Not to ask for a laundry list, but would similar assessments be worthwhile for the Nordic countries? Of course, access to effective language learning opportunities for smaller nations is generally more difficult so that’s a practical factor to take into account.
Would an assessment be worthwhile? Sure. You're welcome to do it.
My piece wasn't meant to provide a comprehensive survey of the opportunities or a comprehensive list of where students can go. It was to focus on the idea at the broadest level.
The Nordics offer strong universities, lots of English-taught master's programs, and a population that works comfortably in English. They're also some of the most expensive places in Europe to live, and every one of them now charges non-EU students tuition. Norway was the last holdout: parliament voted to end free tuition for new non-EU students starting in autumn 2023. That undercuts the article's core argument that studying abroad can be cheaper than at home. For an American family, the Nordics mostly land in Irish price territory without Ireland's advantage of being an English-speaking EU country.
Thanks for this. This is just what I needed to encourage my Son and DIL to take seriously our 12YO granddaughter’s educational future. I see French in her future if I (and my $’s) have a say.
Having done a similar analysis myself, I want to mention that many masters programs across Europe are taught English only. In addition, specifically in Germany a lot of programs do not have a Numerus Clausus, meaning they don't have a max number of spots in the program. As long as you meet the entry requirements and your paperwork is in order, you will be accepted. This can remove significant uncertainty.
Got into the University of Toronto St. George in a previous life. Parents pressured me to settle for the local state university because the rest of my relatives went there and because of something about opportunities in the USA, In the end the opportunities were mostly in NJ for interviews and sometimes NYC if I was lucky
Spanish public universities set tuition by region, and the region matters more than the university. In some regions, including Andalusia, Galicia, and Valencia, non-EU students pay about the same as locals: roughly €1,000 or less a year. Madrid charges non-resident, non-EU students the full cost of their education, which can mean €6,800 or more a year. Choose well, and a Spanish degree is one of the best bargains in Western Europe. Spain's 2025 immigration reform also made it easier for graduates to move from a student permit to a work permit, giving them time to look for a job after graduation. That said, most public degrees are taught in Spanish, and the youth job market is weak.
Again, people need to do their own research here. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” problem and solution.
Thank you. I’ve checked out medical schools for the pre-med twin. It’s a bit more expensive but a hell of a lot less than the U.S. - and now with the $20k cap I imagine there will be a shortage of doctors in the next 20 years. Making American great again.
Very helpful information for families with American kids making higher education choices to prepare themselves for life in a global market. Thank you!
Not to ask for a laundry list, but would similar assessments be worthwhile for the Nordic countries? Of course, access to effective language learning opportunities for smaller nations is generally more difficult so that’s a practical factor to take into account.
Would an assessment be worthwhile? Sure. You're welcome to do it.
My piece wasn't meant to provide a comprehensive survey of the opportunities or a comprehensive list of where students can go. It was to focus on the idea at the broadest level.
The Nordics offer strong universities, lots of English-taught master's programs, and a population that works comfortably in English. They're also some of the most expensive places in Europe to live, and every one of them now charges non-EU students tuition. Norway was the last holdout: parliament voted to end free tuition for new non-EU students starting in autumn 2023. That undercuts the article's core argument that studying abroad can be cheaper than at home. For an American family, the Nordics mostly land in Irish price territory without Ireland's advantage of being an English-speaking EU country.
Thanks for this. This is just what I needed to encourage my Son and DIL to take seriously our 12YO granddaughter’s educational future. I see French in her future if I (and my $’s) have a say.
Having done a similar analysis myself, I want to mention that many masters programs across Europe are taught English only. In addition, specifically in Germany a lot of programs do not have a Numerus Clausus, meaning they don't have a max number of spots in the program. As long as you meet the entry requirements and your paperwork is in order, you will be accepted. This can remove significant uncertainty.
Got into the University of Toronto St. George in a previous life. Parents pressured me to settle for the local state university because the rest of my relatives went there and because of something about opportunities in the USA, In the end the opportunities were mostly in NJ for interviews and sometimes NYC if I was lucky
Horrifying. What about Spain?
Spanish public universities set tuition by region, and the region matters more than the university. In some regions, including Andalusia, Galicia, and Valencia, non-EU students pay about the same as locals: roughly €1,000 or less a year. Madrid charges non-resident, non-EU students the full cost of their education, which can mean €6,800 or more a year. Choose well, and a Spanish degree is one of the best bargains in Western Europe. Spain's 2025 immigration reform also made it easier for graduates to move from a student permit to a work permit, giving them time to look for a job after graduation. That said, most public degrees are taught in Spanish, and the youth job market is weak.
Again, people need to do their own research here. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” problem and solution.
Great story btw, whether or not someone is seriously considering becoming an expat. The media doesn’t cover education enough.
Thank you. I’ve checked out medical schools for the pre-med twin. It’s a bit more expensive but a hell of a lot less than the U.S. - and now with the $20k cap I imagine there will be a shortage of doctors in the next 20 years. Making American great again.