Want to Save Money on College? Consider Going Overseas

It's no secret: Going to college in the U.S. is getting shockingly expensive.

During the 2016-2017 school year, the average annual cost of a four-year public institution for in-state students was $9,650. The cost was astronomically higher for four-year private institutions, which averaged $33,480 annually.

As you can imagine, this is far beyond the reach of many students in the U.S.

Because of this, many are looking for ways to save money on college tuition and finding that going to college overseas provides the perfect option. In addition to being inexpensive (and even free in some cases), studying overseas offers an exciting and enriching social and cultural experience you'll never forget.

If you're considering heading overseas for your studies, here's everything you need to know about the process:

Choosing an Overseas Destination

Choosing a place to go to school overseas can feel overwhelming. Luckily, it doesn't have to be as difficult as it seems. Start by considering these attractive destinations:

Germany. According to student.com, Germany currently ranks as the fourth most-popular country in the world for international students. This is due in large part to the fact that most people in the country speak English and that the country is welcoming and friendly to non-natives.
Iceland. Iceland is a great destination for people who want to save money on their college tuition. All public colleges in Iceland are totally free for U.S. students, and international students make up about 5 percent of the college population.
France. French universities are virtually free for U.S. students. In fact, an undergraduate degree only costs about $208 annually.
Norway. Norway offers free education for U.S. students at colleges like The University of Oslo and University of Nordland. While living expenses can be high, the education system is one of the best in the world.
Finland. Finland provides free tuition for U.S. students at all its various universities, although some semester fees may apply.

When considering which overseas destination you'd like to study in, don't forget to consider things like language barriers, culture and traditions you want to experience.

What You Need to Attend an Overseas University

Choosing to go overseas for college is exciting, but it does require some preparation.

The first piece of that preparation is financial. According to NerdWallet, overseas students should consider submitting the FAFSA before they apply to an overseas organization. While U.S. students can't access federal grants overseas, federal student loans can be applied. In fact, more than 400 schools in 40 countries around the globe accept them.

Going to school overseas also requires the translation of multiple documents so that the U.S. student can apply and be considered.

Keep in mind that some countries require students’ documents to be translated into the native language. These are some of the documents that require a certified translation:

Academic transcripts
Birth certificates
Customs’ documents
Diplomas
Driver’s licenses
Financial records
Immigration and naturalization papers
Marriage certificates
Medical records
Passports
Recommendation letters
Visas

Keep in mind that even if you speak the language into which your documents need to be translated, that's not enough to account for a "certified translation."

Instead, you need to work with a company that offers translation services, like Dynamic Language. Professional translation services are important for many reasons, including accuracy. Because navigating foreign applications and acceptance processes can feel like uncharted waters, having a multilingual partner on your side is essential.

What's more, ongoing translation services can help you excel in your new country. To learn more about translation services needed for your overseas transition, contact Dynamic Language today.

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