Dreaming of earning your university degree abroad?
Let's make it happen.Navigating the complex search and application processes for international universities can be daunting, but don't despair. Help is here.Hello. I'm Ana Nadal.I'm an Independent Educational Consultant. I work with high school / secondary school students who want to earn their bachelor’s degree outside of their home country, guiding them from initial exploration through admission acceptance, and ensuring they find their best-fit university.
How it Works
I meet with students individually and guide them through every step of the way from initial exploration of future pathways to university application and acceptance. Meetings are weekly or as needed, and follow the 3-term academic calendar, typically with 10 meetings per term. Parents join the initial meeting, receive weekly updates, and are invited for specific meetings when needed.My support is based on these 3 tenets:International Focus
I specialize in helping students discover and apply to universities with bachelor's degree programs taught in English and located in the US, UK, or across Europe.Individual Attention
My mission is to empower students to select and gain acceptance to international universities that fit them academically, socially, and financially.Intentional Approach
My goal is to reduce stress and build confidence. While the process is student-led, I provide guidance and support through every step, allowing parents to be their child's champions rather than taskmasters.
Future Pathways Exploration Package
Grades 8-10 / Years 9-11
This service package is optimal for any student wishing to explore their future pathways, whether they have no idea what they want to do or be, or whether they already have a career path in mind. Knowing options allows for informed decisions.Explore Your Interests & Options:
- Introduction to career pathways & options.
- Learn the university planning process and timeline.
- Receive guidance on course selection & activities.
- Explore interests in and out of the classroom.
- Assess who you are and what you want.Cost: 500 EUR (+VAT) / 550 USD
Duration: 5 weeks on average.
Meeting frequency: weekly, excluding school and summer holidays.Parent Testimonial:
"Ana's extensive knowledge and expertise of the international university landscape was invaluable in helping our son clarify his options and make confident decisions about his future studies. We felt very reassured knowing that he was in such capable hands." - Katherine T. (British Parent)
University Advising Packages
Grades 11-12 / Years 12-13
This service package offers individual support and guidance through every step of the university discovery, preparation, and application phases. Ideal for students starting in grade 11 (year 12), but flexible to begin early or late, depending on individual needs.Choose with Confidence:
- Visualize your ideal university experience.
- Explore programs of study and career paths.
- Discover universities that are the best fit for you.
- Build a university list for applications.Prepare with Clarity:
- Admission requirements and deadlines.
- Testing, course and activity recommendations.
- Program costs and funding options.
- Documentation requirements and timelines.
- Expectations for living and studying abroad.Apply with Success:
- Submit your best possible application.
- Meet all application deadlines.
- Strategize essays, CVs, and references.
- Prepare for university interviews.
- Review and select the best university offer.Single Phase Package Cost:
2000 EUR (+VAT) / 2200 USD
Duration: 1 academic term or 10 weeks.Comprehensive Package Cost:
6000 EUR (+VAT) / 6600 USD
Duration: 3-5 academic terms, depending on start date, meetings as needed (excluding school and summer holidays).
Student Testimonials
What my students say about me:Top 5 things I like about working with Ana:1: Kindness: She is one of the nicest people. I left our meetings with a smile and feeling good.
2: Effort: She made sure I had what I needed and I could feel the level of care she took with our goals.
3: Transparency: It always felt like we were on the same page because communication was a priority.
4:Useful: The resources she provided were all very helpful and things I would not have found on my own. She helped me understand what I wanted out of university and different available options.
5: Easy: We met once a week and then I had some homework which was at most like 2 hours. The whole process was very simple.- Addison M. (American Student)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need an Independent Educational Consultant if I already have a school counselor? An independent counselor is an extension of the support you receive in school, like a math tutor is to a math teacher. It's an ideal option for students who want/need specialized or individual support.- What's an ideal timeline ? Here are suggested activities by grade/year:
- Grades 8/9 (Yr 9/10): Explore interests both inside & outside of school and know what to expect next.
- Grades 10/11 (Yr 11/12): Discover university options & prepare for your best possible application.
- Grade 12 (Yr 13): Apply for university and select your best fit option.- What if I’m late in getting started or if I want to start early? I will meet you where you are and we will work together to achieve your goals.- How does it work? Begin by contacting me for a free introductory call. Once we agree on how I can help you, we'll have a formal intake meeting with the student & parents, and then individual advising meetings with the student. Parents only join advising meetings as needed, but always receive meeting recaps and progress updates.
About Me
Hello! I'm Ana Nadal.I am an American living in Portugal since 2016. After moving from Seattle to Lisbon, I left my Global Business Development role at Amazon and embarked on a new path as an Independent Educational Consultant.My interest in educational consulting began when I started considering university options outside the United States for my children. Touring universities during family vacations ignited my passion and inspired me to learn everything I could about UK/EU university programs and application processes.I went on to earn a Professional Certification in College Counseling from UCLA and I now actively participate in several professional associations, engaging in ongoing professional development and networking with college counselors globally.In my free time, I love to travel and visit universities. I also volunteer in my children's international school community, having served as Class Parent, Community Committee Chair, and PTA President.
Free Resources
Books:
College Match by Stephen Antonoff
Fiske Guide by Edward Fiske
How to College by Brenner & SchwartzOnline Resources:
International University Search: BachelorsPortal.com
UK University Applications: UCAS.com
US University Applications: CommonApp.org
US Financial Aid Resources: FAFSA.gov
Standardized Test Support: OnsenEducation.com
Essay Writing Support: CollegeEssayGuy.com
Gap Year Resources: GapYearAssociation.orgNeed a Specialized Referral?
I have a global network of counselors and service providers to share with you. Please know that I never charge a fee or earn a commission on referrals.
Additional Services
Services For Schools:
- Free presentations for parents.
- Free workshops for students.
- Contract college counseling services for schools in need of additional resources or expertise. Cost and duration are customizable depending on services.Events, Workshops & Webinars:
- Coming soon!Career Coaching:
Interested in Career and Future Pathway exploration? Check out my collaboration with Career Coach Katie Tornes: Pinpoint Future Pathways.
