Why is education at a school or university in Switzerland the best thing you can give yourself or your child?

What English level do I need to qualify for education abroad?

It depends on the program you plan to apply to and the degree level, but it's usually no lower than B2.

Do EGE (unified state exam) scores affect admission to a foreign university?

For the most part, no — universities don't require EGE scores, only the school certificate. But if you're interested in the Ivy League or other top-tier institutions, you'll need to show your EGE scores, and in some cases simply the fact that you took the exam.

Why can't you enroll directly into the first year in many countries?

Many applicants find that they can't enroll directly into the first year and need to complete a foundation program first. This is because education systems differ from country to country, so students need to adapt to a new environment. In fact, these foundation programs aren't a lost year, as many people think — they're designed to help students adapt to new teaching approaches, build academic English skills and basic knowledge in subjects related to their future major, and learn how to study — that is, how to communicate with professors, and understand the grading system and how homework is done. In addition, in some countries, such as the USA and Canada, the foundation program is already built into the university's first year.

Can you enroll in a university right after grade 11?

In most cases, students who have completed 11 years of education need to enroll in a foundation program to bridge the gap in education. A foundation program isn't a waste of time — it's designed to help students adapt to a new educational environment and prepare for a smooth transition to a bachelor's program, so that when a student moves on to the first year, they already have basic knowledge of their future major.

What are the most popular tests for admission to institutions in English-speaking countries?

The most popular language tests for admission to institutions in English-speaking countries are TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These tests are widely recognized and accepted by most institutions in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and other English-speaking countries.

Are there any age restrictions for applicants?

There are no age restrictions for applicants, but age and a gap since the last completed level of education can affect visa officers' decisions when issuing student visas. As a rule, applicants enroll in foundation programs and bachelor's programs at age 18-21, and in master's programs at age 23-25.

Can international students work part-time while studying at universities abroad?

Part-time work opportunities during studies vary from country to country, but as a standard, students can typically work up to 20 hours a week. In the 2nd and 3rd years, programs become more specialized, students already have a practical understanding of their major, and the university offers various paid internships.

Are there courses abroad to prepare for language tests?

Yes, there are many courses and programs abroad for language test preparation. Many educational centers and language schools offer intensive courses to prepare for TOEFL, IELTS, SAT and ACT. Such courses usually include training in core skills, practice with test tasks, and support from experienced teachers, which helps students improve their scores on language tests.

At what age is it best to send a child to school abroad?

The optimal age to start studying at a school abroad is 13-15. By this age, children already have independence skills, can look after their day-to-day needs on their own, and have developed social and integration skills. Starting at this age gives the child enough time to adapt to the new teaching system and ensures a smooth transition to senior school programs.

At what age do boarding schools abroad accept children?

Boarding schools abroad usually accept children from age 6, which corresponds to the start of primary school, including 1st grade. But age criteria can vary greatly depending on the specific school and country. Some schools accept children from as young as 3-4, such as in Switzerland; the UK accepts children from age 6-7; and some accept them only from age 12-13, such as Austria, the USA, Canada, Spain, the UAE, and so on.

What language is used for teaching at boarding schools in Europe?

Teaching at boarding schools in Europe can take place in different languages, depending on the specific school, its location and its curriculum. However, at most international boarding schools in Europe, the main language of instruction is English. English is often used both to teach academic subjects and for everyday communication within the school.

Can you enroll in a school if your English level is below the required standard?

Yes, you can. Private international schools have many years of experience working with international students and are ready to offer them academic support. Help is available both in explaining topics and subjects and in additional English classes, to integrate the student into the new learning environment quickly and smoothly. There are also special preparatory schools that offer specialized adaptation programs and prepare students for admission to top-ranked schools within a short timeframe.

What entrance exams are required, and is IELTS necessary?

Most schools don't require the IELTS exam, since schools run their own internal English language tests. In addition, there are tests in mathematics, as well as a non-verbal reasoning test aimed at identifying the specifics of the student's approach to the learning process. An interview with the admissions officers is also a mandatory part of the entrance assessments. During the interview, the student and the school get to know each other: the school learns about the student's plans and goals for their education and their interests, and the child has the opportunity to ask the school any questions they're interested in.

How will the child live at school without their parents?

Because international schools abroad have many years of experience working with international students, the entire course of study — and especially the first few months — is focused on helping the child adapt to the new learning and living environment, and on making the child feel at home away from home. Each student is assigned a personal tutor who helps with everyday matters and ensures smooth integration into the new environment. Team-building games and activities are held during the first days after arrival. In addition, the child stays in touch and can call their parents at home regularly.

Will you help with transferring money abroad to pay for tuition?

Yes, of course. In addition to the UK and Russia, our company is also represented in many countries abroad, which ensures reliable money transfers anywhere in the world.

Do you help with visas?

Yes, of course. We have a visa department.

When should I start preparing for admission?

We always recommend starting to prepare and submit your documents in advance, at least a year ahead. Important! Each institution has its own application deadlines, which need to be taken into account! At the same time, many schools and universities accept applications for as long as places remain available on the program, so we'll be happy to help you with admission on a tighter timeline as well.

How can you help me?

Drawing on many years of experience in international education, as well as our own personal experience studying abroad, our team has developed a proprietary GA (Guaranteed Acceptance) methodology, thanks to which more than 9,000 students have already received the education of their dreams in countries around the world. We'll help you too! Together with each student, we go through a long journey — starting with identifying the student's strengths and needs to select the right programs, countries and institutions, developing an admission strategy, gathering the necessary documents, preparing translations, communicating with institutions, and preparing the student for entrance tests and interviews to secure the coveted offers from institutions — and then moving on to visa processing and preparation for the long-awaited journey into a world of opportunity!

Do you prepare students for entrance tests/exams?

Yes, we have a large pool of vetted teachers who successfully prepare our students for admission abroad.

Can I come to your office for a one-on-one consultation?

Of course! We offer both in-person consultations at our offices by appointment, and online consultations via Zoom, Skype or phone call.