THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2025 71 ABET, the accrediting organization for engineering fields, accredits individual degree programs. Successful completion of the degree is a minimum requirement for eligibility to sit for professional and state-level certification or licensing exams in a particular field of engineering. Similarly, degrees at some universities outside the U.S. may have U.S.-based programmatic accreditation for educator preparation (CAEP), veterinary medicine (AVMA-COE), business (ACBSP, AACSB, or IACBE), nursing (ACEN), and so on. Graduates of those programs should be eligible to take state or national licensure exams without needing additional coursework; but, as you’ve likely heard before, it depends on the institution and state. Do your due diligence on eligibility before investing in such a program. Of course, enrolling at a host nation university comes with some cultural differences. At the University of the South Pacific, for instance, residential students are expected to bring their own mop, bucket, and cooking appliances, but not their own bed linens. In many European countries, student accommodations are provided by third parties, so your neighbors might attend different universities. And you can choose to live hostel-style with a basic bed and locker in a shared bunk room or have your own private bedroom. Universities with a high number of international students will often support incoming international students in the hunt for accommodation in the first year, but finding and paying for housing is often one of the most complex parts of attending a local university outside the U.S., particularly if you do not already have access to a local bank account or student ID. It is not unheard of to stay in a hostel or hotel for a few weeks while searching for your long-term student housing. In Rebecca Grappo, M.Ed., and founder of RNG International Educational Consultants, LLC, is an expert on U.S. and international college advising and knows the Foreign Service lifestyle intimately; the spouse of a retired FSO and mother of three adult children, she lived it herself for more than 27 years. Getting a Degree Overseas: An Option Worth Considering? BY REBECCA GRAPPO FROM THE JUNE 2021 FSJ EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT Here are some additional resources that will help students and families explore some of the English-instruction degree options available. StudieLink—This is the application system for Dutch universities. Dutch Research University Consortium—Information about study options and systems in the Netherlands. Study in Holland—Website with links to resources related to studying in the Netherlands. Education in Ireland—About education in Ireland, with application. UCAS, University and College Admissions Service—Information on how to choose courses of study in the U.K., as well as links to the application. Study UK—Information related to studying in the U.K. European Universities Consortium— A group of European universities that offers degrees taught in English and wishes to recruit international students. Study in Sweden—For students exploring options in Sweden. American Universities Abroad—A group of American universities abroad that promotes study at their member institutions. Common App—Designed mostly for American universities in the U.S., this application tool has a growing number of international member institutions.
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