By Samantha Jonas-Hain
For international students, gaining meaningful information about schools abroad can be frustrating, which is why The College Tour TV series has become such an invaluable tool for students around the world looking to gain information about American colleges and universities.
The show travels the United States (US) and features schools both large and small, telling each individual story through the lens of their diverse student body, giving outsiders an up-close glimpse of what life can look like at each school. All episodes of the series are available to stream on Amazon freevee and for free on The College Tour app and website.
“The goal was to create a show that can be seen by anyone, anywhere. It is not always possible to travel and look at a school, and it is extremely important that international students are afforded the same access to information as anyone else so they can make smart decisions about higher education based on their own individual needs,” said host, co-creator and executive producer Alex Boylan.
Boylan, who won The Amazing Race teamed up with Hollywood powerhouse Lisa Hennessy and Survivor finalist Burton Roberts to create a groundbreaking show that is now being used by counselors and teachers as an educational tool to motivate students about higher education.
“Counselors have reached out letting us know that because of our show many students are choosing to further their education by attending college. We even created free classes on our website to help students choose the right school that will work best for them,” added Boylan.
The aforementioned class, which breaks down four key pillars to look for in the college search, is one of the many free resources that The College Tour website provides, along with a blog and digital series just to name a few. Parents, students, and educators alike have embraced the concept, and appreciate how the totality of The College Tour brand serves to make learning about schools easy and effective.
In a space that is sometimes overwhelming, the show itself does a fantastic job at gaining the viewer’s attention and interest by always featuring multiple students in each episode all with different backgrounds, learning abilities, and circumstances. From first generation college goers to international students and students with autism or hearing impairments, every group is represented and celebrated for their own success.
“I’m so happy I got to experience such an amazing college setting. It has shaped me into being a more active, well-rounded individual with a global mindset and a diverse perspective on the world,” said Nigerian transfer student Binta Olabisi, who was featured in the Florida International University episode. Olabisi, spent three years at FIU, graduating with a BA in Economics, after having served as vice president of the Undergraduates Economic Club, member of the National Business Honor Society and member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society.
The College Tour is now filming its 7th season and continues to dedicate itself to ensuring a brighter future for today’s students. To view episodes, watch digital series or take The Class, please visit Home – TheCollegeTour.com.
