In addition to offering numerous opportunities for growth, access to international universities is a great way to develop independence, adaptability and valuable lifelong intercultural skills.

In this respect, it is our job as parents to ensure that our children are fully prepared to take advantage of this experience and enjoy a successful academic future.

To do this, some planning, ongoing support and a clear strategy are required which will include researching universities and finding out their requirements as well as developing practical, linguistic and emotional skills. In addition, part of our job is also to help students understand the cultural and social expectations of the country where they want to study in order to facilitate their integration.

The importance of adequate preparation for international universities

Preparing our children in high school for when they enter university is not only about satisfying admissions requirements, but also about giving them the confidence, tools and knowledge they need to function with ease in a global environment.

This means that preparation should focus on both academic as well as personal and cultural development.

International universities are looking for students with well-rounded profiles: leaders, problem solvers and global citizens. But it should also be noted that assessment criteria, academic demands and teaching methodology can vary considerably from one country to another. In addition, living in a place with a different culture and language requires certain skills such as adaptability and resilience.

Strategies to prepare your child for international universities

In order to prepare for going to international universities, there are a number of things to consider.

Detailed research and early planning

The first step is for your child to be clear about what they want to study and where. Together, research the different academic options available and which universities offer them. This will allow you to compare and learn about the specific requirements of each programme.

For example, if your child is interested in studying engineering in Germany, they will need to have some command of the German language (B2 or C1 certificate) and advanced mathematical skills. On the other hand, if they want to pursue an Art programme in the United States, they will most likely need to focus more on building a creative portfolio and some personal essays.

Developing language skills

It is very important that your child knows the language of the country where they want to study. Qualifications such as TOEFL, IELTS or DELF are not only a requirement for admission, but also an essential tool to be able to cope in classes and extracurricular activities.

Essay writing and interview preparation

Personal essays and interviews are also common in this type of process. In these institutions, a great deal of importance is placed on values, aims and what the student could contribute to the academic community.

In this regard, a good essay should be authentic and reflect real experiences. For example, if your child has been involved in community activities or has led a project at school, it is useful to mention it. In addition, it is advisable to practice answering questions related to achievements and motivations for the interview.

Participation in international pre-university programmes

To familiarise your child with the educational and cultural system of the host country, it can be a good idea for them to participate in pre-university programmes or international camps. This will allow them to enjoy an immersive experience living with students from other countries while having fun or taking classes.

Promoting independence and life skills

Studying abroad requires high levels of independence. It’s important that your child knows how to manage their finances, make the most of their time and deal with any day-to-day problems that may arise.

Key factors in securing international university admission

Competition in international university admissions can be very high. However, there are certain factors that can help to gain an advantage:

Choosing the right people to give recommendations

Letters of recommendation help to convey your child’s character and achievements throughout their academic career. Ideally, these recommendations should come from those who are best placed to know their potential, such as a teacher who has closely followed their academic progress or a mentor in extracurricular activities.

Extracurricular activities and leadership

Beyond qualifications, universities are keen for their students to be active and engaged. In this sense, participating in clubs, sports, volunteering or competitions is always seen in a positive light since it demonstrates certain skills that are highly valued.

Time management and organisation

The application process can be complex. This is due to the numerous documents that need to be gathered plus the deadlines and requirements that need to be met. Therefore, to avoid delays and mistakes, it is advisable to create a detailed calendar with all the necessary steps. Furthermore, by encouraging your children’s autonomy in managing all these steps, you will prepare them better for university life.

Preparation for standard exams

Many international university programmes require students to pass standard exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT to assess their academic ability. It is advisable therefore to start studying early and practice time management for the exam.

Emotional and cultural adaptation

Studying abroad involves family separation, adapting to different teaching methods and immersion in a new culture, so it is very important that your child is emotionally prepared for the change. It is also a good idea to familiarise your child with the country’s culture so that they can adapt more quickly and make the most of the experience.

In summary, attending international universities not only opens doors to a quality education, but also prepares your children to face the challenges of today’s world and enjoy a future full of possibilities. It is important, however, that they are well prepared to make the most of this opportunity and unlock their full potential.