College Resource Center

 

Why Study in the United States?

Information for international school counselors

The United States is the number one destination for international students seeking higher education abroad. In fact, about 30 percent of all current international students in the world are studying in the United States.

What makes a U.S. education so popular?

Reputation

The U.S. higher education system has an international reputation for quality:

·               Distinguished programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in almost every field of study.

·               Many universities attract world-renowned faculty and are at the forefront of research and technological development.

·               State-of-the-art facilities include libraries, laboratories, computers, and other resources.

Diversity of institutions and programs 

The range of educational opportunities available in the United States is immense. No matter what kind of learning environment your students seek, they will find ample choices from among the 3,600 diverse higher education institutions in the country.

Your students will want to consider:

·               Size: Institutions range from less than one thousand to more than fifty thousand students.

·               Student body: Most universities are coeducational, but there are sixteen for men only and fifty-six for women only.

·               Selectivity: University admission policies range from highly selective to open admission.

·               Setting: Campuses are located in small and large cities, suburban areas, and rural communities as well as in a variety of climates.

·               Field of study: With hundreds of major fields of study to select from, your students are likely to find a program that suits their personal interests.

·               Type of institution: Choices include liberal arts colleges that emphasize broad preparation in academic disciplines, and schools that provide professional, career-related training. Some offer technical programs that develop vocational skills, and a growing number of colleges offer options in distance learning.

Academic life 

One of the hallmarks of U.S. education is flexibility. Education professionals tend to value creativity, individualism, and inclusiveness. 

At the undergraduate level, universities emphasize a broad, well-rounded education. Students are offered a wide range of classes—in math, science, the arts, social science, and languages—before finally having to decide on a specialization.

Even at the graduate level, courses might be offered in related fields. Students are actively involved in designing their course schedules because so many options are available.

It is even possible to combine academic classes with work experience that will be recognized as part of the degree program. Most institutions have qualified staff on hand to help students make the best course decisions to attain their academic goals.

In the classroom, students are encouraged to be active participants in the learning process. Faculty welcome, and generally expect, student input and encourage students to develop and express their own ideas and questions.

Campus life

A successful college experience involves more than academic work. Students will find a wide range of activities outside the classroom to match their interests, such as internships, clubs, and social, cultural, and sports activities. These opportunities give students a chance to make friends while they develop team and leadership skills that they will utilize in future careers.