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American College Consulting for the International Student

An elective course in the Independent Educational Consultant Certificate Program.

Course closed to new registrations: Call ( 949 ) 824-5414 for more information or sign up below to be notified when this course becomes available.×

Course Description

This course is an introduction to advising the student living outside of the United States who is looking at American options in higher education. This course will examine how advising the international student, or American student living overseas, varies from counseling the domestic student. Sometimes even basic concepts are subject to misinterpretation, and diverse attitudes and expectations must be approached with cultural sensitivity and awareness. Cultural adjustment to the U.S. as well as campus life must also be considered for the student to be successful. In addition to understanding cultural considerations, by the end of this course, students will be able to articulate why international students would choose an American higher educational experience, be able to compare the mechanics of the international college application process with that of the more traditional domestic student, assist families to understand financial and visa matters, know how to assess and advise on options when the student is not yet academically ready for the American university experience, and defend and represent ethical practices in international consulting.

We highly recommend students complete EDUC_X406 Principles of Independent Educational Consulting prior to enrolling in this course. See enrollment confirmation for login information. Due to high demand, early enrollment recommended.

NOTE: This course may have optional, live sessions via Zoom. The sessions will be recorded and posted for students who are not able to attend. The Zoom meeting link and password to join will be provided in the course. A device with audio and visual will be needed to participate. The following student guide provides additional resources/information on how to use and access the course’s Zoom sessions.

  • Be notified when this class becomes available!

  • Details
  • $745
  • January 30, 2023 to March 05, 2023
  • Delivery Mode: Online
  • Reg#: 00063
  • ID/Units: EDUC X406.81  (1.50)
    ( Section 1 )
  • Quarter: WINTER 2023

Instructor


Laura O’Brien Gatzionis has lived abroad for the past 20 years, and established Educational Advisory Services in Athens, Greece in 2010. She specializes in working with Third Culture Kids, global nomads, and international students who are interested in attending university in the US and abroad. Mrs. Gatzionis is an active member of both the IECA Global Consulting Committee and of International ACAC, and has a M.Ed. in International Counseling with a focus on incorporating multicultural dimensions to meet the needs of diverse client groups.

Sarah Kinney Contomichalos, an independent educational consultant, advises international students and high schools in Greece on the application process for U.S. universities. A Yale graduate, she worked at Christie’s auction house for ten years and later completed UCLA Extension’s College Counseling Certificate and founded Educational Advisory Services, LLC. In addition to advising international applicants, Ms. Contomichalos serves on the Board of Governors of St. Catherine’s British School in Athens, is founder and co-leader of the IECA European Regional group and has authored several articles on various aspects of the process.

Textbook Information

Textbooks for your course may be purchased from any vendor or bookseller of your choice.

Electronic book, please see course description and/or enrollment confirmation for additional information.

Optional Textbook(s):

The International Family Guide to US University Admissions
Book - ISBN: 9781119370987
Jennifer Ann Aquino, 1 ed

Third Culture Kids 3rd Edition: Growing up among worlds
Book - ISBN: 9781473657663
POLLOCK, 3 ed, Nicholas Brealey

SURVIVE AND THRIVE: THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT'S GUIDE TO SUCEEDING IN
Book - ISBN: 9781540787569
QUICK

Meeting Schedule

EventDateDayStart TimeEnd TimeLocationRoom
START01/30/2023Monday------Online (Access Begins)---
END03/05/2023Sunday------Online (Access Ends)---