- 17% of Americans plan to move overseas within the next five years, with another 5% actively working on their relocation
- A growing trend: studying as a path to residency
As founder of Finding La Dolce Vita—an Italy-based agency that helps Americans and other foreigners move to Europe—Kim Englehart is used to assisting families with student visas, primarily for young adults looking to study abroad, particularly in Europe. However, last year, a middle-aged client approached the company with a different request: Could Finding La Dolce Vita obtain a student visa for the client to take classes abroad herself? At first, Englehart thought it was just a one-off. But then, more and more people started inquiring. The number of American students studying abroad is on the rise, with a 49% increase in 2022-23 over the previous year. And according to Englehart, the number of clients age 40s and up who are seeking student visas has soared. The reasons vary: some clients want to immerse themselves in a new culture, while others are drawn to the well-documented cognitive effects of lifelong learning. But for many, the ultimate goal is something bigger—using education as a stepping stone to long-term residency and, in some cases, a second passport. Amanda Klekowski von Koppenfels, a relocation consultant and career coach who also mentors Americans applying to graduate programs abroad, says she’s seeing a similar trend. “I am seeing increased interest in applying to graduate school in Europe,” she tells me. “But I also see that these are genuine applications. They are applying to programs they are qualified for, interested in and excited about.”
According to Klekowski von Koppenfels, many clients had already intended to pursue graduate studies but recent events have prompted them to act sooner rather than later. “Most of them had planned to apply to graduate school at some point, and now seemed to be a good moment to do so,” she says. The study-abroad strategy is also gaining traction among families, according to Jana Sanchez, cofounder of GTFO Tours, a new Netherlands-based relocation company that helps Americans settle overseas. “This is a thing,” Sanchez tells me. She is seeing it mainly with “adult children of Americans who are coming to Europe on passive income visas or even entrepreneur visas or for countries, like the UK, that don’t have digital nomad or passive income visas.”
And for many families, the goal isn’t just education—it’s creating a safe, long-term future abroad for their children. “In almost every country you can bring children up to age 18, but a lot of parents, especially those of LGBTQ adult children, are trying specifically to get their children out, so they take them with them on a student visa.”
Another perk to studying abroad: many Americans find that tuition at foreign institutions is significantly lower than in the U.S., making this an appealing option for people looking to further their education without the American price tag. Plus, “higher education in Europe is not only more affordable, but of a higher academic level,” says Englehart. In countries like France and Italy, international students can pay as little as $2,100 a year for a bachelor’s degree at public universities. Even private universities (which tend to be more expensive) offer programs ranging from $2,100 to $21,000 a year. “Another point: getting a PhD in Europe is very inexpensive, so if people really do want to study, there’s no better time,” says Sanchez. Another thing going for this plan: healthcare. According to Englehart, international students in places like France and Italy can tap into high-quality healthcare at a fraction of U.S. costs. Best of all, it could be a stepping stone to building a new life in Europe—the life you’ve always dreamed of.
What You Need To Know
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency and Citizenship Pathways Differ | Be careful to check the rules for each country. Sanchez points out that while student visas can be an excellent tool for jump-starting a new life abroad, it’s important to think long-term, since in some countries “student visa time spent doesn’t count towards permanent residency or second passports.” |
| Student Visa Requirements Vary by Country | Some nations have age restrictions or proof-of-funds requirements, so research is key. |
| Enrollment Must Be Legitimate | You’ll need to be accepted into a recognized university or educational institution, and in many cases, maintain a full course load. |
| Financial Considerations | Tuition in many European countries is affordable, but you’ll need to prove financial self-sufficiency to qualify for a visa. |
| Language | You don’t need to speak the language; many universities across Europe offer courses in English. |
Best Places To Study For Residency Or Citizenship
Italy
Italy offers student visas that can lead to long-term residency, and the country’s public universities “offer affordable education,” says Englehart, whose company specializes principally in France and Italy.
