Degree Names and Study Method: After the GPA conversion questions, probably the next most asked question about international higher education is concerning the names/abbreviation of degrees and the study method used to obtain them.  The Baptist Resource has a list of popular degrees in theological education that will help those looking for which program is right for them.  However, there are some things that are particular to international education that can be tricky and isn't covered on that page.  Here is a chart that will help decipher some of the terms you may be unfamiliar with:

Making the decision to study in another country will no doubt lead you down a sometimes frustrating, sometimes expensive road.  To help bridge the gap between how your country does education and how your university's country operates you have to do a bit of translation.  This is especially true for those traversing between a British model of higher education and the American model.  Here are three things to consider when looking into overseas education.

1. Research Online: You will waste a lot of time getting on the internet and randomly searching websites to help you.  To better focus your search, consider these things:

• What do you want to study?  I always suggest starting here.  If you start with the school first, you're more likely to end up "settling" for something other than the degree you really wanted.  You should also look at the curriculum - are the classes relevant to my situation?  I've seen a lot of biblical studies curriculum that have very little actual coursework in the Bible.  For those that are going into academia (teaching theology, Biblical studies, church history, etc.), I would suggest getting an undergrad degree that would allow you to get some good electives in the humanities, including languages (particularly Greek, Hebrew, Latin, German, and/or French).  Your masters-level degree should be in the field you want to teach in.  If you do a Master of Divinity degree, then you'll be teaching practical ministry courses unless you have at least 18 credit hours in another particular field.  On the other hand, if you do a M.A. in History you'll be set up to do history, but don't expect to be called on to do Bible or Theology.  I would even hesitate to assign a M.A. in History professor to a Church History/Historic Theology course.  This is because often a M.A. in History won't provide the theological context needed to properly analyze church history subjects.  It's much more about the theology and concepts than the dates and the political stuff (although that's in there as well).  Sorry . . . church history often sidetracks my conversations.  On to the next point!
  
• Once you know what you want to study, then find a school that fits your own criterion.  For undergrads and those going into church-based ministry, I generally would suggest going to a more theologically conservative school.  While they don't have to agree with every bit of doctrine like you do, it would provide a place to collaborate with others in similar ministries.  If you plan to teach in a university or seminary setting, then I tend to recommend doing your undergrad in an academically rigorous, but theologically conservative institution.  For your masters, open it up a bit and go to a school that is a little broader.  For your doctoral level, it really depends on what you want to do.  In my field, Catholic universities are often the best - they have great church history programs.  I ended up going even broader though, into a secular university, but the department I'm in has Christian professors so we still have that same base to work off of.  Whatever you end up doing, I recommend learning your theology and biblical studies early on and getting grounded in that - knowing why you believe what you believe.  This will allow you to think more critically later on in more diverse settings.  I also understand that many (especially in the U.S.) don't start their theological training until their masters.  If you go this route, just stay grounded in a good church and perhaps a student ministry while you complete your undergrad. 
  

2.  Talk to a Person: It sounds so simple and yet so many just sit and research for days or weeks online and never reach out to any real person.  This is your education we're talking about!  Choosing where you will learn and who you will learn from is going to affect the rest of your life.  If I'm considering buying a used Honda Accord, I would want to see which of my friends drive one and ask them about the car.  Most people would do the same and yet many wouldn't seek out a student or impartial representative to ask about a masters program in London or a doctoral program in Aberdeen.  One reason may be that it is just hard to connect with current students overseas or you may not know where to go to find impartial advice.  Ok - here are a couple of spots:

• The British Council - this is the first stop for any considering education in the U.K.  They gear it for people from many countries, but if you're American you probably qualify for some special benefits, such as the Fulbright Scholarship.   
• Education UK - Really a part of the British Council, this website houses some easy to navigate information.  It's a bit more user-friendly than the main BC site.
  
• World Education Services - this group specializes in international education.  Their services include a database on education in various countries (which can help you understand an institution's terminology) and transcript evaluation services (which you'll probably want to employ about completion of your program).
• You can also find forums and such for students.  One forum I suggest for doctoral students is PhinisheD.  Not only can you find some frank advice on programs, the main purpose of the forum is to get people through their doctoral dissertation or masters thesis.  If you've got the funds, I'd also suggest flying over to check out a couple of schools.  Many of the UK universities (especially in southern England) will pick you up at the airport if they know you're coming. 
  

3.  Understand the Lingo- I will be covering this in the next blog.  It will go over GPA/grading questions, degree types, and the differences in terminology between the U.S. and British Commonwealth institutions.