Let’s debunk one of the most common misconceptions American families have about earning a degree abroad.
Myth: You must be bilingual—or pass a fluency test—to study at institutions in non-English-speaking nations. Therefore, American students seeking a degree abroad should limit their search to countries such as Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Reality: Native English speakers do not have to be fluent in another language to earn a degree at an international institution. In fact, English is an official or widely spoken language in at least 58 sovereign states. What’s more, even in nations where English is not an official language, an ever-increasing number of high-quality degree programs are taught entirely in English.
Let’s Explore!
Examples:
Finland: English is often referred to as Finland’s unofficial third language, and most Finns speak it fluently. There are more than 500 full-degree programs taught in English—a remarkable number for a country of just 5.6 million people! Students can explore these options through the Finnish government’s Studyinfo search engine.
France: Despite fiercely protecting its language and culture, France offers more than 1,500 English-language degree programs. Students can explore these options through the government’s Campus France: Taught in English search engine.
Germany: With a historic reputation for excellence in fields such as engineering, economics, and the sciences, Germany offers more than 2,000 English-language degree programs. Explore them through the UniAssist website.
Israel: Although Hebrew is Israel’s official language, approximately 85% of its citizens speak English. There is no shortage of prestigious English-language degree programs in what is often called the world’s educational “Start-Up Nation.”
The Netherlands: A powerhouse of higher education, the Netherlands was also among the first continental European countries to offer degree programs in English. Today, it remains one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking English-language education. Find your program here.
Conclusion
American students no longer have to focus on a small handful of English-speaking countries in their quest for quality international education. They no longer need to ask, “Where can I study in English?” Instead, they can ask, “Where do I want to go next?”
So, where do you want to go next?