Foreign Doctorate Degrees
Despite global economic and political upheaval, figures from the Institute of International Education, or IIE, show that the number of Americans pursuing doctorate degrees outside the United States has remained relatively steady. Although the majority of the 260,327 U.S. citizens studying abroad in the 2008-09 academic year were college juniors, 10,413, or 4 percent, were doctoral students.
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Location
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Location proves a vital consideration for a student contemplating study abroad. The United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and France rank as primary countries hosting U.S. students, the IIE reports, with China in the fifth-highest spot. However, an IIE "Open Doors" report released in November 2010 found that while European enrollment decreased by 4 percent, the number increased by 16 percent in Africa, 2 percent in Asia and 13 percent in South America. While some countries may not offer doctoral programs in a student's chosen field, the IIE is spearheading an effort to encourage American studies in more diverse and strategic locations around the world.
Academic Credit
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Each country has its own requirements for Americans seeking doctoral degrees abroad. Norway, for example, requires three years of full-time study for a Ph.D., whereas other countries allow only 30 months for the student to research, write and defend the thesis. Prospective students therefore should thoroughly research the program before enrolling. If the foreign school is affiliated with a U.S. college or university, the student should talk to that institution's study abroad office. In all cases, students should request written confirmation of their proposed thesis and the required curriculum.
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Costs
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Leslie Mann, writing in the January 14, 2011, edition of the "Chicago Tribune," reported that international schools increasingly offer less expensive study abroad opportunities to U.S. students. In some cases, by choosing foreign study programs in alternate locations such as Chile, China or Argentina rather than Italy or the U.K., the cost can be less than attending school in the U.S. For an accurate comparison, however, students must calculate not only tuition, room, board and books, but also airfare and local transportation costs and fees for a passport, student visa and international student identity card fees, immunizations, health and travel insurance.
Financial Aid
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Americans studying abroad can still receive federal loans, grants, scholarships and other public and private funding resources. In some cases, existing student loans and grants may be used for foreign programs if approved by the U.S. home institution. Other resources include Fulbright and other scholarships, private international funds from Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, the Coca-Cola Foundation, institutes such as the American Institute for Foreign Study, and local ethnic and service organizations.
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References
- Institute of International Education, Open Doors Data; U.S. Study Abroad: Student Profile; 1999/00-2008/09
- Institute of International Education; Study Abroad by U.S. Students Slowed in 2008/09 with More Students Going to Less Traditional Destinations; November 2010
- Norway: The Official Site in the United States: International Studies and Study Abroad Programs in Norway
- GradSchools.com; Earn Your Graduate Degree Abroad; August 2010
- "Chicago Tribune"; A Broadening Horizon: Study Abroad Opportunities are Opening Up in Less Developed Countries, Making it Affordable for More College Student; Leslie Mann; January 14, 2011
- IIEPassport.org: It's Your World: Student's Guide to Education Abroad
Resources
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