Written and Published by: Eric Tiettmeyer

A large benefit in pursuing a BA degree abroad is that many universities abroad offer a Bachelor's degree in three years. The majority of public institutions within the British Commonwealth offer a BA degree in three years. We're mainly focusing on the big, popular study destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Also, universities in Israel offer the BA degree in three years. So how do they offer a degree in three years, what are the benefits, and how can you use it back in the U.S.?

The largest difference between universities abroad and here at home is the general education requirement. General education, as you probably know, is that mostly first-year school where students take enriching, but not category-specific, classes required by the university for all majors. Even if you're an English major, you will have to fulfill some kind of general education math requirement, and vice versa.

Those general education courses are not required at many institutions abroad. Once you begin your studies, the focus is on major-specific classes. If you are an English major, it's all English-related classes for the entire duration of the degree. This is great if you know exactly what your major is. You should decide on your major in order to take advantage of a three-year degree program.

In the States, it's fairly easy to change majors because, after one year of completed classes, the majority of major-focused coursework is still ahead of the student. There are typically not many consequences, if any, for declaring or changing majors early in a student's academic career. Abroad, making this change isn't as simple. Basically, if you change from a math to a literature course of study, ultimately you will have to start your course of study over.

A BA degree abroad can also save you a considerable amount of time and money. Because a degree is finished in three years, that is one less year in school paying tuition than if you studied in the U.S.—25% cheaper—and you finish your degree before all your friends.

These universities we mention throughout this issue all accept U.S. Federal Student Aid (Direct Loans only), along with the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Each university has its own international office that can help with applications, visas, financial aid, academic transfer, and other matters.