International Students Use Online Learning to Prepare for US University Study

High schools around the world are increasingly seeking ways for their students to prepare for study at American universities. One way that international students can prepare for a US college experience is to earn high school credits from a US-based school, online.

The ideal solution is for students to use a US-based high school program that offers a true global classroom experience that mimics the classrooms at American universities, and take rigorous advanced placement (AP) and STEM courses, while gaining experience communicating in English with their peers from around the world.

VHS Learning is a nonprofit education provider based in Maynard, Massachusetts. They offer more than 270 courses for high school credit. STEM courses offered include Forensic Science, Genes & Disease, Biotechnology, Discrete Math, Principals of Engineering, Animal Behavior and Zoology, Video Game Design, and much more. Students can also select from 34 rigorous College Board-approved AP courses that prepare students to take AP exams, a measure of college-readiness for US universities. AP courses offered through VHS Learning include AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Precalculus, and AP Business with Personal Finance.

As an education provider accredited through MSA-CESS and WASC and focused on continuous improvement, international students and their schools can be assured that the education they receive through VHS Learning is of the highest quality. Students receive a course transcript upon course completion so US colleges can see they have experience with rigorous US course work.

In the 2025-2026 academic year, students from 45 different US states and 70 different countries enrolled in VHS Learning online high school courses. Courses are taught by US-certified high school teachers, who provide grades and feedback. International students taking VHS Learning courses are better prepared for their future studies at US colleges as they experience US education before attending university and better understand the rigor and requirements of US coursework.

US college classrooms require independence, initiative, and self-advocacy. By learning in a supportive, engaging, college-like environment, and learning with a blend of students from across the US and around the world, international students are better prepared for life and future experiences beyond their local high school.