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 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.
International Focus, Individual Attention
As an American expat living in Portugal, I work with international students here in Europe as well as Americans interested in studying abroad. I specialize in helping students discover and apply to universities with bachelor's degree programs taught in English that are located in the US, UK, and across Europe.My mission is to empower students to select and gain acceptance to an international university that fits them academically, socially, and financially.My goal is to remove the feelings of stress and uncertainty associated with this process and to replace them with confidence and joy.
Exploration Program
Grades 8-10 / Years 9-11
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 / 550 USD
Duration: 1 month on average.
Meeting frequency: weekly.*
Format: individual support, online or in person.
*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)
All-Inclusive Program
Grades 10-12 / Years 11-13
Choose with Confidence:
- Visualize your ideal university experience.
- Explore programs of study and career paths.
- Discover universities that are the best fit for you.
- Choose your future path with confidence.
Prepare with Clarity
- Admission requirements and deadlines.
- 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.Cost: 6000 EUR / 6500 USD
Duration: 18-36 months, depending on start date.
Meeting frequency: weekly or as needed.*
Format: individual support, online or in person.
*Excluding school and summer holidays.
Application Program
Grade 12 (US), Year 13 (UK)
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.
- Plan for a successful first year at university.Cost: 3000 EUR / 3250 USD
Duration: ~12 months, depending on start date.
Meeting frequency: weekly or as needed.*
Format: individual support, online or in person.
*Excluding school and summer holidays.Parent Testimonial:
"Ana was really helpful. Her approach is very calm and informative and she listens carefully. I would highly recommend Ana to help you navigate the complex landscape and offer valuable insight from her many university tours." - Stephanie N. (Portuguese Parent)
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. Many high schools don't have the resources for individual support or the expertise to advise on international universities or programs.What's an ideal timeline to get started?
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?
I will meet you where you are and we will work together to achieve your goals.
About Me
Hello! I'm Ana Nadal.I am an American who has lived 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 for this field.I earned a Professional Certification in College Counseling from UCLA and 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 tour 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!
