on merit
2. Scholarships based on nationality
3. Government initiative scholarships
4. Scholarships sponsored by faith-based organizations (in collaboration with a specific university)
5. Financial Aid

Most countries have a degree of financial aid available for students within their own country.
 

However, for international students, it is far less and specific and may or may not be available to you at a specific university.

Speaking with parents on the options now available to students in many parts of the world can sometimes be daunting.

Parents have often heard stories of the usual trajectory to the USA or Australia or the UK and the wonderful uncle and aunt whose 4 kids all studied in the same countries, reinforcing this idea of going to the familiar.

But the world has long since changed. My students have successfully applied and enrolled in University in Ireland, China, Singapore, Qatar, India, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Spain, Canada plus many more.

Speaking with parents on the options now available to students in many parts of the world can sometimes be daunting. Parents have often heard stories of the usual trajectory to the USA or Australia or the UK and the wonderful uncle and aunt whose 4 kids all studied in the same countries will reinforce this idea of going to the "familiar".

But the world has long since changed. My students have successfully enrolled in University in Ireland, China, Singapore, Qatar, India, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Spain, Canada and discovered an exciting world with students from across the world and even from their own passport countries.

No. Not every country requires the SATs. Many countries do not have expensive
standardized testing requirements and some universities have their own built in
admissions test as part of the application process for no extra fees.

There is much excitement in the world right now with the ‘idea’ of International Education as evolving. Higher education destinations are emerging and being recognized strongly in non-traditional destinations. I do see that as nations in Africa, the Middle-East, Latin America and Asia develop; many students are moving to different parts of the world, often non-western destinations including to China or India.

These nations have a quality education, are affordable, there are scholarships available, educational opportunities have tremendous similarities, yet provide valuable educational experiences in a different country. There are other benefits, if you take India for instance, India is culturally similar to the Middle-East and Africa. If you look at China, China subsidizes international students' education and is technologically advanced. University locations are emerging alongside many global and political changes taking place.

As the world shifts over the next few years, the kind of decisions students will take about where they want to go, or if they remain within their own passport countries will continue to transform international global higher education; to a more shared full time higher education experience in multiple parts of the world.