The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience in the United States. Nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing. From the mid-1950s, when international student enrollment was only just reaching 35,000, international education in the USA has come a long way.
The United States has more institutions of higher education than any other country, but despite the numbers, it is the quality of education provided by these academic bodies which are acknowledged worldwide. The teaching forces of these institutions are leading authorities in their respective fields. The quality of the research program along with the resources available and the faculty ensures that the institutions have high standards.
More than 4000 institutions offer undergraduates, postgraduates, masters, and doctorate degrees. One can specialize in any desired areas of focus. The USA education system has a variety of academic & social environments which allow the student to build up in all aspects.
American universities are widely known for the quality of their teaching and research. The United States is the number one and largest destination for international students seeking higher education overseas. The education system in the USA is the most versatile and flexible higher education system for international students in the world.
Today about 30 percent of all current international students in the world are studying in the United States.
Universities in the U.S. attract international students for many reasons. The statistics say that over 500,000 international students are pursuing their higher education degrees in the U.S. At the time of applying for a student visa, most international students are questioned as to why they want to study in the U.S. Following are the top 10 reasons why international choose U.S. colleges and universities:
Academic Excellence
With over 4000 universities across the country, the United States boasts of some of the top universities in the world. The universities and colleges offer a wide range of degrees and courses in all academic fields. You may find excellent programs at the undergraduate and graduate level of study. At the undergraduate level, outstanding program options are available in conventional subjects as well as professional fields. At the Master’s and Ph.D. level, students regularly get the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the finest researchers in the world. Qualifications awarded by U.S. universities are recognized throughout the world for its academic brilliance. 16 universities of USA are among the top 20 in the world according to the latest rankings.
Diversity of Educational Opportunities
The United States is home to several thousand colleges and universities, boasting at least ten times as many campuses as in any other country. As a result, the higher education system in the U.S. has something for everyone. Some U.S. colleges and universities stress broad educational principles; others emphasize practical, employment-related skills; and still, others specialize in the arts, social sciences or technical fields. The U.S. higher education system has lots to offer every student. The program structure lays equal emphasis on building a strong theoretical base along with importance on practical, employment-related skills. If you are looking at studying an unusual or specific program like gerontology you will have more than one program to choose from in the U.S.!
Cutting-Edge Technology
U.S. universities are world leaders in terms of technology and scientific techniques and are committed to providing the same resources to students. The emphasis is to acquaint students with the latest in the field of science, engineering and related fields. The end result is work-ready graduates with appropriate skills using the most recent technology. The U.S. takes pride in its technological advancement and it has made sure that all spectrums of the education sector are well equipped with the latest technology. This makes the life of the student much simpler with easy access to data and other technology. It is said that technology plays a pivotal role in research and development and American universities have made sure they do not fall behind when it comes to the advancement of their facilities and their students by introducing new methods and skills to the learning curve.
Excellent Academic Quality
The United States is known for having one of the world’s most effective university systems with an outstanding number of programs in any given area. These programs are then quality monitored by various higher education accreditation bodies. At the undergraduate and graduate level, students are provided with various learning opportunities including participation in research, internship, field visits, assistantships and more. Particularly, at the graduate level, students have various opportunities to work directly within their field of study. The quality of programs and career-oriented education system make U.S. degrees well recognized throughout the world for their excellence.
Opportunity for Research, Teaching, and Training
In the U.S., at the graduate level students gain valuable experience in research and teaching through the many assistantship programs available. These assistantships also help students finance their higher education in the USA. The practical experience gained is extremely useful for future careers in teaching and research. Many graduate programs offer training and teaching opportunities that enable students to become teaching assistants to undergraduates and/or research assistants on special projects exploring different aspects of your field of study. International students are some of the most valued teachers and researchers in U.S. universities because they bring new skills and ideas to the classroom and library or laboratory. This practical component of your education will prove useful in your future career and may give you insights into your field that would not be possible through course study alone.
Flexibility
The American higher education system offers flexible options to students according to their needs and interests. At the undergraduate level, students can choose different courses before they declare their choice for major at the end of the second year. This gives students time and options to explore their interests. So, if you are undecided about your field of study it is absolutely alright. You can still apply to state that you are undecided about your major. Also, if you have already decided what you want to study, you can still study another subject and complete a “double major”, i.e. a degree in two subjects within the normal four years of study.
At the graduate level, i.e. master’s degree, you can customize your course according to your coursework to fit your academic goals. You always have the freedom to include ideas and opinions important to your area of academic interest. Students can also make your own timetable and complete course credits at a comfortable pace within the stipulated time frame.
Global Education and Long-Term Career Prospects
Experience in an international setting is a marketable commodity. Many employers seek a wide range of knowledge, adaptability, and experience that international students acquire by studying in the United States. Companies in the U.S. are increasingly seeking to become a strong presence in the global marketplace. They often look to hire employees who not only have multi-cultural language skills but those who can also help communicate, negotiate and conduct business across different cultures.
The United States is not the only country seeking strong candidates when hiring; international students are in high demand elsewhere, as well. In recent years, international companies have become much more proactive in recruiting from the pool of strong international student graduates. Your long-term career prospects can be enhanced by your experiences through the development of self-confidence, independence, and cross-cultural skills – attributes which are in high demand with employers worldwide.
Campus Life Experience
When you continue your studies in the U.S., you are making a choice to broaden not only your educational opportunities but your cultural experience, as well. Whether you attend a small, private college in a small town or a university situated in the middle of a large urban area, most universities offer a variety of student clubs and organizations to match the wide array of student interests. You can have the opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture, meeting new people and making new friends through different organizations and associations.
International students often find that the international student office is a good starting point for campus offerings, as well as the campus student center. Your time studying abroad can be enriched by taking part in the social and cultural scene surrounding you, and you will likely find that U.S. campuses provide rich variety academic, cultural and athletic activities that add new dimensions to your life.
Support Services for International Students
Studying in the United States is a rewarding experience, but navigating your way through day-to-day issues can be a challenge. Many international students find that the college and university international student office is a great resource when it comes to adapting to a culturally and academically different environment. The mission of the international student office is to assist students like you, and there is often a wide range of student services that they provide
U.S. universities welcome international students for pursuing higher education in the USA and have support systems to help students adjust comfortably to life in the U.S. Services at the international student office help student’s transition to the new environment. Support is offered through the year from organizing orientation programs to assistance with academic writing and building resumes as students get ready to graduate.
It is challenging for international students to adhere or get accustomed to the new student life in an international university. However, most US universities provide good guidance and support to all the students whether it is related to accommodation, visa status, career opportunities, etc.