Navigating U.S. Forms: What to Put When Your Parents Completed College Abroad

Introduction

When filling out U.S. forms, you may encounter questions where you need to provide information about your parents' education levels. If your parents completed college in another country, it's important to know how to accurately represent their education without causing confusion. In this article, we'll guide you through the process, addressing key points and common misunderstandings.

Understanding the Question

The question might look something like this: 'What is the highest level of education completed by your parents?'

For individuals whose parents studied abroad, the default answer template might be to simply state the highest degree achieved. However, due to the diverse nature of educational systems around the world, additional context can help clarify the specific details.

Providing Additional Details

U.S. forms often have a space for extra details. This is where you can make your response more comprehensive and accurate. Here are the steps to follow:

State that your parents attended college: Clearly indicate that your parents pursued higher education. Add the country: Mention the country where your parents studied. This provides necessary context to ensure understanding.

For example, if your mother completed a bachelor's degree in the United Kingdom and your father finished their studies in Germany, your response might read:

College; United Kingdom and Germany

Personal Experiences and Insights

For many individuals, answering such questions can be fun and educational, especially with stories about their parents' unique educational journeys. For instance, when filling out college applications a decade ago, I described my mother as a high school grad, but highlighted her impressive academic background, having served on the faculty of prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Wisconsin.

These experiences can add a personal touch to your responses, making them more relatable and interesting.

Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Education

It's important to note that any form of higher education counts. Even if the institution is not accredited in the United States, it still matters. The form is evaluating the degree of education, not its recognition in the U.S.

To provide a specific example, attending an unaccredited college still qualifies for the FAFSA form, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Similarly, obtaining a degree from a vocational school abroad is just as valuable as a degree from a recognized university in the U.S.

Guidance on Filling Out Forms

When filling out the form, ensure you:

State the correct answer: Always specify the level of education your parents completed, regardless of where they studied. Specify the country: Where they completed their education can influence how their qualifications are perceived. Include equivalents: If the degree is not common in the U.S., provide the closest equivalent. Be concise: Don't overcomplicate your response. Keep it simple and to the point.

For instance, if your parents earned a bachelor's degree in a country where a bachelor's is typically referred to as an "undergraduate degree," you might specify:

Bachelor’s Degree; United Kingdom (UK)

This informs the reader that the degree is equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the U.S. system.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your response is accurate, informative, and easy to understand, providing a clear picture of your parents' educational background.

Conclusion

When it comes to U.S. forms, providing information about your parents' education can be straightforward. By acknowledging their college attendance, specifying the country where they studied, and providing any necessary context, you can ensure that your answer is both accurate and comprehensive. Remember, any form of higher education counts, and the specific location of the education can add value to your response.