College abroad, A few questions.

Federal

I plan on going to college once I am finished secondary school. Thing is, I really don't want to go to college in Ireland. Ideally, I would like to go to college in Canada or America. Does anyone know what the costs are like? Is it difficult to secure an academic scholarship? Will colleges be more stringent with scholarships because of the current economic crisis? I am in fifth year at the moment, should I start applying to schools now?

Any replies are very much appreciated.

Well, to be honest what's your reason for not wanting to go to college here? Just asking because unless you're absolutely sure it's a long way to go...

Costs vary as per the course and the college. Assuming you're irish you'd be charged international student rates which, even in this country, are €10,000+ per year of the course.

Federal

Dónal wrote: »

Well, to be honest what's your reason for not wanting to go to college here? Just asking because unless you're absolutely sure it's a long way to go...

Costs vary as per the course and the college. Assuming you're irish you'd be charged international student rates which, even in this country, are €10,000+ per year of the course.

I could go to college in Ireland, but for some reason I just want to live somewhere else, there are so many things I like about Ireland and so many things I dislike. I can't really put my finger on a single aspect of why I'd rather go to college abroad, I think it's a combination of things.

I have been to Canada several times and loved it every time. I loved the weather, the people who lived there, the lifestyle the had and their general quality of life.

Maybe I just want to travel a bit but I think that going to school there would be an amazing experience. I would plan on working there part time of course to pay for living and general day to day expenses.

That's it in a hastily thrown together nutshell I guess.

queenie2

Hi Federal!!
My son is 18 and just about to sit his leaving cert. He announced last night that he wants to study in America. Mercyhurst College Pennsylvania (better learn to spell that!)
He wants to be a Garda..so they offer a degree in 'Intelligence Studies'..it's four years and I checked out website last night.

It cost's for one year as resident and with platinum food package( don't ask!) 34,000 dollars.

Other expenses include room deposit 350 dollars,confirmation deposit 250 dollars,International student fee 30 dollars..orientation fee 150 dollars,I.D card 30 dollars...add in cost of flights and personal expenses and it is huge...and that's just year 1..!

Now he is doing this application through his school, 3 lad's already over there from last year..so he has access to information..he is adamant that he will receive a scholarship and only have to fork out 4,000 euros max!
Oh the innocence of it all!
Check out www.fulbright.ie I think it may be of some use to you for info.
www.aacrao.com to get an idea of how your qualifications match up to USA .
Also certain states in USA are cheaper for college and living standards etc...It is very hard to get a full scholarship to USA as thousands of International students apply every year..some require excellent exam results ..some a small essay ...some a long essay from you....
Ireland (Irish schools/colleges) may share some affilliation with USA/Canadian colleges so check that out..but I don't know where to direct you as I am learning as I go...If my son is right and scholarship can be awarded to him...he is gone..I would love for him to experience it.
But do bear in mind from what I have read on International student forums, that being an International student in USA is tough,hard to qualify for work, never have money,homesick, course work tough etc., but I am sure there are plenty of upsides..and it's only 8 hours away if you need to come back...!!!

bnm

Could anyone tell me what the process of applying to British colleges from Ireland involves- when the process begins, criteria, interviews etc? And also, could anyone recommend any UK colleges that would be worth pursuing Medicine in? Thanks!:D

Secoundrow

Hi Federal!!
My son is 18 and just about to sit his leaving cert. He announced last night that he wants to study in America. Mercyhurst College Pennsylvania (better learn to spell that!)
He wants to be a Garda..so they offer a degree in 'Intelligence Studies'..it's four years and I checked out website last night.
It cost's for one year as resident and with platinum food package( don't ask!) 34,000 dollars.

kinda off topic but seriously that would be an awful waste of time sure hed look mighty impressive going for the interview for the guards (But what if he failed the aptitude test:D
Also great course if he wanted to join Mi6 but unfortunetly
us Irish dont have an intelligence agency..(ie. Because we dont need one)
Ill give ya some advice

Galway technical institute have a great one year security course which contains modules for preparing for the guards!
A few guys in my year are doing it next year:o


Then again what do I know im only a bogger:p

Secoundrow

bnm wrote: »

Could anyone tell me what the process of applying to British colleges from Ireland involves- when the process begins, criteria, interviews etc? And also, could anyone recommend any UK colleges that would be worth pursuing Medicine in? Thanks!:D

Hey man

I might be actually able to contribute something benificial this time:D (so I dont get told off by a mod)


I assume your a fifth year as well.................put it this way if your a LC your not the sharpest tool in the shed if your thinking of it at this stage:o..

anyhu assuming your a fifth year youll have to apply through process known as ucas ( http://www.ucas.ac.uk/ ) its a CAO type organisation.....

youll have to apply with a personal statement explaining why you want the course and a bit about yourself and how you dont intend to start killing people if they allow you into a UK Uni:p

check out the website for more info!!
+ If your Irish since your a Eu citizen it should be relitively cheap!

Hope I Helped


Edit:

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/nonukstudents/

theres a Direct Link for yeah enjoy!!

JumAPond

Federal,

Not sure if this has come to late to help, but I understand you situation. Just 3 years ago I finished high school (secondary) here in the states something just kept drawing me to leave the country for university. I applied to TCD and was accepted...only thing was that your system is about 1.5 months off from ours and I had already enrolled in school before recieving my acceptance letter from them. But, now I'm finished with university I'm headed to TCD for grad school.

Somewhere in that story is a point. I think its make the most of what you do. If you end up in Ireland, try to go abroad for a summer or semester. I backpacked Italy and went to school in London for a summer doing that, played a varsity sport for my school in the US, and wouldn't change a thing.

As for funding, look to see if Ireland has scholarships for Irish students to come to the U.S. or Canada (the US has the Mitchell Scholarship which pays fees and a $12.000 USD stipend to awarded students going to Irish university). The Fulbright is another great option, although you may have to enroll in an Irish university and then just study for a year abroad or so (but it would be paid.) Check around, I wish I would have for grad school, now Im bearing the brunt of course fees as I head into next year.

Private schools in the US (I dont know about Canada, but I have visited some and they are high quality) can range anywhere from $25,000 USD to $50,000 per year (Harvard, Chicago, etc). However, its important to recognize that most private institutions in the US do attempt to help pay a decent proprotion of student fees through scholarships and grants, but you still may need to fill out US Federal Forms for student funding. My school, sticker price, is over $100,000 USD for the four years...I finished a year early with $40,000 in loans.

Public schools are much less expensive and many are just as high quality, just larger populations. The University of MN for example has a student body that approaches or exceeds 50,000. UCLA approaches or exceeds 45,000.

Seek out what you think you may want to do or may want to.
This is a good site for US Colleges & Universities: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college

If you think you've found one you like...check it out. Email the Financial Aid office and ask how much fees would be for a international student, then make sure they tell you scholarships/grants. Unfourtunately because of the economic downturn of the past year....US universities have raised fees slightly as well as seemingly looked at more students that they can give less aid too in order to keep 'costs' down. Remember, us U.S. students get federal help, but it is nothing like the E.U. system.