What About International Colleges?
Article Type: Tasty Bits

Is "French Parisian Party Ideas" your top Pinterest board? Do you belong in the place where schadenfreude was invented? Is Become a "Dancing Queen" the only item on your "Hopes and Dreams" list that's endured since 7th grade?

If you've got a quirky obsession with our overseas friends (ahem, our BFF Liam), we've got 5 cool reasons on why you should consider European colleges when generating your big list.

5 Reasons You Should Consider European Colleges:

1. "Land of the Free" What?

In case you haven't heard, money can't buy happiness. But a lot of it can buy a designer-label education in America. 

Education prices continue to rise in the U.S., while Finland, Germany, and Norway offer free tuition for international students. Other countries like Austria, France, and Sweden charge a fraction of the tuition price that American universities do. 

According to the College Board, the average tuition in the U.S. for a public two-year college is $3,349 and the average tuition for a private four-year college is $31,231. That's a pretty penny when you could be paying $500 a year (or less). 

2. Back to the Mothering-land

European universities aren't writing us napkin-notes every day, but they also don't take tough love to a whole new level like American universities. 

The brutal admissions process in the U.S. has brought many a high school senior to their knees. On the flip side, European universities don't feel schadenfreude from watching applicants squirm. "Standardized testing" is rarely a phrase at the center of a hot debate, which means it's rarely a requirement. Hey, can't complain about that.

3. #socollege But Better

Fraternities and tailgates may be in short supply in Europe, but your traveling experiences will be exponentially more awesome. 

Sure, a trip to see the Cavs is cool while you're going to Ohio State. But an undergrad spent in Berlin means you're a quick rail or plane trip from nearby cities like London, Brussels, and Paris. 

4. A Whole New World of Learning

We know what you're thinking: "Well, duh, I'll have to learn a new language." And yes, being immersed in another country's education, culture, and language will give you the raved-about opportunity to become fluent in a new language. You'll feel the smartness coursing through your brain, you'll hear "That accent is so cute" before it even reaches the lips of your new friends, and you'll relish in the ability to add "Fluent in French" to your resume. 

But if learning a new language is an intimidating roadblock in the way of international colleges, stop right there. Hundreds of European schools offer programs in English because they're welcoming to American students. On top of that, European universities pride themselves on engaging, challenging, and interactive educational styles. You'll have to head abroad to find out just what we mean. Check Bachelor's Portal to find an English-taught program for you. 

5. Energy Efficient

Many European universities will give you an intense workout, but it'll be worth it. Getting you in and out in three to three and a half years is a big achievement when nearly 80% of American students overstay their original four-year booking at public universities.

That'll save you time and money, and saved money is good money. 

But, hey. You may never want to leave Europe once you land at your top-pick international college.