Further Education: Making your mind up
This month, we explore some alternative options that might smooth the transition from school to college or university.
You’ve thought about your options and you know you want to go further in academia. Perhaps you’re even thinking that going abroad is a great option for you. But you’re not quite ready to sign yourself up to 3 or 4 years away from home. You need a ‘taster’ to see if it’s really for you. At the same time, you want to prepare yourself for the TOEFL, IELTS or SAT exam that you’ll have to pass to enrol. Maybe you even want a guaranteed offer from a university and you’re nervous about the whole application process.
There are options out there to suit everyone. It’s just a case of finding the right guidance to point you in the right direction. Did you even think that it might be possible to study English and learn to surf at the same time? What about combining your studies with a photography course or basketball camp? Could you imagine yourself learning Business English in London or Miami? And imagine filling out just one application form and getting guaranteed acceptance somewhere in the United States. Didn’t think it was possible? Well, it is.
FLS International: University Language Programs in the USA
FLS International offers courses for: academic English; TOELF/SAT/GRE/GMAT preparation; intensive English; general English; and vacation English. You can stay with an American host family, in student dormitory accommodation, in shared apartment accommodation, or in a guest house. FLS International will immerse you into an environment with other students from around the world, to ensure you have all the support you need. If you’re interested in learning a new skill alongside building on your English skills, you can opt for a Speciality Tour. These programs last just 2 or 3 weeks and you can choose from anything from Basketball Camp to Surf Camp to Acting Camp! If you complete an 8 week program with FLS, they’ll partner you up with Universal Placement Program to assist in your admission to college or university in the USA.
Universal Placement Program (UPP): Study in the USA
UPP offers guaranteed placement and a quick and easy application process. They offer courses in private high schools, colleges and universities all over America. They can organise housing, offer assistance with applying for scholarships, and can even arrange to pick you up from the airport! You also have the option of studying a Pathway Program with them; a 2 year academic course that does not require TOEFL or other English requirements. Once completed, they can place you in some of the best universities in America.
Education First: Language Courses Abroad
Singapore? Auckland? Barcelona? Chicago? London? Tokyo? Toronto? Imagine preparing for your TOEFL or IELTS entrance exams in locations like these! Not only does Education First offer exam preparation, but you can also choose to study special interest classes to make your learning relevant to your interests: History, Photography, Science, Politics, for example. They even offer Business English courses and Internships. If you have a thirst for languages, you can even take exams in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin or Japanese.
The possibilities are endless…
So, if you think your only option is to launch yourself straight into a daunting full-time study, think again. There are courses that will ease the transition from home comforts to total independence. And there’s a bonus: employers love to see something out of the ordinary on a CV. If you throw yourself into an experience which will allow you to grow both personally and academically, you’re half-way there!