A global disruption in students' post-secondary plans has also created opportunities to become more academically competitive. 

Post-Secondary Plans in the Age of COVID-19: Challenge or Opportunity?

Unconventional times call for innovative measures, and an unprecedented disruption to post-secondary plans for students worldwide has also created opportunities to become more competitive. 

For international students who are interested in pursuing higher education in the U.S., but who may choose to postpone their plans due to either the COVID-19 crisis or a desire to strengthen their academic records, the Postgraduate Program at Laurel Springs School offers one such opportunity: a gap year with purpose. 

The benefits of the Postgraduate Program or academic gap year are great. Taking high-level courses based in the U.S. can help students acclimate to the pace and expectations of colleges and universities in the country, preparing them for success in their collegiate careers and beyond. 

Postgraduate study at Laurel Springs comprises three key elements:

Expert College Counseling

The Postgraduate Program at Laurel Springs embraces a deeply individualized approach to learning, which includes counseling outcomes that align with each student's academic, extracurricular, and postgraduate goals. College Counselors at Laurel Springs have an extensive background in admissions and foster strong relationships with students, ultimately helping them discover and further develop who they want to be and what they want to do.

Dual Enrollment Courses

As a pioneer in education for decades, Laurel Springs is dedicated to cultivating inquiry, growth, and purpose in our global network. We have partnered with other innovative programs and organizations with the same goals: establishing foundational pathways for academic, career, and personal success.

Laurel Springs has established a dual-enrollment program in partnership with esteemed universities to provide students with opportunities to potentially earn college credit and help prepare them for the future beyond academics. 

Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, Elective, and World Language Courses

Postgraduate students can take a number of AP and honors courses offered by Laurel Springs, as well as a wide range of elective courses, including those with visual and performing arts focus. Postgraduate students can also enroll in immersive world language courses through the school's partnership with LanguageBird, a premier online world language program offering expert one-on-one instruction.

In addition to the academic merits of the Postgraduate Program, students also have access to internship opportunities through a partnership between Laurel Springs and Virtual Internships, an organization that collaborates with more than 3,000 companies around the world. By gaining real-world experience and insight into a career of their choosing, Postgraduate students can forge a clear path to university-level study that is tailored to their specific ambitions and goals. 

As students around the world grapple with uncertainty around their post-secondary options, a simple shift in perspective can help: how can they continue to develop and grow as learners in these unique circumstances? The Postgraduate Program at Laurel Springs is an excellent opportunity to pursue an academic gap year with purpose, and ultimately build a strong foundation for success in college and beyond. 

Aaron Mitich serves as Director of Partnership Development at Laurel Springs School. Aaron’s extensive experience in designing, managing, and growing global programs, opportunities, and partnerships aligns with the fully accredited private online school’s mission to enrich students academically and personally as well as build an international educational community of enrichment and success. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of partnership with Laurel Springs, please visit our website.