HIGHER EDUCATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Colleges and Universities

Both American and Canadian Universities welcome direct international applicants even if they have never studied abroad. Many students choose to start their university education right after graduation from a high school in their country. To be considered, students must meet admission requirements and deadlines which often vary for each university. Our consultants are here to assist you with the university selection and guide you through every step of the admission process.
 
What is required:
 
In order to apply to the university directly, students must have their academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency - TOEFL (USA) or IELTS (Canada), and SAT or ACT scores (USA), and teacher/counselor recommendations. Depending on your selected program of study, you may be required to provide additional tests scores, an academic résumé or portfolio, and attend auditions or interviews.
 
High school students are encouraged to start the application process in the very beginning of their senior year. Depending on their desired area of studies, some students apply to as many as 20 institutions of various selectivity levels to ensure acceptance. Universities vary greatly in rankings and acceptance rates. Higher ranked colleges and universities are extremely competitive and consider not only your grades and test scores, but your admission essay(s), extracurricular activities, athletic accomplishments, and community involvement. By asking a just a few questions, our consultants will help you determine your realistic acceptance chances to a university of your choice. Please contact us for details.
 

Community Colleges/2+2 program (USA)

Community colleges are 2 year colleges that offer students an opportunity to complete the first two years of their 4 year degree and even receive an Associate Degree in a discipline of their choice. Almost all community colleges have transfer agreement guarantee (TAG) with partner universities, which allows students a guaranteed admission into some of the best universities in the U.S. A community college is a great way for international students to immerse into the American college system, improve their academic English, and save some money. All that's required for admission are proof of high school graduation and TOEFL or IELTS scores. Many community colleges have ESL centers on campuses or transfer agreements with ESL centers in the area. If you don’t have a TOEFL or an IELTS score, you will be accepted without it upon completion of the highest level offered.
 
 

University Pathways

University Pathway or University Bridging Programs are a good solution for students who don’t feel prepared for a college or university and don’t have the test scores needed for admission. Often located on university campuses, university pathway programs have partnership agreements with many top ranked universities in the U.S. and are built to set international students up for success without adding any extra time to the total duration of their studies. Upon successful completion of the program, a student is able to continue as a second year student at one of the partner universities. In order to apply to a University Pathway program, a student must have their high school diploma.
 

University Transfer

If you are currently attending a university as an undergraduate student you are most likely eligible to transfer to a university of your choice in the US or Canada.
 
In order to be eligible, you must meet the minimum transfer requirements for the university you choose. You will need to provide the following documents:
  • Proof of English ability - TOEFL or IELTS
  • Academic transcripts, translated and evaluated by an accredited evaluation agency such as WES. Your GPA at the time of application cannot be lower than 2.0 on the 4.0 scale.
One or more essays, depending on the institution requirements.
 
If you are interested in transferring to a North American university, please keep in mind that you should begin the application process early. Deadlines will vary for different institutions.
 
 

Graduate and Post Programs in USA and Canada


Students that are interested in pursuing graduate or postgraduate education in the US or Canada must go through the admissions process similar to undergraduate students. In addition to your undergraduate degree, you will be required to provide TOEFL or IELTS, and often, GMAT or GRE scores. Our consultants would be happy to carefully examine your current credentials and help you select a graduate program that will fit all of your requirements and not require GRE or GMAT, or suggest a Pre-Masters or Graduate Prep program that will increase your admittance chances.
 
 

International Student Exchange Programs

Many students think that international education is out of their reach because of how expensive it can be. While it is true in many cases, students who wish to complete their education in the US or Canada can do so for as little as $7,000 a semester. And many students with proven academic achievements can take advantage of scholarship offers that could cut your educational expenses in half.
 
Students interested in a semester or a year abroad are encouraged to contact us about our international student exchange programs. These unique programs provide invaluable cultural and academic experience by allowing international students to study in the US or Canada for one or two terms at a reduced (in-state) tuition rate and sometimes even tuition free.
 
We work closely with colleges and universities from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia, and other Eastern European countries that do not have bilateral agreements with American universities. This provides students from those countries with an opportunity to experience North American university education while remaining a student at their current institution.
 
If you are an undergraduate student and are interested in a semester abroad in the US or Canada, but your home school cannot help you, please contact us. Based on your wishes, academic accomplishments, and financial ability we will find a college or a university that will accept you as a visiting or an exchange student.
 
We may be able to help your alma mater establish an exchange relationship with an American college or university. Otherwise, you will be able to study as a visiting student. Regardless of your admission status, you will receive an academic transcript that your home school can use to credit the courses completed to your existing program of studies.
 
In most cases, students are able to stay in the US from one semester to one academic year and return to their home school to continue their studies and graduate. In some instances, students are able to complete their degree at the hosting university. Please ask us how, we will be happy to help.
 
 

OPT and PGWPs (Canada)

OPT or Optional Practical Training is a period of time, usually after a student has completed their studies, when an international student is permitted to work in the U.S. in the field of their studies. While most students are eligible to apply for a 12 month OPT permit, STEM students are now eligible to apply for a 24 month OPT extension for a total of 36 months of work experience.
 
Many students seeking to gain international work experience choose to complete their education in Canada as all international students can receive work experience, regardless of the area of study, as long as the duration of the program is one academic year or greater.
 
Duration of the work permit for students who complete academic or professional programs between 8 months and 2 years is not to exceed the duration of studies. Students that study in Canada for 2 years or longer, successfully complete their programs, and receive certificates or diplomas, can apply for a 3 year work permit known as PGWP.
 
 

College Tours

We understand that selecting a college or a university can be very stressful. Visiting universities you are interested in can alleviate some of your worries and concerns and help you make the right decision.
Let us build an itinerary for you and your family which will allow you to visit as many universities as you want and make the most of your time.
 
We specialize in individual and small group (2-3 families) campus tours which allows our clients to fully customize their itinerary. For large group tours, we will be happy to refer you to a number of college tour organizers.
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