WGU while living abroad?

[frostedfire]

Is the question more for US students living abroad or students that are not US citizens? Asking because I have never had any issues while traveling internationally and working through my classes. More than half of my MSML was done while I was in Colombia. My proctored exams just happened to work out when I was in the states so I can't confirm if Examity would have been ok with Colombia/International.

I shared with WGU during my launch that I would be traveling internationally and there was zero push back. WGU/Mentor just asked how they could best help with communication and stressed how they would work around my schedule to best support me. There was never discussions about restrictions in connection to me being out of the country.

I have not posted much about my journey with WGU (I will provide a detailed one) but it should be mentioned that it has been an awesome overall experience. The course material, mentor, and the process have been great. For those that are weighing options, WGU should be very high on your list.

I am a US citizen but living abroad. Quite a few friends (who are US citizens) are interested in WGU as well.

[bjcheung77]

For US Citizens/Resident's, you may want to get in contact with an Enrollment Counselor after you have been admitted to the university. Info on their website:

International Students
Thank you for your interest in WGU. At the present time, WGU is only accepting applications from individuals living in the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as from U.S. military personnel and their families at overseas installations. WGU is also now accepting applications from Canadian residents in certain select geographic areas. (An Enrollment Counselor has more information about which areas are eligible to submit applications.)

Unfortunately, we have discovered that we cannot always guarantee that the educational experience for students living outside the United States will meet our high standards for quality and convenience. It is our expectation that these issues will be resolved in future years. We wish you well in your educational pursuits and regret that we cannot help you at this time.

[socsci]

Another option is Patten University. Although I can't recommend the BA. Psych there because of issues with the course/test content, I believe people have had success with their Masters program. Might be worth taking a look as they do accept international students and also will quite often offer a discount on tuition if you contact them.

[bjcheung77]

Another option is Patten University. Although I can't recommend the BA. Psych there because of issues with the course/test content, I believe people have had success with their Masters program. Might be worth taking a look as they do accept international students and also will quite often offer a discount on tuition if you contact them.

Oh yeah, the Patten MBA has 7 different concentrations, the only difference with each one is the "3" concentration courses.
Their Patten MBA (Finance) was in the top 25 online MBA Finance programs... I pasted that link somewhere before...

[ladylearner]

Has anyone had experience studying a MA with WGU while living outside the USA? please advise.

Based on the feedback here, it seems like it would be fine to pursue a degree at WGU while living abroad. If the proctoring is done online and there's no policy forbidding it, then you're set.

[RANSOMSOUL]

Agree with ladyleaner.WGU looks to be set up perfectly for what you and your friends are trying to accomplish.

I checked out Patten U as well and because of the price, it was very difficult to a choice between them and WGU (Amberton U was also in this battle - more expensive but could also be an option for you). The program felt more robust and mature at WGU. This isn't a surprise when you see that Patten has graduated less than 50 MBA students to date (it was about 10 when I initially checked into it). The shortcomings of Patten will take longer to correct because student feedback per the numbers isn't loud enough for change to happen fast. WGU per the size is able to take in feedback and make changes. One example is course adjustments (2 in my degree with poor reviews were adjusted this year - students have options to do the old or new revised course). This type of flexibility in a school was important to me in my final decision and has paid off in the end.

Good luck!

[jsd]

during my time in Patten's undergrad program, they weren't all that interested in addressing feedback provided for their programs.

[ladylearner]

Agree with ladyleaner.WGU looks to be set up perfectly for what you and your friends are trying to accomplish.

I checked out Patten U as well and because of the price, it was very difficult to a choice between them and WGU (Amberton U was also in this battle - more expensive but could also be an option for you). The program felt more robust and mature at WGU. This isn't a surprise when you see that Patten has graduated less than 50 MBA students to date (it was about 10 when I initially checked into it). The shortcomings of Patten will take longer to correct because student feedback per the numbers isn't loud enough for change to happen fast. WGU per the size is able to take in feedback and make changes. One example is course adjustments (2 in my degree with poor reviews were adjusted this year - students have options to do the old or new revised course). This type of flexibility in a school was important to me in my final decision and has paid off in the end.

Good luck!

I just now read what someone else posted about WGU being restricted to students in the US and Canada. I don't know if that's set in stone.

I did some courses at Patten for undergrad (always intending to transfer out) and I had an OK experience. For me, it wasn't as bad as some others have reported. It served its purpose.