In preparation for college, one must not forget to pack the essentials. In most cases, these include items such as a toothbrush, underwear and phone charger. However, for Eirene Kulutbanis and Lexi Lipkowitz, seniors, there is one more item on this list: a passport.

Beginning next fall, the two seniors will be embarking on their college journeys outside of the United States. More specifically, Kulutbanis will be attending the University of St. Andrews in Scotland while Lipkowitz is deciding between the University of Western Ontario and Queen’s University in Canada.

Are you originally from the United States?

Kulutbanis: I was born in South Africa but I moved here when I was five.

Lipkowitz: Yes.

Do you have any close ties to another country?

Kulutbanis: I’m also a citizen of the United Kingdom and have close ties to Greece.

Lipkowitz: My dad was born in Canada and remained a citizen. Since he’s still a citizen, my sister and I were able to apply for and be granted dual citizenship. My entire dad’s side of the family lives in Canada.

How did you decide to apply to schools outside of the U.S.?

Kulutbanis: I decided to apply outside of the U.S. because I thought it would be an amazing opportunity and I could be closer to family.

Lipkowitz: I decided to apply to schools in Canada because of the financial benefits: it is way cheaper than in the States. In addition, the school system in Canada is incredible and all the campuses are breathtaking. Ultimately, what really pushed me towards Canada was that I have a great support system there through my family.

Why did you choose that specific country?

Kulutbanis: I knew I wanted to apply to a school in the United Kingdom and I chose Scotland because it’s a beautiful country and had amazing and well-equipped universities to choose from.

Lipkowitz: I’m affiliated and familiar with Canada and most of my family lives there which prompted me to apply to its schools.

What are you most nervous for?

Kulutbanis: I’m kind of nervous about the fact that the United Kingdom has a very different schooling system than the U.S. and that I have no idea what to expect.

Lipkowitz: I’m honestly nervous for a lot of things. Although the language is the same, the culture is different which will be an adjustment. The school and health care systems are extremely different which I’m worried about not getting used to. Overall, most of my nervousness comes from being homesick in a completely different country. I’m scared but ready to take the risk.

Besides physical location, are there any key differences between schools in the U.S. and the schools you applied to?

Kulutbanis: One key difference between the schools in the United Kingdom and the U.S. is that in the United Kingdom, you choose a major when you apply. So for example, I chose to major in Biology and will only take science classes for my four years there.

Lipkowitz: Academically, Canadian schools are known to be slightly more advanced than American schools. Mostly, the school systems are similar with minor changes. From a social perspective, sorority and fraternity life is not quite as popular in Canada. The application was extremely difficult for me to understand because it was so different from what I was used to with American schools.

How did your parents react to your decision to attend college out of the country?

Kulutbanis: My parents were extremely excited for me when they found out I got into St. Andrews.

Lipkowitz: My dad was super supportive of me going because he’s a proud Canadian, born and raised! My mom wasn’t all for it in the beginning, but once she realized how much support I would get from my relatives and the potential experiences I could have, she became more and more for it.

What is your favorite part about the culture of the country where your college is located?

Kulutbanis: I spent half of my life growing up in a British culture, so I’m pretty well-accustomed to it. I like how the United Kingdom puts a huge emphasis on education and Scotland’s rich history is really cool too.

Lipkowitz: What I like about Canadian culture is the fact that it isn’t too far from what I’m used to in the States. I have been to Canada just about every year since I was born and it’s become a second home to me. The people are so friendly and welcoming and there is always something to explore, learn and grow from. I think Canada is an amazing place to be. The academia is incredibly advanced, the country is beautiful and the people are amazingly friendly.