Expat Resources

If your child is a U.S. citizen, they generally apply to American colleges as a domestic applicant, even if they have spent most—or all—of high school overseas.

Admissions officers evaluate students based on the educational opportunities available to them, considering factors such as:

• Academic achievement
• Course rigor
• Personal essays
• Teacher recommendations
• Extracurricular involvement
• Standardized test scores (when required or submitted)

An international education is not a disadvantage. In many cases, students who can thoughtfully explain how living abroad has shaped their perspective stand out in the admissions process.

While admissions policies have remained largely unchanged, paying for college has become more complicated.

The One Big Beautiful Bill (“OBBB” or “OB3”) introduced a lifetime $65,000 cap on Parent PLUS Loans, replacing the previous system that allowed many eligible families to borrow up to the full cost of attendance (minus other aid). Read more about the impact of OB3 here.

For many middle-income families, this means affordability should be part of the college search from the very beginning—not something considered after acceptance letters arrive.

When building a college list, ask:

• Which universities offer substantial merit scholarships?
• Which colleges meet a high percentage of demonstrated financial need?
• What will our total out-of-pocket cost be over four years?
• If federal borrowing is limited, how will we finance the remaining balance?

A generous scholarship from one university may provide far greater long-term value than a more prestigious institution with significantly higher costs.

Families living overseas often face financial considerations that domestic families never encounter.

You may:

• Earn income in multiple currencies.
• File tax returns in more than one country.
• Receive employer housing or education allowances.
• Hold assets outside the United States.
• Experience changing college costs because of exchange-rate fluctuations.

Organizing financial documents early can make the FAFSA and institutional financial aid applications much less stressful.

Before senior year, gather:

• U.S. and foreign tax returns
• Records of overseas income
• Foreign bank and investment information
• Employer benefit statements
• Documentation needed to explain currency conversions or unique financial circumstances

Usually, yes. American colleges regularly admit students educated around the world. Admissions offices evaluate applicants within the context of their school’s educational system and may request translated transcripts or credential evaluations when appropriate.

Not at all.

Many expatriate students have educational records from multiple schools and countries. The key is collecting complete transcripts early and presenting a clear academic timeline that helps admissions officers understand your student’s educational journey.

Yes.
Admissions officers review applications from hundreds of educational systems every year. Rather than expecting every school to use an American GPA, they evaluate students within the grading scale and curriculum used by their school.

It depends on the institution.

Many colleges remain test-optional, while others continue to require or recommend standardized testing for admission, scholarships, or specific academic programs. Because international testing locations can fill quickly, families living abroad should plan well in advance.

Absolutely.

Many expatriate families apply simultaneously to universities in the United States and abroad. Since each country has its own admissions requirements and deadlines, thoughtful planning is essential.

It certainly can.

Students who have lived internationally often develop resilience, independence, cultural awareness, adaptability, language skills, and a broader worldview. When communicated effectively through essays and applications, these experiences can become one of a student’s greatest strengths.

Yes.

New World Educational Solutions works virtually with families around the world through video meetings, email, and collaborative online tools, making expert college counseling accessible wherever your family lives.

In many cases, yes.

U.S. citizens living abroad generally remain eligible to complete the FAFSA if they meet federal requirements. Families may need to report foreign income and assets, making early preparation especially important.

Applying to college from overseas requires more than simply completing applications.

We help expatriate families:

• Understand how foreign coursework will be evaluated.
• Organize transcripts from multiple schools and countries.
• Develop balanced college lists that reflect both academic goals and financial realities.
• Navigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
• Showcase the unique strengths of internationally mobile students.
• Reduce uncertainty by creating a clear admissions timeline with ongoing reminders, notifications, and regular direct communication.

Whether your family has been overseas for one year or your student has spent their entire education abroad, we’ll help you navigate the admissions process with confidence.

Wherever you’ve called home, we’ll help your student find the next one.

• BigFuture by College Board – Search colleges by majors, costs, admissions selectivity, and more.
• College Navigator – U.S. Department of Education database with detailed institutional data.
• Common App College Search – Find colleges that accept the Common Application.
• Peterson’s College Search – Extensive filters for programs and admissions.

• Common App – Apply to over 1,000 U.S. colleges with one application.
• Apply Texas – Application portal for many Texas colleges.
• University of California Admissions – Application system for all UC campuses.

• FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• CSS Profile – Required by select colleges for institutional financial aid.
• EducationUSA Opportunity Funds – Resources for international students seeking funding.
• International Scholarships Search by IEFA – Scholarships specifically for international students.
• Scholarships.com – Scholarship search engine.

• World Education Services (WES) – Credential evaluations accepted by many U.S. colleges.
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – Another widely accepted evaluation service.

• Numbeo – Compare cost of living between cities.
• College Scorecard – Compare graduation rates, earnings, and costs.

• College Essay Guy – Comprehensive guidance on college essays
• Purdue Online Writing Lab – Excellent resource for academic writing.
• The Common App Essay Prompts – Current essay prompts and guidance.
• UC PIQs – University of California’s insights and instructions into the Personal Interest Questions (PIQs)