At a private school in Rhodes, Greece, Rania Angelis is accustomed to parents encouraging their children to study outside their home country, either elsewhere in Europe or in the United States. In Greece, as in many parts of the world, a degree from a high-ranking American or European university can improve career prospects and open doors in the global marketplace.
At the Rodion Pedia School, where Angelis teaches, parents often ask when they should start considering an overseas degree program for their child. Her advice is straightforward: the earlier, the better.
“I encourage them to start looking at their options when their child is in seventh or eighth grade,” says Angelis, who received her bachelor’s degree from a university in Switzerland. “This is the best time to start planning because it gives the family and the student the time to prioritize university options. Many students say their first choice is to study abroad, but they also have a backup plan, which typically includes a university in Greece.”
Source: Hudson Global Scholars
Laying the groundwork for a degree program abroad involves considering a range of factors, including a student’s motivation, their proficiency in English, and their adaptability to different learning environments. Families also weigh the financial costs and the emotional impact of sending a child to a distant campus.
Starting the Conversation
Educators recommend that families and schools begin discussing study abroad options early, focusing on the following key areas:
- Academic readiness – Is the student prepared to study in another language and adapt to a different educational culture? If additional language support is needed, starting early can give the student time to develop proficiency.
- Student motivation – Is the student intellectually and emotionally ready to consider and prepare for an international learning experience?
- Financial planning – What are the costs involved, and are there opportunities for scholarships or financial support?
- Logistical challenges – Are there geopolitical or visa-related challenges that could affect the student’s ability to study abroad?
- Support network – Are the right resources and people in place to help the student succeed, such as university advisors, language tutors, and academic advisors?
“Laying the groundwork for a degree program abroad involves considering a range of factors, including a student’s motivation, their proficiency in English, and their adaptability to different learning environments”
Learning from Experience
Guillermo Oropeza Diaz, a high school student at Irish Institute Mexico in greater Mexico City, has been planning for a university experience in the US for years. His father attended MIT, and Guillermo hopes to follow a similar path.
“All my life, I wanted to go further than the typical student,” says Oropeza Diaz. “I really want a university experience beyond what my country can offer me. My plan is to get a bachelor’s degree in the US and hopefully go on and get my master’s degree there, too.”
Guillermo regularly discusses his goals with his parents and younger siblings. His family is supportive, even though they know it will be difficult when he leaves home. His younger brother is already considering a university experience outside of Mexico.
“I would encourage any student to go as far as possible,” says Guillermo. “They should do what they must to unlock their full potential.”
Research shows that studying abroad boosts academic performance, enhances job market competitiveness, improves language skills, and fosters intercultural understanding—without delaying graduation.
According to the 2023 Open Doors Report, 89 percent of study-abroad students report that their experience helped them acquire 21st-century job skills that boosted their career opportunities. A 2019 report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators found 31M+ job openings with skills that a student acquires while studying abroad.
Building a Strong Foundation
Supporting students’ study abroad ambitions starts early. Omi Takase, director of the Japan America Academic Center (JAAC), an alliance of more than 50 schools in Japan that provide American-based education online, highlights the importance of early language development. Although many students express a desire to pursue an advanced degree in the US, only 15% have the necessary English proficiency to succeed.
“Schools need to cultivate students in middle school so they can develop good enough English to be prepared for university in an English-speaking country or program,” says Takase. “Our students recognize this too and are willing to do this work in middle school.”
Tülay Şenyüzlü, an administrator at Özel Çağdaş School in Eskişehir, Turkiye, also emphasizes the value of early academic exposure. She encourages students to take courses in fields they might want to pursue at university, whether at home or abroad. At the Özel Çağdaş School, many of those courses are available to students thanks to a partnership with Hudson Global Scholars.
“Courses on subjects like multimedia design, statistics, and computer science, taught in English, offer students a glimpse into the university experience,” says Şenyüzlü. “They really motivate students and build confidence.”
Back in Greece, Angelis and her team are eager to support the increasing number of middle school families considering international education options. “I think families are realizing that it’s in their best interest to start thinking about it earlier,” she says. “Feedback about our program has been consistently positive, and even families from outside the school are showing interest.”
Early Planning Pays Off
The dream of an international education is still very real for many families around the globe. Starting the conversation early—before high school—can help students develop the skills, confidence, and support network they need to thrive in a new learning environment. Educators agree: starting early makes all the difference.
By Sylvia Pryor
Sylvia Pryor is VP of International Outreach at Hudson Global Scholars which delivers exceptional K-12 online educational programs to students around the world. You can connect with her via LinkedIn.
