Are We Crazy for Questioning a $250k US Degree and looking abroad?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the OP's questions .... my DC just started at Trinity College Dublin so I can't address your questions about employability after graduation. I admit to that being a worry in the back of my head, but I also think it is highly likely DC will go to graduate school, which will have more impact on their post-graduation job prospects. So far TCD seems to be a great choice for DC, who is making friends, joining "societies" and other activities, and digging into classes, which just started this week.

While money was a consideration for us, DC received terrific merit from several US schools, so they didn't make their decision based on cost (total cost of attendance was pretty close to equal across three of their top four choices). They ultimately decided they wanted the experience of going to a school in another country, not just for study abroad but for the full degree. And they appreciated that the academic experience focuses on their "course," with a couple of electives thrown in, rather than the broad degree requirements of many US schools (DC is thrilled they do not need to take math or science in college).

The logistics are a consideration but so far have been manageable. DC has their interview for a student residency permit in a couple of weeks and then they should have all of that behind them. The housing situation in Dublin is tough and I imagine could also be challenging in other international cities. Fortunately DC is in university-owned housing this year, but they are unlikely to get that again next year. Finally, the academic experience is more self-directed -- I think DC will handle this better than I would have as a college student, but I think it will still be an adjustment as they work through the term.

Finally, your kid doesn't need to choose right now -- they can apply both within the US and internationally, and see what options they have and where they most want to go in the spring. DC had decided against applying to Trinity, then changed their mind last November after the election, and it ultimately rose to the top of their list.

My kid is doing the same -- applying to US oos and UK unis, and yes, some of that is due to the politics of this country.

They just don't want to be in state, and we have enough in our 529 for UK unis, including travel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the OP's questions .... my DC just started at Trinity College Dublin so I can't address your questions about employability after graduation. I admit to that being a worry in the back of my head, but I also think it is highly likely DC will go to graduate school, which will have more impact on their post-graduation job prospects. So far TCD seems to be a great choice for DC, who is making friends, joining "societies" and other activities, and digging into classes, which just started this week.

While money was a consideration for us, DC received terrific merit from several US schools, so they didn't make their decision based on cost (total cost of attendance was pretty close to equal across three of their top four choices). They ultimately decided they wanted the experience of going to a school in another country, not just for study abroad but for the full degree. And they appreciated that the academic experience focuses on their "course," with a couple of electives thrown in, rather than the broad degree requirements of many US schools (DC is thrilled they do not need to take math or science in college).

The logistics are a consideration but so far have been manageable. DC has their interview for a student residency permit in a couple of weeks and then they should have all of that behind them. The housing situation in Dublin is tough and I imagine could also be challenging in other international cities. Fortunately DC is in university-owned housing this year, but they are unlikely to get that again next year. Finally, the academic experience is more self-directed -- I think DC will handle this better than I would have as a college student, but I think it will still be an adjustment as they work through the term.

Finally, your kid doesn't need to choose right now -- they can apply both within the US and internationally, and see what options they have and where they most want to go in the spring. DC had decided against applying to Trinity, then changed their mind last November after the election, and it ultimately rose to the top of their list.

Thank you. OP here. Yes my son was also looking at Trinity College. How big is their 1st year entry class? Are there a lot of Americans there?
If you have an EU passport does that change anything as it relates to fees?

[Anonymous]

Personally I really value my college memories. You do not get the US college experience overseas. It’s something I want my kids to be able to experience.

[Anonymous]

In my circle, most of the students have at least one parent born outside the United States. Many are going to universities in the non-US-born parents’ countries.

They’re all still in school; I don’t know what will happen if and when they come back to the United States.

The students seem to be having fun and doing well. The EU students in the programs are able to take college courses in a second language, which is amazing, but, on average, they aren’t better prepared in other ways than the U.S. students are.

I think any students who take this route and don’t have strong ties to the university country should take charge of most of the process. If they’re not the ones dealing with the application red tape, that might be a sign they’d have a hard time dealing with cell phone and bank account red tape overseas.

But, otherwise, this is a little like sending a DMV kid to UCLA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally I really value my college memories. You do not get the US college experience overseas. It’s something I want my kids to be able to experience.

This might be partly because the U.S. students who go overseas think they want something different than a traditional U.S. college experience.

I think a lot of the students at the EU universities who are in their own countries end up living in fraternity houses or the equivalent and having a lot of fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally I really value my college memories. You do not get the US college experience overseas. It’s something I want my kids to be able to experience.

Other than going to football games, what experience will be lacking?

I’m in a FB group of UK parents with college students. Their kids are learning about their flatmates (outside of London, it appears many of the schools have group homes serving as dorms. One posted all the girls got craft stuff & convinced the guys to do a craft night with them every week so far), joining clubs, going out.

Personally I think it’s really sad that you want your kid to have what you had instead of what they might prefer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally I really value my college memories. You do not get the US college experience overseas. It’s something I want my kids to be able to experience.

The US College experience at Williams is different the one at USC or Cornell. So difficult to generalize it.
Has it ever cross your mind that maybe, just maybe, some people do not want the so called college experience?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my circle, most of the students have at least one parent born outside the United States. Many are going to universities in the non-US-born parents’ countries.

They’re all still in school; I don’t know what will happen if and when they come back to the United States.

The students seem to be having fun and doing well. The EU students in the programs are able to take college courses in a second language, which is amazing, but, on average, they aren’t better prepared in other ways than the U.S. students are.

I think any students who take this route and don’t have strong ties to the university country should take charge of most of the process. If they’re not the ones dealing with the application red tape, that might be a sign they’d have a hard time dealing with cell phone and bank account red tape overseas.

But, otherwise, this is a little like sending a DMV kid to UCLA.

Interesting. In my circle is the total opposite. None of the students have a parent born outside the US.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Thank you. OP here. Yes my son was also looking at Trinity College. How big is their 1st year entry class? Are there a lot of Americans there?
If you have an EU passport does that change anything as it relates to fees?

NP with kid at TCD who had similar views to those in PP 16:06. According to the latest TCD info (2022-23), they've got about 15,000 undergrads, so I'd guess roughly 3500+ first years. My kid reports classes tend to be quite large, with professors and TAs expecting students to do the bulk of their study/research on their own. (An aside: There is very little handholding/spoon feeding - and you/your kid should be aware of the different grading system as well. This pamphlet covers grades, as well as the expectations. It's not enough to study what the professor covers - in many courses, kids need to demonstrate wide-ranging critical analysis to get a 70+. https://www.tcd.ie/study/assets/PDF/StudyingAtTrinity_Dec18_Web.pdf)

I don't think they publish the breakdown of student nationality beyond EU/non-EU, but will say my kid has many American and/or dual-national friends, several of whom are also EU passport holders.

You can see the fees breakdown here, as it varies my major: https://www.tcd.ie/courses/undergraduate/fees/, but yes, fees for EU passport holders are much cheaper than for other international students.

Hope this is helpful. My kid is so happy with their decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No one will admit it here- or very few- but most American colleges, or at least the ones discussed here- are grossly overpriced. We keep buying in because we’re too scared not to

I mean yes, if you are too good to send your kid to a SUNY and insist on Northeastern.

I'd much rather go to school in the UK than SUNY. sorry!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally I really value my college memories. You do not get the US college experience overseas. It’s something I want my kids to be able to experience.

+100
The best of all worlds is college in the U.S. and study abroad for a semester or year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the OP's questions .... my DC just started at Trinity College Dublin so I can't address your questions about employability after graduation. I admit to that being a worry in the back of my head, but I also think it is highly likely DC will go to graduate school, which will have more impact on their post-graduation job prospects. So far TCD seems to be a great choice for DC, who is making friends, joining "societies" and other activities, and digging into classes, which just started this week.

While money was a consideration for us, DC received terrific merit from several US schools, so they didn't make their decision based on cost (total cost of attendance was pretty close to equal across three of their top four choices). They ultimately decided they wanted the experience of going to a school in another country, not just for study abroad but for the full degree. And they appreciated that the academic experience focuses on their "course," with a couple of electives thrown in, rather than the broad degree requirements of many US schools (DC is thrilled they do not need to take math or science in college).

The logistics are a consideration but so far have been manageable. DC has their interview for a student residency permit in a couple of weeks and then they should have all of that behind them. The housing situation in Dublin is tough and I imagine could also be challenging in other international cities. Fortunately DC is in university-owned housing this year, but they are unlikely to get that again next year. Finally, the academic experience is more self-directed -- I think DC will handle this better than I would have as a college student, but I think it will still be an adjustment as they work through the term.

Finally, your kid doesn't need to choose right now -- they can apply both within the US and internationally, and see what options they have and where they most want to go in the spring. DC had decided against applying to Trinity, then changed their mind last November after the election, and it ultimately rose to the top of their list.

this is what my kid is doing. and ED to a top school here. a full slate of UCAS schools. then a RD round of US schools ..maybe 6 or 7. They'll decide once it shakes out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Unfortunately neither kid wants to stay in-state."

I mean, you realize that most kids just have to get over this and go in state? Your kids sound spoiled.

+1. Parents need to drive this … it’s their money

+1

You as a parent set the limit for what you can afford. They cannot take more than $5.5K/year (~$27K for the 4 year total) without a parental/adult co-signer. And you set these expectations early, as in by sophmore/junior year so they don't fall in love with schools you will never be able to afford

Oh my god. Are you people BLIND???? Or just pretending to be..OP posted twice already that MONEY IS NOT THE ISSUE, only a variable to consider. They never said they don’t have money do this. You people need to find other things to do…

Why are you in a rage over how people are responding? Maybe YOU need something else to do? Or take your meds? Money IS the issue. Just read her subject line. It doesn’t mean she can’t pay for alternative options. But it IS the topic of the conversation.

I’m the OP. Clearly the thread went a different direction than my original intent. Money is not the issue. I’m just trying to rationalize this before it is too late since my kids will be applying soon. One of the variables was cost. My kids are not going to our state university. So please stop talking about it. If your knew where we lived your would know why.

W are perfectly ok paying full ride on a private if we had to, but me, personally (not my husband) is using the money as a variable to help me get through the idea of having my kids go overseas. This is by no means the only or biggest variable. It is just a variable. Not sure if my kid will get a lot of merit aid from a Private. Too early to tell. We just want to be prepared.

OP

Oh FFS you are exactly the parent profile that I referenced when I first posted. Your kid isn’t good enough for merit at a private. So the second option is - Rotterdam?? Kings College?? Just send your kid to LSU for 25k OOS a year. 80 percent acceptance rate. Problem solved.

[Anonymous]

If they’re going to the UK, they better be fond of pubs. University social life revolves around going to the pub

[Anonymous]

My kid (in big American college) has commented on the freedom his friends at Mcgill are having as far as nightlight. Perfectly legal to get into clubs etc. My kid has a fake (I assume they most do), but the bars are strict so it's mostly frat parties which are .. one note. And the kids won't spend money on concert tickets because the risk is too large they get turned away at the door and have to eat the cost.

Whereas in Montreal, the kids can go to clubs, bars, concerts, see DJs and bands. All that. I'm sure the kids in America feel bolder when they start looking a little like they're 21, but they do not now