US Colleges Overseas for Military Families

My father is in the military and I have moved around a lot due to his postings. I've heard there are U.S. colleges overseas that cater especially to military families. Could anyone shed light on this? How different is it from attending college in the U.S?

Yes, there are indeed U.S. institutions that operate campuses overseas specifically designed to cater to military families and other international students. Schools like The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and Central Texas College (CTC) have offered degree programs abroad specifically for military personnel and their families for many years.

These institutions provide a variety of degree programs and they usually offer in-person, online, and hybrid classes to accommodate busy military schedules. You can earn an accredited U.S. degree without needing to be in the U.S. Courses are generally taught by faculty who are experts in their fields and who understand the unique needs of military families.

One difference you might find from attending college in the U.S. is that the student community may be more diverse. You can expect to meet students from all over the world, and the military itself is a pretty diverse community. This can be a plus, as it offers a unique cultural mix and the opportunity to befriend people from all sorts of backgrounds.

Another difference is that these overseas college programs are tailored to the lifestyle and needs of military personnel and their families, who often have unique challenges such as frequent relocations and needing to balance service commitments with studies. This can translate to flexibility in terms of scheduling, course delivery, etc.

Academically, these colleges follow the U.S. education system, so you'll be studying a U.S. curriculum and earning a U.S. degree. This ensures that the quality of education you receive is on par with what you'd receive if you were attending college in the U.S. However, do keep in mind that just like any college, some might be stronger in certain subjects than others.

Just as with any other university, it's important to research thoroughly to ensure the programs offered align with your career goals. Speaking with current students or alumni could provide useful insights too. Military education counselors are also good resources to tap into - they can guide you regarding appropriate programs based on your future aspirations.