One of the most frequent concerns that arise within the families of student athletes who are going to begin their process of studying in the United States is: What happens after they finish college abroad? Luckily, the alternatives are varied...
Once the student finishes his or her university stage, they can look for work, academic and sports options in their country of origin, as well as in other countries around the world or even settle within the United States.
Academic and employment status
Once a student completes the undergraduate studies at a four-year U.S. institution, they obtains an "undergraduate degree", also known as a baccalaureate degree. With this document it is possible for the student athlete to return to his or her country of origin or migrate to another country either to work or to continue studies through a master's degree.
For this, the degree must be validated within the country to which the student is going and that is why it is important to know the legislation of the country to have clarity on the necessary steps and requirements to achieve it.
For example, in the case of Costa Rica, where Propella has its bases, the process of university degree recognition is carried out through the official website of the Office of Recognition and Equalization of Degrees and Titles of the National Council of Rectors (Conare), where you can find the indications, requirements, documents, and the step-by-step of the recognition process.
Although it can be a tedious process, a bill promoted by the Ministry of Public Education and six congressional deputies to simplify the recognition and equalization of university degrees obtained in foreign institutions is currently in the legislative stream.
Now, what happens with the Associate Degrees / degrees obtained in 2-year universities?
It depends again on the legislation of each country. For example, in Costa Rica this degree is not recognized and therefore cannot be validated. In this case, students have two alternatives depending on their particular case: they can return to the country and validate those credits/courses that were obtained in the American institution to finish the degree and obtain the bachelor's degree in a national university, or they can remain in the United States through transfer.
This means that once they finish their two years and obtain this degree, they can seek the option to transfer to a four-year university, do the remaining two years and obtain the baccalaureate degree. To achieve this, it is important that students spend their first two years strengthening their academic and athletic profile, thus making it more feasible for them to enter a good four-year university in the future.
Sports case
On the other hand, depending on the athletic level and individual goals, student athletes may return to their country of origin to seek the opportunity to become professional in their sport.
Staying in the United States?
Yes, it is an option. In case the preference is to remain in the United States, there are also a number of alternatives that can be taken advantage of.
Regarding the area of study, you can also look for master's degree options according to your interests and depending again on the area in which you want to specialize.
With respect to the labor area, we know that the immigration status of students is complex and is an issue that cannot be taken lightly, so it is always recommended to make an additional review of information and requirements according to the particular case.
However, undergraduate students with an F1 visa can opt for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a 12-month work permit that they can apply for before or after completing their degree in order to obtain practical experience related to their field of study.
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) majors can opt for a 24-month permit extension. On the other hand, the possibility of obtaining the H-1B or H-3 visa may be sought.
The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit that allows foreigners to work in occupations that require high-level skills backed up by a college degree, and H-3 visas are granted to non-immigrants and allow foreigners to enter the United States for the purpose of participating in training processes.
Another alternative to stay in the United States is through sports. In the United States, sports are highly professionalized, so depending on the athlete's sports performance, he/she may seek the opportunity to be recruited by an important team according to the discipline.
In case the student athlete does not wish to continue practicing competitively his or her discipline, but wants to remain linked to it in some way, they can become a coach in a sports program of an American institution. There are many programs that are looking for volunteers and are even willing to offer a job opportunity to meet their needs.
The options for success after earning a college degree at an American institution are very varied and contrary to the concerns that may arise, the American college degree could open up unique opportunities and experiences to whoever is fortunate enough to earn it.
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