How to Choose Your “Dream Country” to Study In?
So, you've decided to send your child to study abroad and a question immediately arises: where? England, the USA or Switzerland? Or perhaps the UAE or Singapore?
Countries differ in more than just their flags and languages. Each has its own nuances when it comes to visas, the approach to teaching, prices and unique features. In some places short courses and summer camps are best, in others — strong boarding schools, and in others — top universities. Add to that the difference in mentality: the Western approach and the Asian one. And Asia has changed a great deal in recent years.
East and West
For a long time there was a picture: the West means freedom, creativity, project work. Asia means rote learning, discipline, endless tests. That simplification no longer holds today.
Over the past 15–20 years, Asian education has made a great leap forward. Singapore has built critical thinking and team projects into its schools. China has poured huge money into universities that now outrank many European ones in global rankings. South Korea and Japan provide powerful technical education while adapting their programmes for international students. Malaysia and the UAE have become hubs for branch campuses of British and Australian universities — you get a Western diploma for half, or even a third, of the price!
On the other side, in the West — especially in Europe — discipline in the exact sciences has been seriously tightened. Germany and France have long been less about «free creativity» and more about rigorous engineering and research work.
So dividing the world into a «free West» and a «strict Asia» is no longer fair. It's better to look at the specific country and the specific programme.
How not to get confused?
First decide on your goal. If you need to improve your child's English and show them the world — look towards summer camps in England, Switzerland and the UAE. If the goal is admission to a Western university — choose a school offering A-level or IB (England, Switzerland, the USA, Singapore). If you want a rigorous academic foundation with an emphasis on mathematics and the sciences — take a look at Germany, Singapore or China.
Need help?
We select options to match your budget and goals. We know all the ins and outs of visas, the specifics of each country, and the rankings of schools and camps. If the choice still feels difficult — just ask. We'll tell you about specific countries and schools without the marketing fluff.