Study abroad after school, expert advice

Studying abroad after school

Studying abroad after 9th or 11th grade in a Russian school and earning a diploma that meets international standards is the key to a successful future and career. Besides quality education with a focus on the newest technologies and methods, students have the opportunity to take internships at major international companies. That is why many parents think about sending their child to get an education abroad right after graduation.

How to choose a country for education

To choose a country to enter, several factors should be kept in mind: 

1. self preferences. Russian students go abroad not only to get an education but also to be able to work and live in the future. Therefore it is better to choose a university in the country where the mentality of the locals will be close to you or at least will not cause discomfort. Then moving and studying abroad will be more comfortable and less stressful.

2. Financial options. Here we should consider not only the cost of education but also the cost of living: housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and others. The most expensive education will be in the USA, UK, and Switzerland, much cheaper in the Czech Republic, Spain, or Greece. But for Russian students, there are a lot of scholarships and grants, which can cover not only the cost of education but all related expenses.

3. Preparation direction. If the student has already decided on the future profession, you can choose a country based on the desired specialization. Switzerland is for those who dream of a career in hospitality and tourism; Great Britain is famous for its economics, law, and business faculties; the US prepares the best specialists in engineering and IT.

Studying Abroad After 9th Grade

It is important to understand that schooling abroad is different from Russian education: in many countries, the length of education is 11-13 years. Therefore, enrollment abroad after the 9th grade is a great opportunity to switch to another system of education, learn English or another foreign language, choose your future profession and easily enter a foreign university. The advantage of going abroad and learning another language after the ninth grade is also that higher education in many countries in the national language is free. You can study for free in the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and other European countries.

Programs in Britain

• GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a program designed for students aged 14-16. After graduation students receive a certificate of completion of secondary education and may apply for International Baccalaureate or A-Level programs. The program includes compulsory subjects, as well as elective subjects - art, business, foreign languages, and others.

• A-Level is a British university preparation program for students aged 16-17, designed for 2 years. By the results of A-level examinations (with marks from A* to G), it is possible to enter the universities of Great Britain. Studying on the program students choose only 3-4 compulsory subjects and optional subjects they are interested in.

Programs in the United States and Canada

In high school in the United States and Canada, students attend grades 9 through 12. Depending on the U.S. state, you must earn 20-24 credits in required and elective courses; in Canada, you must earn at least 30 credits (one student earns one course per year). Some schools offer Honors and Advanced Placement courses that are equivalent to a first- or second-year degree. In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and 55 other countries, students who take these courses get a head start on entering university.

Programs in Europe 

IB (International Baccalaureate) - this international program prepares ninth-graders for entry into universities abroad. In addition to compulsory and elective subjects, most of the study time is devoted to sports, creativity, social work, and social activities.

Education abroad after 11th grade 

Рreparing for study abroad after high school should be prepared in advance, especially if the parents' budget is limited. In all countries, it is possible to get a scholarship or grant, in some countries education is free in English or national language.
. It is also important to understand that school education systems differ, in some countries students study for 12 years, so a Russian diploma to enter a university will not be enough. There are different programs for this: in the UK and Switzerland - International Foundation Program, in the U.S. and Canada – Pathway. Despite the different names, the essence of both programs: is to prepare graduates for admission to a foreign university. They are designed to improve foreign language skills and academic knowledge. The admissions preparation courses are organized either by the universities themselves or by the providers cooperating with the leading world universities: INTO, Oxford Education Group, Community College, and others.
. In countries where the Russian educational certificate is quoted, students can enter a university without taking additional courses. The standard set of documents for admission includes:

• A school certificate, translated into the language of study abroad and notarized; 

• A certificate confirming knowledge of the foreign language; 

• certificate of absence of criminal record;

• Recommendation and motivation letter; 

• The results of entrance tests (if required).