With even the most prestigious universities now offering courses online (some for free), relocation might be your chance to re-start education.
Personal development
For expat partners, relocation can mean an interrupted career path, wildly changed routines, and perhaps limited (or nonexistent) local job opportunities. But that does not mean your personal development has to take a back seat. Far from it – maybe now is the ideal time to continue learning.
Off campus
Harvard University, long considered a symbol of elite, campus-based education, has in recent years significantly expanded access to its learning resources. Through edX (a global platform co-founded by Harvard and MIT) and other Harvard-affiliated initiatives, the university offers a wide range of courses that can be accessed from nearly anywhere in the world. Most courses can be audited for free, allowing you to watch lectures, explore materials, and learn at your own pace without any cost.
Free or paid certificates
Some courses, such as the widely popular CS50 Introduction to Computer Science, even offer free certificates directly from Harvard. Many others provide the option to purchase a verified certificate through edX. These certificates include identity verification and graded assessments, typically priced between $219 and $299. You do not need to pay to participate in the learning itself. Payment only applies if you want formal proof of completion.
Self-paced
Courses are available in a wide variety of subjects, including computer science, leadership, psychology, artificial intelligence, business and literature. The availability of certain topics may vary, but most are taught by Harvard faculty and focus on practical, real-world insights. Many of the courses are asynchronous and self-paced, meaning you can start anytime and study on your schedule.
A strategic resource
These types of course can be ideal for expat partners who are balancing life transitions and/or family responsibilities, whether based in a city like Kuala Lumpur or a quiet village in Germany. At Global Connection, we view this not just as an educational opportunity but as a strategic resource. It’s a way to reconnect with your ambitions, explore new interests, and stay intellectually engaged during your expat life.
This article was originally published for the thousands of expat partners that Global Connection supports around the globe. It is reproduced here in its original form.
