American universities generally offer the same fields of study as in Germany. However, it is important to note that not every university offers all study programs. That’s why an essential part of our service is helping you choose the right university to ensure you find the one that best matches your goals and interests.

Yes, in general, bachelor's and master's degrees from U.S. universities are recognized in Europe. However, it is important that the respective institution is certified by a recognized accreditation body – which is the case for most colleges in the U.S.
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Depending on the field of study, there may be differences in the curriculum or general course structure, such as in medical studies. As a result, additional exams or certifications may be required to work in this profession in Europe.

To be sure, your specific case can be reviewed by the relevant recognition authority if necessary.

This is a concern for many of our clients. However, based on our experience, we can say that your English skills improve significantly within just a few weeks since you are constantly exposed to the language. The university assesses your basic language proficiency through a preliminary language test before your studies begin. If you pass the test, you should have no issues. If you still struggle to keep up in class, you can take advantage of the free tutoring services available on campus.

This is generally possible, but we want to highlight potential issues that may arise during the transfer process.

1. Academic: You must ensure that your academic credits are recognized by the U.S. university. Not all credits are automatically accepted, as requirements and curricula may vary. This means you might have to retake certain courses.

2. Athletic: Typically, student-athletes receive eight semesters of eligibility, which must be used within ten semesters (one academic year can be paused due to injuries or other significant reasons). However, the ten-semester eligibility countdown begins as soon as you start your studies. If you have already begun your studies in Germany and wish to continue in the U.S., you may not be able to use the full eight semesters of athletic eligibility.

Important: Your academic and athletic history will be thoroughly reviewed by the NCAA or NAIA during the application process. Therefore, it cannot be generally determined how these factors will specifically apply to your case.

Here are some notable differences at a glance:

1. The standard duration for a bachelor's degree in the USA is 8 semesters (compared to 6 semesters at German universities). However, it is possible to shorten the program to 7 or even 6 semesters by taking more than the average number of credits per semester.

‍2. At American universities, there is no fixed numerus clausus (NC) like in Germany. Instead, colleges take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants by considering academic grades, admission test scores, social engagement or extracurricular activities, the personal essay, and recommendation letters from teachers or other trusted individuals.

‍3. You don’t have to be completely sure about your field of study before starting university. You have until the end of your fourth semester to choose a so-called major. The first semesters are used to complete the General Education (GenEd) courses, which are mandatory for all students, and to explore subjects that interest you. If you already know your intended major, you can start taking subject-specific courses right away, but you will still need to complete the GenEd courses.

‍4. The learning environment is much more personal than in Germany. While lecture halls here often accommodate several hundred students, classes in the U.S. typically have only 15–20 students on average. This allows professors to know your name, strengths, weaknesses, and individual needs. Lectures are also far more interactive, featuring open discussions between students and a strong emphasis on practical learning through projects, excursions, and often mandatory internships.

You can think of American college campuses as small towns. Most students live on campus in dorms, usually with 1-3 roommates. They eat in the dining halls (cafeterias) and train in the college facilities. Additionally, there are other important places on campus, such as a small supermarket, a medical clinic, a post office, and, depending on the size of the university, even cafés, restaurants, and shops. Everything is within walking distance or accessible by shuttle buses, so having a car is not necessarily required.

Summer break: Mid-May to mid-August

Thanksgiving break: Around 1 week during Thanksgiving

Winter break: Mid December to mid January

Spring break: 1 week in March

To obtain eligibility to compete in American college leagues, you must have completed either a specialized high school diploma or a general high school diploma. If you are already studying, it is possible to transfer credits you have already earned. To qualify for a sports scholarship, you need to pay attention to specific regulations regarding age limits and the number of semesters already completed. In Division 1, the age limit is 25 years. In Division 2 and the NAIA, there is no age limit. In all leagues, you can have completed a total of 8 full-time semesters of study. For example, if you have completed 4 full-time semesters, whether in Germany or in the USA, you would have 4 semesters left to start at a university. The NCAA verifies the eligibility of each athlete in the NCAA divisions. Other factors that determine whether an athlete qualifies for eligibility include SAT and Duolingo/TOEFL results, as well as high school graduation grades. The NCAA also checks if an athlete meets the "Amateur Status" requirements according to their regulations.

Basically, it is not impossible to study in the USA without a (specialized) high school diploma, but it makes the process a bit more difficult. However, if the conditions are right, you have the following two options:

1. Community Colleges: The admission requirements at community colleges are not as strict as at regular universities. You can study there for 4 semesters and earn an Associates Degree, which you can then use as a foundation to apply to a 4-year university. You will start directly in the 3rd year, so the overall duration of the degree remains the same at 4 years.

2. GED Test: Alternatively, you can take the GED (General Educational Development Test). It assesses your knowledge in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing, social studies, and science. If you earn the GED, you meet the admission requirements for many—though not all—American universities.

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardized test used by many colleges in the USA for student admissions. It consists of a mathematics section and an English section, with the English tasks divided into Reading and Writing. Each of the two sections can score up to 800 points, making the maximum possible total score 1600 points. This test is an important part of the admissions process. Along with other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters, it helps the admissions office assess the academic suitability and potential of an applicant.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a standardized language test that assesses the English skills of non-native speakers. The test consists of various questions in reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking, and writing, as well as a video interview and a written sample. The results are scored on a scale of 10 to 160 points.

We would love to take the burden of both tests off your shoulders, but unfortunately, you have to complete them both. But don’t worry—our Test Prep Teachers will prepare you optimally for both exams, helping you achieve the best possible results!

Sports scholarships serve as an incentive to attract talented athletes to the university. They enhance the performance of college sports teams and contribute to their success in national and regional competitions. When sports teams succeed, it boosts the overall reputation of the university and attracts not only the best athletes but also many "regular" students.

Especially in major sports like American football and basketball, universities generate significant revenue through ticket sales, merchandising, and broadcasting rights. These earnings are then distributed across various sports and reinvested into the sports system.

A scholarship mainly depends on your athletic level. The coach has a specific budget each year that they can distribute as they see fit. Depending on how interested they are in you, they might offer you, for example, 60%, 80%, or even 100% of the costs. Additionally, American universities offer academic scholarships to reward strong academic performance, which are awarded in addition to sports scholarships. These are mainly based on SAT, Duolingo/TOEFL scores, and school grades.

Sports scholarships cover all sports-specific costs, regardless of the amount. This includes any training equipment, travel and hotel expenses for away games/competitions, as well as meals during athletic trips. Access to physiotherapists and other sports medical care is also included with the scholarship.

Everything outside of sports often depends on the amount of the scholarship. Primarily, the scholarship is used to cover tuition fees, as well as living and meal costs. As a result, you may need to cover expenses for textbooks, additional school activities like excursions, and of course, any personal expenses. Based on our experience, a pocket money allowance of around 200 euros, alongside continued child benefits, is usually sufficient.

Sometimes, health insurance is included in the sports scholarship, but sometimes it needs to be paid for separately. Whether the university accepts your German insurance in the form of international health insurance or if you need to take out the university’s own insurance is very individual. It's best to speak with the coach or someone from the admissions office about this.

An additional cost area that cannot be avoided is the flight to and from the USA. Therefore, try to look for flights as early as possible. Important: Be aware of the flight price trends, but only book once the visa has been issued! Our partner ABC Travel (https://www.abctravel.de/scholarbook) specializes in travel to the USA and is happy to assist you in finding affordable flight options.

The long holidays during which your child can come home are:
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Summer Break: Mid-May to mid-August
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Winter Break: Mid-December to mid-January

Overall, you can have your child at home for about 4 months a year, which is likely more time together than a university study in a distant city in Germany. Additionally, you can visit your child in the USA at any time.

Yes, that's no problem at all. However, the following rules apply:
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1. The studies in the USA must be a first-degree education, and your child must be under 25 years old.

2. You must provide proof to the family benefits office in the form of a study certificate that your child is enrolled at an accredited educational institution. Your child can easily obtain such a certificate from the International Student Office.

3. You, as parents, must continue to live in Germany and pay taxes.

Yes, this is also possible without any issues. The conditions are similar to those for child benefits. Make sure your child regularly requests the necessary study certificate. The half-orphan's pension can be transferred to either a German or American account. However, additional fees may apply for international transfers.

Unfortunately, injuries are a part of an athlete's life, but with good sports medical care, they can mostly be prevented or at least treated professionally. Since universities have very good financial resources, they can employ multiple physiotherapists who are responsible for both injury prevention and rehabilitation. Additionally, athletes receive supplementary health insurance that covers all medical costs resulting from a sports injury.

The issuance of a new passport usually takes 3 to 6 weeks. However, as always, the earlier, the better, because without a passport, your child cannot, for example, attend the visa appointment. The cost of a new passport is €37.50.If you need it quickly, you can also apply for an express passport. It typically takes only 2 to 4 business days, but it costs a bit more (€69.50).

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