University Extension Programs for International Students - Fast-Track to a Better Career

In today's challenging and rapidly-changing global economy, many people are seeking ways they can gain the best advantages in the job market. The solution for many international students may be enrolling in an extension program offered by many prestigious universities throughout the USA.

What are "Extension Programs"?
Extension programs are focused education programs taught by regular university instructors that help students develop specific types of practical knowledge and/ or skills they can apply to current or future jobs. There are extension programs designed for recent high school and university graduates, as well  as experienced professionals. Extension programs offer students the opportunity to earn a certificate from the university after successful completion of a certain set of courses. Many certificate programs can be completed in less than one year, some in as little as 2 months.

What are the Main Benefits of Extension Programs?
University extension programs offer many important benefits for students seeking additional knowledge, skills, and training:

• Low Cost - Because of their shorter length, the school and living expenses for extension  certificate programs are far less than for traditional university degree programs. 
• Practical Training - Extension program courses teach students current, relevant knowledge and gain experience in applying it to real-life situations. Certificate programs lasting at least 9 months will qualify students for the Optional Practical Traiuning (OPT) program that provides the opportunity to get paid work experience with an American company for up to one year.
• Flexibility - Most university extension programs offer multiple starting dates each year to accommodate different students' schedules.
• Accessibility  - University extension programs offer students who are academically inadmissable to traditional degree programs the opportunity to earn valuable education and training from regular university instructors.     
• Professional networking opportunities - Students work closely with classmates, instructors, and outside businesspeople during their program and naturally develop connections with them. These connections can become important parts of a student's professional business network and sources for future business opportunities. 
• Prestige - Completion of a university extension program provides students with the prestige of having earned an education certificate from a good American university. This accomplishment can be added to students' resumes and help them advance their careers.

What are the Admission Requirements for University Extension Programs?
Most students considering a university extension program will need to meet the following requirements for admission:

1. Strong English skills - Most programs require students to submit a minimum IBT TOEFL score of 80. Students who do not yet have strong English skills may first enroll in intensive English courses offered by most Extension Programs. 
2. Bachelors degree (for post-graduate programs) - Students must have earned the equivalent of at least a bachelors degree in order to be accepted to post-graduate-level Extension programs.
3. Sufficient financial support - Students must be able to demonstrate that they have enough money from personal, family, business, or government funds to cover all of the expected school and living costs during the program. Financial requirements will vary depending on the length of the program, school, location and housing type selected.  

Some programs may have additional requirements, depending on the nature of the program and the prior knowledge required for successful participation.

AEP works closely with several prestigious university extension programs throughout the USA that offer a wide variety of programs in art, business, education, hospitality, information technology, sciences, and many other fields. To learn more about which programs may be best for your students and how AEP can help them get accepted, contact our School Placement Team at: info@americanedpartners.com