Hi everyone.

I am an American citizen currently living in Chile.  We will be living here for at least another 4 years and in that time I would like to complete an online degree or certificate program in Information Technology with an American institution.  However, upon searching, I have found that most schools require that you reside in the US. I am not currently working but will when I return to the US and want to continue studying to have something extra when I return to the work force.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to proceed? 

How far along are you into a degree program (any credits to transfer, etc)?  Also what's your budget?  Lastly what level are you looking to study at?  BS? MS? Phd?

Hi and thanks for your response.

I've been out of school for over 15 years but have alot of administrative experience.  I have a 3 yr Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario, Canada but I don't know if I can transfer any of those.  I don't mind starting from scratch as I may have forgotten alot. My main interest is staying educated and since I seem to have a knack with computers wanted to try Information Technology.  If there is someplace that offers a certificate program to begin with that would be great but don't have a problem with working towards a BS.

I'm an at-home housewife so have a lot of time.  I want to spend whatever is normal for an online certificate program.  I don't really have a budget but of course don't want to spend a crazy amount of money.

Can you direct me?

 

Penn Foster College offers some of its programs internationally.  I'm not sure exactly which programs they offer, however.  You can call them at 480-947-3994, and I'm sure they would be more than happy to answer any questions you have.  Good luck!

Have you considered simply going for a masters degree?

Hola Joy,

The bad news is that almost no American institutions will admit you to a Master's level program with a three year Canadian Bachelor's degree.  The good news is that you can probably go a long way on those credits.  You are a great candidate for assessment colleges, a set of three schools that are very accepting of lots of transfer credit and through which you can finish a four year degree in whatever subject interests you, in this case IT.

Here's a longer description of assessment colleges:

http://community.elearners.com/blogs/atsu/archive/2008/12/20/assessment-colleges.aspx

You would even be able to take IT courses from different schools and apply them to your degree at the assessment college.  It's incredibly flexible.

Does this sound potentially useful?

-=Steve=-

---

B.S., Info Sys, Charter Oak State College
M.A., Educational Tech Leadership, George Washington University
Doctor of Health Education, A.T. Still University, in progress

Hola!

Thanks very much for the information Steve.  I"ll check into the three colleges you mention and see where that leads me.

I appreciate the help!

Take care,

Joy

Will look into Penn Foster too.

Thank you scarter85.