So you have just finished high school and you are ready to embark on the next big step in your life: planning your tertiary education. After much consideration and research, you come across a foundation program that appears to check several boxes. It is quick and can lead you to your desired degree.
Is it, however, your ideal match? If you’re still undecided, we have compiled a list of reasons you should consider studying a foundation year.
What is a Foundation Year?
A foundation course is a program that prepares you for a university undergraduate degree.
They are specifically designed for international students who want to study in places like Europe or the United States. A foundation course will assist you in obtaining the necessary qualifications and skills to pursue a degree in the university; it will also assist students who require additional English language support.
A foundation year is typically available as a three-term program comprising academic modules and subject-specific modules.
Explore Related Article: Sixth Form: The easiest Link to International Education
Reasons you should consider a Foundation year
Help meet the undergraduate entry requirement
University foundation courses are designed to assist students in meeting entry requirements, and many guarantee students who complete them (with required grades) a place in the first year of a degree course.
It is a fast-track program
A foundation program has the advantage in terms of study duration, taking mostly only 12 months to complete. The program consists of a wide range of assignments, projects, and tests, preparing you for the fast-paced world of your undergraduate degree. So, if you want to start studying for a degree as soon as possible, enrolling in a foundation course is a no-brainer and a time saver. Furthermore, the sooner you finish your degree, the sooner you’ll be able to find work and gain experience ahead of your peers.
You can choose a stream that suits your interest
Many foundation courses are organized by field of study, allowing students to begin their studies in their area of interest. Some are also streamed to accommodate students from various educational backgrounds; for example, a beginner stream may cater to students who have never studied in the field, whereas an advanced stream may cater to those who have studied but would like to improve their skills before moving on to higher-level study
Explore Related Article: Sixth Form: The easiest Link to International Education
It is a direct pathway to a wide range of degrees
What if you’re not sure what you want to do with your degree? Don’t worry, a foundation program isn’t as restrictive as most people believe. While some foundations are geared toward a specific degree, some universities also offer more broad-based foundation programs. Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts are two programs that allow you to study more general subjects related to your chosen stream. A Foundation in Science, for example, could include subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and biology, allowing you to pursue degrees like medicine, pharmacy, food science, and biomedical science.
Academic classes combined with the English Language
Academic English components are frequently included in Foundation Studies to better prepare students for the level of English required to complete assessments. As part of the preparation, students have the option of participating in an intensive English program.
The program fills any knowledge gap between high school and university
Education standards vary from country to country and from state to state. Teaching methods differ, as do the number of study hours and qualifications. Foundation courses are designed to level the playing field and bring all students up to speed. So, whether you’re lacking in math, physics, history, or simply your English language skills, a foundation course can help you get to the level you need to move forward.
Better skills and confidence
Students who complete a foundation program are more likely to adapt and cope better in their first year of tertiary studies; students will learn how to complete assessment tasks and how to apply their specialized knowledge directly to an undergraduate degree; students who complete a foundation program are more likely to adapt and cope better in their first year of tertiary studies.
Explore Related Article: How To Choose The Best Sixth Form College
The program gives you time to adjust
Doing a foundation program gives you plenty of time to settle into everyday life, not just academic life. It means you’ll have more time to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and get to know your way around. It connects you with other students who share your fears and excitement, ensuring you’re on solid ground when you start your undergraduate course.
Get used to the university style of teaching
You will have an advantage over students who enter higher education straight from high school if you have completed a foundation year. Foundation courses are taught in a university-style format with lectures, tutorials, and seminar-style classes. All of this helps to better prepare you for your future university studies.
Equipping yourself with the right skills early on can benefit you in the long run and without question, a firm foundation is essential for new advances and success.
