Many 17 or 18-year-old American teenagers don’t think twice about going to college in America; however, for some, it is their dream to continue their education outside of the United States. Students not only go for the culture, but also the change in learning styles that can be drastically different from the US. A lot of the students aspiring to go to college in another country have a unique relationship with the country. When young students feel a connection to a culture, they can’t help but be pulled towards continuing their education in another country.

For senior Manon Boy, continuing her education and lifestyle in Europe was very important. Being born in and having family in France has encouraged her to move across the world and continue her education at the IE University in Segovia, Spain. While many may be intimidated by the move, she feels comfortable due to her familiarity with the culture and closer proximity to family.

“I was born in Europe. That definitely influenced my decision because I want to go back to the culture over there,” Boy said.

Senior Charlotte Achouch-Sauvage is also a part of this minority. She plans to major in Political Humanities at Sciences Po in Paris, France. Her attachment to the culture and language in France has caused her to pursue a higher education in Paris. The Paris Institute of Political Science, also known as Sciences Po has a 10% acceptance rate and is one of the most prestigious schools in France. Through her time at WJ, she’s taken many AP and honors classes to prepare her for her next four years at Sciences Po. Her time spent in America has given her the opportunity to go back to France and continue her education at home.

“I am French so it is important to me to go back to my home country,” senior Charlotte Achouch-Sauvage.

Finally, senior Marina Thorne has decided to go to college in Greece, attending the American College of Greece. Having been to Greece several times in her life, she loves the environment that exists there. Although she valued her time and experiences in America, being encompassed by Greek culture and having a passion for international relations forced her to take advantage of going to college in another country. All these factors encouraged her to step out of the norm of the average high school senior and take her education overseas.

“I can get the education I want while having a more cultural college experience and be close to family, ” Thorne said.

While there are many advantages of staying in the US for college, the addition of a new culture, proximity to family and a different education have influenced many to apply to colleges across the world where they can experience and undergo opportunities that would not be granted to them if they were to stay in comfort of the United States.