Many of my friends overseas, and in particular Switzerland, have contacted me via various outlets about coming to school here in the US. Really up to this point I had very little information to offer. This is my first effort (and I expect there will be additions to this in the future) to supply data that you might be able to use.
Most of you are playing American Football and looking to not only find an educational direction but you want to continue to play ball. I get that and will help you in any way I can with the football end.
But, this information is simply a generic idea of how to apply to a college or junior (community) college here in the US for anyone – athlete or not.
On Wednesday of this week I met with the Director of International Admissions at Moravian College (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) – Robyn Apgar. She was very helpful and knowledgeable about what I will call “International Education.”
Just as a side note here – I help coach the football team here at Moravian College. One of my best friends was once the Head Coach and Athletic Director for many years at Moravian.
I have been here for several years coaching in a volunteer role. So I’m aware of this school and others similar to it (small liberal arts colleges).
Although I am here at this school – by no means am I trying to convince you that Moravian is a match for any of you. You all have to select the right path in your education.
Obviously you need to research the US schools (and there are thousands of colleges and junior (community) colleges to select from. ) They range in specialized schools in engineering or business to liberal arts colleges that build on a wide base style of education. You have to find your “fit”.
You will find some schools restrictive because of costs, others are very reasonable. For instance the junior colleges are inexpensive and offer a two year degree and often allow a student to find his or her direction for the final two years of school.
Robyn told me many things that will be useful to you:
- Most, but not all 2 year (Junior or Community) or 4 year schools will require the SAT or ACT test prior to admission.
- Pretty much every school will require you to take some form of test to judge your mastery of English. (Personally after spending time with you in Switzerland I think this will be very easy for any of you to handle – I am still astounded at your multi-lingual skills). There are several tests that are available – but most of the time the school you want to apply to will inform you of the test that you need. You will need only one and you probably can select from a wide list. Here are the most common tests that Robyn told me about….TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB. Others are ECPE, CPE, CAE. NOTE: These tests will cost money, so make sure you are taking the right ones!
- You will need to make sure you can acquire your academic records that can be sent to the schools you apply to. NOTE: In the US sometimes the schools charge to process your records. Look into this first!
- You might have to write a short essay in English to show your mastery of the language and also your ability to compose work in it as well. This often is a subject of your choice and it will not be long – so don’t let this be a hang up for you. (Robyn told me she had one student write a page about her dog, another about going so obviously this will be easy for you).
- Eventually you will need your passport (most of you have this already) and a student visa. These are easily acquired. But, they take some time. So you need to plan ahead.
- Most schools are seeking International Students – so there are scholarships available. But the amount and type vary from school to school. Also it is always better to apply early while more money is available for financial aid.
If you look at this list, you can see that this is very manageable. You can probably arrange to have all of this started and finished within a few hours. But please plan ahead – you need to find out the deadlines for applications etc.
I really want you all to have some exciting opportunities and this might fit into your plans. This is not a money making enterprise for me and I would not steer you in any one direction or another. But you just might find an adventure!
But, know this – I will help you in any way I can. You all pretty much know how to reach me (WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.), and you are welcome to share any of my contact information with any of your friends or instructors.
All questions from you are welcome – that will help me to expand my own knowledge on this subject and then I can continue to share better information.
Just a few other notes before I finish.
First, if you just randomly look up a college in the US and go to their website – you are almost guaranteed to find a drop down that refers to International Students. Almost invariably that will give you any information you need including on-line applications etc.
For instance since my son attended the University of Michigan I looked up the International Information – that area pretty much covered most of the things I mentioned earlier. You can easily formulate a plan within a few minutes.
Second, as far as coming to states as a HIgh School exchange student. This is a possibility for many of you. But, I have little information on this to date. I am going to talk with some people in the next week or so. After I get that information I will post another “Blog” or whatever you want to call this paper I have written.
Lastly, football-wise. I have seen our U-19 team play. The athleticism and ability is certainly there in the SAFV. What you lack right now is just plain experience. When you gain that you will certainly be able to find the right niche for you.
So, keep me posted on your progress. But – think about High School exchange student for a year. Or, if you are past that – Junior College here in the US. These will both offer you an indicator on what you need to do.
I am going to try and contact some Junior College football coaches and try to gauge their interest in finding athletes from abroad. One way or another I am going to work on this.
I will also look into the High School exchange programs.
Please, share any of this with your friends or school mates who might want to look into International opportunities.
Again…just let me know what information I can find for you – or how I can give you some help. Good Luck my friends!