When it comes to U.S. online graduate degree programs, the application processes are typically similar for domestic and international students. But for the latter group, there may be additional requirements, like demonstration of English-language proficiency, to keep in mind.
“The biggest difference is pretty much what they have to submit as an international student,” says Margaret Oakar, associate director for admission services at Pennsylvania State University–World Campus.
Though the specifics vary across programs, international applicants should ensure that they meet all their requirements and apply to a school that caters to students from overseas by taking these five considerations into account.
1. Look for ways to learn more about the program and international student population: When applying to online programs, prospective international graduate students should determine whether there are ways for them to explore the school further, which may include talking to other international students or virtually attending an online class, if possible, says Melora Sundt, professor of clinical education at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education.
“Some programs are protective of that; others are very open and say ‘sure,'” says Sundt. “They want you to make a good choice. And while I can’t say openness is a sign of a better program, it certainly does help you make a better decision.”
2. Be able to demonstrate English proficiency: Demonstrating English skills is typically essential to gaining admittance to a U.S. online graduate program for those who don’t speak it as their first language, experts say.
Discover [how U.S. colleges gauge international students’ English skills.]
For instance, many U.S. online programs will ask that international applicants submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Experts say it’s important to check these requirements before submitting an application, as there may also be exceptions if an applicant, for instance, completed an undergraduate degree in a predominantly English-speaking country.
International applicants can also illustrate a solid grasp of the English language on the application itself, where they can show admissions officers their writing abilities, says Christopher Quinn, regional vice president at the for-profit Kaplan University, which offers online and on-ground programs.
“Written English abilities are particularly important as online programs predominantly require written assignments and interactions with classmates and faculty,” he said via email.
3. Check out which student services are available to international students: It’s vital online international applicants check whether student services such as career advisement are accustomed to assisting international students specifically.
International students in different time zones, Oakar says, might need access to 24-hour tech support, for example, or may desire assistance with their writing, especially if English isn’t their first language.
“The distance allows for that convenience and flexibility, but it can also seem a little bit isolating,” she says. “So I encourage my graduate applicants to think about, what do they personally need?”
[Ask these five questions about student services in online programs.]
4. Make sure your transcripts are in English and your undergraduate degree is accepted: Quinn, of Kaplan, says prospective international graduate students considering U.S. online programs should understand that their academic transcripts and credentials will need to be translated into English for review.
Experts also say they should determine whether their already-completed undergrad degrees will be accepted by U.S.-based online graduate programs. And they should explore what the degree they hold is equivalent to in the U.S.
“How that translates can be a little bit different by country, so that can be a little bit confusing for international students,” Oakar says.
Many online graduate programs offered through U.S. schools ask for a degree that’s comparable to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. International online students should contact their undergraduate institution to see if they meet that requirement, Oakar says.
Patricia Ezeli, originally from Nigeria and now based in the U.S., is a student in the online @WashULaw Master of Laws, or LL.M., in U.S. Law through Washington University in St. Louis’ School of Law. If online students plan to work in their home country after completing the online program, she said via email, she would recommend they determine whether U.S. online degrees are typically viewed favorably by employers, and if the degree itself mentions that the program was earned online.
5. Understand whether there’s an in-person or clinical requirement outside of your country: Some online graduate programs might require online students to come to campus or other designated locations to complete face-to-face requirements.
For applicants based overseas, this is particularly important to note, as travel to the U.S. might require a visa application or additional paperwork, Oakar says.
[Learn four other online education program considerations for international students.]
“I would tell international applicants to get very clear guidelines and understanding of that,” says Oakar. Checking these requirements early on, she says, is important to avoid any attendance issues once the program starts.
Prospective online students should decide whether a program with an in-person component is something they’re even looking for, experts say. Like online students based in the U.S., many international online students juggle their education with work and other obligations, so a clinical or on-campus component may be too much to handle.
“Some international students see those immersion programs, where you have to come to campus for a period of time, as very attractive and useful,” Sundt says. “Others see them as being cumbersome.”
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Apply to a U.S. Online Graduate Program as an International Student originally appeared on usnews.com
