Are you passionate about subjects like literature, history, philosophy, political science, or even just the arts as a whole? Then choosing to study abroad after 12th grade for a liberal arts education could be the perfect fit for you. In this article, we’ll walk you through what the liberal arts entail, why it’s such an amazing choice, and which liberal arts colleges you should consider applying to.
What are Liberal Arts Programs?
First, we need to break down what the liberal arts mean. Unlike traditional programs that focus only on one subject in their course matter, the liberal arts offer a broad education across many fields.
In essence, when you study liberal arts, you’ll learn to think critically, write articulately, and understand the world from a nuanced point of view. Multiple professions can benefit from a liberal arts background, and it can give you the tools you need to succeed.
Why Choose to Study LIberal Arts Abroad After 12th?
Choosing to study abroad after 12th grade at top liberal arts colleges can be beneficial for many reasons. Here are some of them:
- World-Class Education: Many countries have a long history of liberal arts education with well-established programs that give you a more nuanced understanding of the world.
- Diverse Perspectives: You’ll meet students from all over the world, helping you grow both personally and academically.
- Flexibility: Most liberal arts programs abroad allow you to choose and change your major after exploring different subjects, so that you know what you want to study and can excel in it.
- Better Career Options: Employers often prefer liberal arts graduates because of their communication skills, creativity, and adaptability to overcome various situations.
So, if you’re ready to explore the best opportunities in liberal arts, let’s have a look at your top global options.
Top Countries for Liberal Arts
Before we look at the top colleges, it’s useful to know which countries are popular for liberal arts programs. You can then narrow your search down depending on your preference in study opportunities.
- The United States: The birthplace of the modern liberal arts colleges. The country offers extensive courses across dozens of world-ranking universities.
- The United Kingdom: Offers strong humanities and arts programs.
- Canada: Stands out for an inclusive, research-driven liberal arts education.
- The Netherlands: Offers English-taught liberal arts programs in mainland Europe.
- Australia: Growing reputation for interdisciplinary liberal arts degrees, attracting many international students.
Now, let’s dive into the best liberal arts colleges you can apply for to study abroad after 12th grade.
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States
The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most respected liberal arts colleges. These schools focus entirely on undergraduate education, which means as a bachelor’s student you might receive greater and more personalized attention and direction.
1. Amherst College
One of the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S., Amherst College offers an open curriculum, meaning you choose the courses that you are most keen to pursue. There are no mandatory subjects that you must study. This allows you to tailor your higher education to your needs and preferences, offering immense flexibility to craft a degree best-suited to you.
2. Williams College
Ranking consistently among the best U.S. colleges, Williams College offers a close-knit community and strong academics in all streams of the liberal arts. Their tutorial-style classes help you engage deeply with your subjects.
3. Pomona College
Located near Los Angeles, Pomona combines academic excellence with sunny weather. It’s also part of the Claremont Colleges, so you get access to resources from five colleges while enjoying a small college vibe.
4. Middlebury College
Love languages, culture, or environmental studies? Middlebury has it all. It’s also known for its strong study abroad programs – yes, you can study abroad while studying abroad!
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in the UK
In the UK, liberal arts is a fast-growing field. Many universities now offer interdisciplinary degrees, allowing students to explore more than one field of study.
6. University College London (UCL) – Arts and Sciences BASc
UCL’s Arts and Sciences program lets you mix humanities with social studies. You’ll build your course structure and gain real-world experience while you do your degree, which will be vital for you to discover where your strengths, interests, and career aspirations lie.
7. University of Birmingham – Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences
This program at the University of Birmingham is perfect if you want to mix subjects like English and biology or physics and history. You can tailor the course to match your interests and then see what field you want to work in.
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in Canada
Canada offers a safe and diverse environment, with many English-taught liberal arts degrees, perfect for the needs of many students seeking to study abroad after 12th grade.
8. University of British Columbia (UBC) – Arts Program
UBC’s Faculty of Arts gives you tons of options. From psychology to film studies, you’ll get to explore a wide range of topics before choosing your major. UBC is also highly prestigious and one of the top colleges for liberal arts to study abroad.
9. University of Toronto – Arts and Science Program
One of Canada’s top schools, the University of Toronto offers a customizable arts and sciences program. With global research opportunities and a strong alumni network, it’s a great place to launch your career and score employment in your chosen field.
Top Liberal Arts Colleges in Europe
Europe offers unique programs that blend traditional subjects with global perspectives.
10. Leiden University College (The Netherlands)
This honors college in The Hague offers small class sizes, globally relevant programs, and courses in English. It’s perfect for international students who want a global education and want to dive into the world of liberal arts.
11. University College Utrecht (Netherlands)
This is one of the most established liberal arts colleges in Europe. It offers a flexible curriculum and a close-knit campus community. And of course, like our other picks in this article, the university offers English-taught programs for international students.
What Do You Need to Apply?
To study abroad after 12th grade, you’ll need to meet a few requirements, such as:
- Good Grades: Most colleges look at your academic record from 9th to 12th grade.
- English Proficiency Test: TOEFL or IELTS is usually a requirement.
- SAT/ACT Scores: Some U.S. colleges still ask for these, while many are test-optional now.
- Personal Essay: You’ll write about yourself, your goals, and why you want to study liberal arts. Make sure that your essay reflects you and your story because it’s your chance to directly talk to the admissions officer reviewing your file.
- Letters of Recommendation: Reach out to teachers or counselors who know you well to write these to share their professional endorsements of your character, achievements, and potential.
Make sure you start early. Thoroughly research each program and its requirements before you start applying to each college.
How to Choose the Right College For You
Here are a few tips to choose the right liberal arts college for you and your goals:
- Think About Location: Do you want a city vibe or a quiet town with fewer people?
- Check the Curriculum: Some colleges offer more freedom and flexibility than others.
- Look at Campus Life: Clubs, events, and diversity matter a lot when you are an international student.
- Consider Cost: Some colleges offer scholarships for international students on the basis of need or merit. Check thoroughly and do not hesitate to apply for them if you match the eligibility criteria.
Concluding Remarks
Choosing to study abroad after 12th grade is a big decision, but it can be a great one if you choose the right liberal arts college for yourself. If you love learning across subjects, enjoy creative thinking, and want a well-rounded education, then liberal arts colleges abroad are your gateway to a brighter future. The top colleges we list above offer more than just education; they offer life-changing experiences both academically and personally. So take your time, do your research, and you can look forward to a great experience in college.
