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 work with students individually or in small groups to provide guidance through every step of the university journey—or just the steps where support is needed. From exploring future pathways to preparing applications and ultimately accepting an offer, I tailor my approach to each student’s goals.My support is based on these 3 pillars:International Focus
I specialize in helping students discover and apply to English-taught bachelor’s programs in the US, UK, and across Europe, providing clarity in navigating different systems and requirements.Individual Attention
My mission is to empower students to select and gain acceptance to international universities that
fit academically, socially, and financially.Intentional Approach
I aim to reduce stress and build confidence throughout the process. With my guidance, students stay in the driver’s seat while parents can take on the role of supportive champions rather than taskmasters.
Support That Fits You
Every student’s journey is unique. You can choose the areas of focus and the level of support that best matches your needs. Support options include:Explore Your Interests & Options:
- Introduction to career pathways
- Understand university planning and timelines
- Guidance on courses and activities
- Assess who you are and what you wantChoose Your Pathway with Confidence
- Visualize your ideal university experience
- Explore programs of study and career directions
- Identify universities that best fit your goals
- Build a balanced application listPrepare for Your Future with Clarity
- Understand entry requirements and deadlines
- Plan testing, courses, and activities
- Explore program costs and funding options
- Learn what to expect when studying abroadApply to University with Success
- Create and submit your strongest applications
- Stay on track with all deadlines
- Strategize essays, CVs, and references
- Prepare for university interviews
- Review and select the best university offers
Simple, Flexible Fees
To fit the unique needs of each student, I offer flexible hourly packages. These hours can be used for face-to-face advising sessions or for work I complete on your behalf—such as research, essay reviews, or other preparation. Together, we’ll decide how to use your time most effectively to maximize progress and reach your goals, and agree on a schedule that works best for you. Hourly package options are:10 hours = €1,200 (+VAT)
Best for in-depth support across multiple stages of the university journey, with flexibility to adjust as needed.5 hours = €750 (+VAT)
Targeted support for specific needs like university list-building or specific application components.1 hour = €180 (+VAT)
Perfect for focused questions, essay reviews, or quick guidance.* VAT must be added for all EU fees.
**Fees in USD$ are available on request.
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. (Grade 11 Student, USA)
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 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 to follow a new path as an Independent Educational Consultant. My interest began while researching international university options for my own children, and soon grew into a passion for helping students explore opportunities abroad.Since then, I’ve earned a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA and gained hands-on experience as a College Counselor at an American international school. I now serve as Head of Careers and Higher Education at a British international school, where I guide students from diverse backgrounds toward universities across the US, UK, and Europe. These roles, along with my ongoing involvement in professional counseling associations, keep me connected to global best practices and evolving admissions trends.Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and visiting universities, as well as volunteering in my children’s international school community, where I’ve served as Class Parent, Community Committee Chair, and PTA President.
Resources I Love to Share with Families
Books:
College Match by Stephen Antonoff
The College Finder by Stephon Antonoff
How to College by Brenner & SchwartzOnline Resources:
US University Search: CollegeXpress.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.