I graduated from high school in 2004, and while it is upsetting that the students I am advising in the college process now, were in diapers at that time, it really was not that long ago (or at least I keep telling myself that). I graduated from Westfield High School in New Jersey, a very competitive public school of about 400 students per grade. Myself included, pretty much everyone in the school applied to around six colleges, all of which were in the United States or Canada. Applying to international colleges was never a consideration, I mean why would it be...there are thousands of amazing schools in America, why travel across the ocean just for your college degree? The thinking was always that students from other countries are the ones who need to come to the American colleges, not vice versa.

Well, in the past 14 years there has been a gradual rise in American students attending colleges and universities in other countries. Even more, in the past three years, I have personally seen markedly more students research, apply, and attend international colleges. So why is this happening? From my own research and talking with parents and students, there are two main reasons. First, the world is much smaller than it has ever been with the continued advancement of technology, so with apps such as FaceTime, we are never too far from our loved ones to talk and see each other. Second, and probably more important, the rising astronomical cost of the United States Higher Ed system is driving people to look at other options. While an average private college in the United States can cost up to $60,000 per year and more ($240,00 for an undergrad degree), students can instead choose to attend one of the best business programs at University of Bocconi in Milan, Italy for around $10,000-$15,000 per year (before scholarships, which most students receive). Also, many of these international programs are three years, not the traditional 4 years, as it is in America. You do not need to be an AP Calculus scholar to realize the financial savings there. Are there more expensive international schools? Of course. Are there really great ones that are even more affordable than Bocconi? Absolutely.

We are now seeing a trend where international schools are putting a lot of time and money into recruiting American students...they want our high school students, and I think it is time for most people to at least consider some of the many amazing opportunities in higher education on the international landscape. Since I have been at Xavier High School in Manhattan, we have never had more than 1 or 2 students attend international colleges each year. Well, the class of 2017 had 8 students matriculate to international schools including Canada, Ireland, England, and even Russia!

Attending a college thousands of miles away in a foreign country, with a different culture, is a huge deal, yes...and it should be a family decision. But attending college in itself it a BIG DEAL. In today's global society, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage if you only concentrate on a few colleges nearby. The programs, opportunities, adventures, and financial savings are endless...you need need to look!

With all of this said, I want to invite you to attend an International College Fair at Xavier High School. There will be 33 colleges and universities from across the world in the Xavier HS gym on Monday, November 13th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM.They will be here to meet with students and parents to talk about the opportunities to study in places you may have never imagined. There will be schools from Australia, Canada, England, France, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland!

Hope to see you at the college fair, I encourage you all to expand your college search, and as always best of luck with the college search and application process!

Joe Korfmacher