Careers – Studying Abroad
Every year we have a number of students who are interested in the option of studying abroad. Most students are considering either the US or UK, sometimes Canada or South East Asia.
While this is an option for most students, it is important to consider the vast number of different types of universities and colleges.
In the US there are over 4000 to choose from so it is important to start your research early to determine which College is the best fit for you. The US admissions process is very dependent not only on your academic results, but also on your involvement in an extensive range of co-curricular. You generally study a four year Liberal Arts degree choosing a major in your third year. In the UK your academic performance is very important but you also need to have a proven understanding of the subject you are applying for. You may also be required to sit entrance exams and attend an interview.
There are very few scholarships available for International students however if you are playing a sport at an elite level, you can apply for a sporting scholarship in the US. Over the last few years we have had students receive offers for a variety of sports including golf, tennis, basketball, soccer and snow sports.
Every year the Careers Department holds a Study Abroad Evening in Term 3 where we give a general overview of the process and preparation required. We also take this opportunity to hear from former students who are currently studying overseas. We will be sending further information about the event early next term.
Jasmin Ferraby (class of 2021) is one such student who popped into visit us this week before leaving for England in a couple of weeks. I took the opportunity to do a Q & A with her. She received an offer to study Law at the prestigious University of Oxford, which is an outstanding accomplishment.
Q: Jasmin, what inspired you to apply for Oxford?
A: It wasn’t actually a life-long dream, however I think I realised that I’ve had a very privileged education having gone to International Schools in Bangkok and Singapore before coming to MLC School in year 7. I wanted to study in the UK as I have family there so I thought I would apply for Oxford, but also applied for other great institutions including Imperial College, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bristol and Durham Universities.
Q: What is the process like?
A: It’s very labour intensive and you need to give yourself plenty of time to research everything. The big difference is that you need to be very sure about what you want to study and why. Not only do you need to apply through UCAS but you need to write a Personal Statement and sit a subject specific entrance exam for Oxford. I sat the LNAT for law and was lucky enough to then be selected for an Interview.
Q: How was the Interview and how did you prepare?
A: It was like nothing else! It was intense and such a test of your capacity to reason out loud. Every response was met with another question so you really had to think on your feet and be good at bouncing back and honing in on every little detail. The interviews vary according to the subject but you have to really know a great deal about your subject area. You also need to work with your recommender because they often pick up on comments that they have made. You need to be very well read and it is good to get some practice. I also did a mock interview to help me to think more laterally about problems.
Q: How does the admissions process differ to what we do in Australia?
A: You apply to a Residential College within the University of Oxford and the tutors from the faculty and the college you apply to, conduct the interview. They review all the applicants and would typically interview anywhere up to 10 applicants. It is very selective!
In an average year only around 20 students from Australia would be selected to study at Oxford across all the Colleges and Faculties.
Q: What are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m really excited about the tutorial system of teaching which allows for intense discussions within very small groups. I’m also excited to have access to outstanding academics who will be my tutors. The other thing I am looking forward to is living in College. Everyone lives in College at least in first year, so you have an opportunity to meet people from all over the world and dress up in academic gear at least once a week for formal dinner!
– Loretta Toole
Careers and Academic Advisor
