So I’m currently a highschool junior, so I have a bit of time before I have to actually start my applications. I’m pretty much fully committed to studying architecture and I’m looking for some advice. I live in the USA and I may have the opportunity to go to college in the UK at UCL. My question is would the international college experience be worth it? I live in Virginia so I’m actually quite close to my first choice in the states, Virginia Tech, which is ranked 3rd in the country for undergrad arch. Again I guess I’m just wondering would the money I would spend on college abroad at UCL (of course if I were to be accepted) be worth it for jobs in the future or the quality of education I would recieve there?
Non Sequitur
Apr 29, 18 5:09 pm
Take the cheapest option.
archinine
Apr 29, 18 5:15 pm
Depends where you want to work. Generally going to school close to where you intend to work helps for making connections/getting a job in that location.
Archlandia
Apr 29, 18 5:24 pm
@archinine and Non Sequitur - I agree.
Also, if you want a better process for getting licensed in the states, study at a NAAB accredited school.
thatsthat
May 2, 18 8:57 am
Similar to what others have said, I would take the more economical option - VT. They're still a great school and with a great price tag. Yes you want the experience of college, but you also don't want to come out of it with a huge debt that is so burdensome that you can't pursue your interests or future education. After undergrad, you may want to get a masters in architecture (very common, required in many states) so you want to be in a good financial position to be able to do that without making yourself live like a student for the rest of your life. If you do decide to continue your education, you'll have the opportunity to go abroad then, continue at VT or just go to another school.
Another thing to consider is, although you are dead set on architecture now, you may get to school and decide you'd rather pursue a different major. At a school like VT, that presumably excels in many areas, you'll be in a great position to change your mind if you want without risking your financial future.
archinet
May 2, 18 10:01 am
its a wise decision to invest money on your masters degree and try to save money on the undergrad.
senjohnblutarsky
May 2, 18 11:42 am
In Virginia, most every firm around is going to have Tech grads. Stop by a firm and see if anyone would be willing to talk to you about their school experience. I've yet to run into a firm that didn't have someone willing to talk to people like you. When you say you're close to Blacksburg, how far are you talking?
Steeplechase
May 2, 18 12:46 pm
If you plan to practice in the US, then the B.Arch at Virginia Tech seems to be the most prudent route. Student loan debt is burden you want to minimize as much as possible. Look to see if there are study abroad opportunities as part of the architecture program, that way you could still have some of that diversified experience.
thatsthat
May 2, 18 4:45 pm
Good point! A lot of programs have a required semester abroad component these days.
So I’m currently a highschool junior, so I have a bit of time before I have to actually start my applications. I’m pretty much fully committed to studying architecture and I’m looking for some advice. I live in the USA and I may have the opportunity to go to college in the UK at UCL. My question is would the international college experience be worth it? I live in Virginia so I’m actually quite close to my first choice in the states, Virginia Tech, which is ranked 3rd in the country for undergrad arch. Again I guess I’m just wondering would the money I would spend on college abroad at UCL (of course if I were to be accepted) be worth it for jobs in the future or the quality of education I would recieve there?
Take the cheapest option.
Depends where you want to work. Generally going to school close to where you intend to work helps for making connections/getting a job in that location.
@archinine and Non Sequitur - I agree.
Also, if you want a better process for getting licensed in the states, study at a NAAB accredited school.
Similar to what others have said, I would take the more economical option - VT. They're still a great school and with a great price tag. Yes you want the experience of college, but you also don't want to come out of it with a huge debt that is so burdensome that you can't pursue your interests or future education. After undergrad, you may want to get a masters in architecture (very common, required in many states) so you want to be in a good financial position to be able to do that without making yourself live like a student for the rest of your life. If you do decide to continue your education, you'll have the opportunity to go abroad then, continue at VT or just go to another school.
Another thing to consider is, although you are dead set on architecture now, you may get to school and decide you'd rather pursue a different major. At a school like VT, that presumably excels in many areas, you'll be in a great position to change your mind if you want without risking your financial future.
its a wise decision to invest money on your masters degree and try to save money on the undergrad.
In Virginia, most every firm around is going to have Tech grads. Stop by a firm and see if anyone would be willing to talk to you about their school experience. I've yet to run into a firm that didn't have someone willing to talk to people like you. When you say you're close to Blacksburg, how far are you talking?
If you plan to practice in the US, then the B.Arch at Virginia Tech seems to be the most prudent route. Student loan debt is burden you want to minimize as much as possible. Look to see if there are study abroad opportunities as part of the architecture program, that way you could still have some of that diversified experience.
Good point! A lot of programs have a required semester abroad component these days.