Distance Learning: the International Connection

There's some good news for student's living outside the US. International students can now participate in distance learning with U.S. institutions online and avoid the huge costs of actually moving to the United States.

International Distance Learning Online

Each year more and more colleges are offering online distance degrees. And with that increase more degrees are available to international students. Why does this matter for you? Here are a few reasons to consider getting your degree online:

• The Education. As with a traditional degree, a distance degree from a U.S. university or college can help you in your professional career. You will also benefit from the diversity of an international online program.
• The Cost. Attending a college in the US can be quite expensive--the average cost ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 per year for tuition, room and board. If you enter a distance learning program online, the cost can be substantially less.
• Financial Aid. These days financial aid is becoming more available to international students for degree programs offered both online and in traditional settings.
• Travel. A distance learning degree will allow you to gain this education from your own home, and avoid the costs of moving and traveling.
• Work. The truth is that most international students only have a student visa and are not allowed to work in the US while in school. But, an online degree program will allow you to keep working while you are in school.

Distance Learning: Coming to a Computer near You

If online U.S. schools are not yet offering distance education programs in your country, be patient, they probably will be soon. Recent studies show the prime markets for distance learning; here's a list of the top ten up-and-coming markets:

1. South Korea
2. Japan
3. Germany
4. Britain
5. China
6. Taiwan
7. The Netherlands
8. Malaysia
9. Mexico
10. Switzerland

If you live in one of these areas, the odds are that some level of online learning is already available. From here the only way to go is up. As the demand for US education continues to increase, so will the opportunities for international students like you to have more degrees to choose from in the distance learning programs being offered online.
Source:
Financial Aid for International Students
Study Ranks Top Foreign Markets for Distance Learning. Chronicle of Higher Education. 45.33 (April, 2005)

T. Jansen is a freelance writer and Ph.D. candidate in the education field.