University preparation abroad

Nowadays, particularly every student dreams about studying abroad. To enter a prestigious university abroad, foreign students need to get university preparation courses. European and American educational systems provide 12-year school curriculum. Applicants who are interested in studying abroad, can start university preparation in England, UK, USA, Switzerland, etc. Today, many schools and colleges provide university preparation courses online, so every student get an opportunity to prepare for admission anywhere in the world. 

Graduating from foreign high schools often requires international students to undertake university or college preparation programs to meet the demands of foreign educational systems. For many, the ideal starting point is enrolling in specialized university preparation schools abroad. These institutions offer students the opportunity to enhance their language proficiency and acquire in-depth knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared for university life. University preparation courses and programs abroad, typically taken after 11th grade, such as Foundation or Pathway programs, come in two primary types:

• General Programs: These programs provide students with the flexibility to explore various academic disciplines, allowing them to make informed choices about their future areas of study.

• Specialized Programs: Designed for students who already have specific bachelor's programs in mind, these programs provide focused academic preparation.

International Foundation Programs

International Foundation programs are an excellent choice for students in the following situations:

• Their secondary school certificates do not align with the academic standards of their chosen university's country.

• They plan to pursue a master's degree in an academic field different from their bachelor's degree.

• They need to enhance their language skills and update their knowledge of relevant subjects for their desired bachelor's program.

While both Foundation and Pathway programs aim to effectively prepare students for university studies, they have distinct features.

Academic Pathway Programs

Academic Pathway programs are recommended for students aspiring to enroll in Canadian, American, New Zealand, or Australian universities. This University Preparation Program (UPP) comprises two key components: linguistic and academic training. The academic segment covers fundamental subjects, albeit with variations in the number of academic hours dedicated to each subject. Academic Pathway programs also allow students to delve into core disciplines, ensuring they reach the required proficiency level for admission to a university and subsequent enrollment in a bachelor's degree program abroad.

It is important to note that Academic Pathway courses are mandatory for applicants from Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. These programs have a shorter duration, typically spanning 6 to 12 months, making them an efficient choice for fast-tracking your university preparations.

Preparing for university abroad is a crucial step toward a successful academic journey, and these specialized programs offered by top institutions ensure that international students are well-equipped for their higher education pursuits.

Modern high school programs offer foreign students the opportunity to pursue higher education on an equal footing with the citizens of their chosen country. The level of preparation they receive is considered sufficient, making it unnecessary to enroll in specialized courses like Foundation or Pathway programs. As a result, studying abroad after the 11th grade becomes a more practical and attainable goal.

So, which university preparation programs (UPPs) are best suited for international students? Here are six options to consider:

• A-level (Advanced Level):

  • Recognized worldwide by universities.

  • Offered by most British high schools and private colleges in EU countries.

  • Consists of four in-depth subjects, selected by the student based on their future university direction.

  • Requires two years of study with a minimum academic load of 36 hours per week.

  • Available to students aged 16 and above.

  • Requires English proficiency at a level no lower than 5.5 - 6.0 in IELTS.

• International Baccalaureate (IB):

  • Effective preparation for specific specialties.

  • Offers a wide range of subjects and includes the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) module to develop creative, physical, and social skills.

  • Graduates are eligible for university admission worldwide, particularly in English-speaking EU, US, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian universities.

  • American universities often admit IB graduates directly into the second year.

  • Available for foreign students aged 16 and above with English proficiency starting at IELTS 4.5.

  • One of the most popular programs abroad for students after the 11th grade.

• BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council):

  • A UK university-level program with a practical approach.

  • BTEC certificates are recognized in 100 countries.

  • Presented in three levels, equivalent to GCSE, A-level, and initial higher education.

  • Ideal for students seeking practical skills while studying abroad after the 11th grade.

• High School diploma:

  • Aligns with the academic requirements of the US educational system.

  • Offers a wide range of subjects, including compulsory sports.

  • Encourages active participation in group and school social life.

  • Distinguishing feature: Freedom to choose subjects.

  • Available to students aged 14 to 18 with a minimum English level equivalent to TOEFL 103 CBT or IELTS 4.5.

  • Duration: 6 trimesters.

• Advanced Placement (AP) Course:

  • Allows high school students to study at the university level.

  • Efficiently prepares students for university admission while reducing study time and costs.

  • High AP test scores may grant students certain bonuses at their university.

  • Operates in Canada and the United States, recognized by affiliated universities worldwide.

  • Admission requirements are similar to those for the High School Diploma.

• National Certificates:

  • These certificates grant access to universities without additional exams.

  • Issued upon completion of high school programs, with each country having its own name and features for these certificates.

  • Students focus on priority subjects in their graduating classes, aligning with their planned university studies.

Selecting the right university preparation program abroad is a crucial step toward a successful academic journey. These programs offer international students a solid foundation for higher education and future career prospects.

Valentina Nikitina

Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

What are the most popular specialties among students now?

It's still a business, but it's catching up with degrees in engineering and IT. STEM is considered the best choice not only for education in the United States, but also for gaining as much as 3 years of professional experience in the country where you want to stay in the future. The pandemic has sparked a surge of interest in biological and chemical fields — many students want to be at the forefront of science in the event of a new pandemic.

Embarking on Bachelor's and Master's programs abroad opens the door to a world of high-quality education in captivating academic and practical fields. European and American universities offer a multitude of advantages for students. First and foremost, studying abroad provides invaluable exposure to international environments, fostering personal growth, meaningful interactions, and professional internships. Additionally, students earn globally recognized degrees that hold prestige in most countries worldwide.

However, it's essential to acknowledge that pursuing higher education abroad, especially after the 11th grade, comes with a significant cost. Nevertheless, the investment in top-notch foreign education pays off generously in terms of future career opportunities.

Here's a glimpse into the tuition fees at some of the leading destinations favored by international students:

• England: Tuition fees range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year.

• America: Expect to pay between $20,000 and $35,000 per year.

• Europe: Tuition fees span from €3,000 to €25,000 per year.

To ensure you make the right choice, consider these essential tips:

• Early Planning: Start researching potential universities and countries well in advance, examining their admission requirements starting from the 10th or 11th grade.

• Campus Visits: Plan a visit to one or more university campuses to assess whether they align with your preferences.

• Language Preparation: Begin actively learning the language of your chosen country once you've made your selection. English is the predominant or secondary language in most cases.

• Language Proficiency: Obtain language proficiency certificates in advance and commence test preparation early, with the duration depending on your initial language proficiency level.

• Academic and Linguistic Achievement: Elevate your academic and language skills to meet the entry requirements of your chosen university.

• Recommendation Letters: Request multiple recommendation letters from your teachers, ensuring they present you favorably from both academic and character perspectives.

• Document Preparation: Initiate the document collection process for university admission at least six months before your intended start date, as it involves several months of document transfer and communication with the admission office.

Moreover, when choosing a country to study in, consider the following factors:

• Personal Preference: Reflect on your desires and objectives, whether it's solely education or includes the prospect of building a career and residing in the country.

• Budget: Carefully evaluate your financial resources, including tuition fees, cost of living, and daily expenses. While the United States and the United Kingdom are renowned for their education, countries like New Zealand offer more affordable options.

• Field of Study: Research countries that specialize in your desired field of study. For example, England excels in jurisprudence, while design and fashion thrive throughout the UK. The USA offers comprehensive programs in politics and economics, while Australia and Switzerland are renowned for journalism and prestigious medical degrees.

• University Rankings: Investigate the rankings of educational institutions using respected sources such as Times World Ranking, ARWU academic ratings, and The Times and The Guardian's ratings for British universities. For specialized fields, look for organizations that rank institutions accordingly.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can make informed decisions and embark on a rewarding educational journey abroad.

The optimal time to apply is a year and a half before you start your university studies. This gives you enough time to decide on the programs you are interested in, select the right universities, plan your admission strategy, prepare your application package, create an impressive profile, take language exams, and don't miss application deadlines.

In most cases, students after 11 years of education need to enroll in preparation programs to cover the difference in education. The preparation program is not a waste of time, it is aimed at adapting students to the new educational environment and at preparing them for a smooth transition to bachelor's degree programs, so that when a student enters the first year, he/she already has basic knowledge of his/her future specialty.

Indeed, it is now impossible to pass most international exams in Russia, you have to enroll in test centers in other countries. A number of universities meet students and simplify the admission process by offering to take the Duoliongo online test, or by conducting their own internal testing.

A motivation letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself, talk about your motivations, experiences and goals, and explain why you are a suitable candidate for the university and program for which you are applying. Highlight key events, accomplishments, challenges, and skills that have influenced your academic and personal development. Explain what motivated you to pursue this field, how it aligns with your interests and values, and how you envision your future in this field. Thoroughly research the university and the program. Discuss specific aspects that attract you to the institution, such as faculty expertise, unique resources, research opportunities, or alignment with your career goals. Demonstrate why you believe the university is ideal for your academic and personal growth.

Begin by listing your personal information, education, work experience, research, internships, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, skills and accomplishments. Highlight experiences and skills that are relevant to the program or field for which you are applying. Highlight academic achievements, research participation, relevant coursework and projects that demonstrate your experience and suitability for the program.

Admission to the world's top universities is highly competitive, and there are no guarantees for admission. However, by focusing on academic excellence, developing a comprehensive profile, seeking research opportunities, and developing attractive application materials, you can significantly increase your chances of admission. Take initiative, stay organized, and start preparing early to give yourself the best opportunity for success. Top-ranked universities place significant emphasis on academic excellence. Maintain good academic standing throughout your high school or undergraduate studies. Complete challenging coursework, strive for high grades, and actively pursue your studies. Standardized Tests: Learn the standardized tests required for admission, such as the SAT, ACT, or GRE, depending on your level of study. Familiarize yourself with the test format, content, and scoring. Develop a study plan and consider taking preparatory courses or using study resources to maximize your academic performance.

On the one hand, the first year of university in your country is equivalent to another year of education and then in some cases it will not be necessary to undergo training programs. On the other hand, there is a high probability that it will not be possible to make a transfer between universities and you will have to enter the first year again in a foreign university. In addition, in most cases, in the first year of Russian universities, many irrelevant and unnecessary disciplines are taught, which are not related to the specialty and do not provide basic knowledge of the future specialty.

Define your goals and priorities: think about what you want to achieve through your study abroad experience - whether you are looking for a specific academic program, research opportunities, cultural immersion, career prospects, or personal growth. Look for universities that offer academic programs and courses that match your interests and career goals. Consider the curriculum, faculty experience, research opportunities, and reputation of the programs you are interested in. Check university rankings and reputation to assess the quality of education and research outcomes. Look for rankings relevant to your field of study, as they can provide more targeted information.

Those who graduate from schools with international systems will be able to integrate into the university environment much more quickly, as they have been working purposefully on their future specialty all through high school. Students after international education programs will not have to undergo training programs, in some cases they will not need to take language exams. Graduates of such schools will be admitted on an equal footing with local students and, consequently, will be able to get a few lines higher on the lists of applicants.

Universities provide a wide range of support services to international students to ensure a smooth transition, academic success, and overall well-being. These include orientation and orientation programs, international student advising, academic advising, English language support, peer mentoring programs, cultural integration support, accommodation assistance, career services, social and recreational activities.

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