6 Best Reasons to Study in the U.S.
Are you researching American higher education? Here are 6 reasons to study in the U.S.
Studying at a university in the United States will provide you with many opportunities that you will not find in other countries. Thanks to our liberal arts system and strong STEM programs, the U.S. produces students who are well educated across multiple disciplines. But how do international students find the right U.S. university to pursue their educations? Here are 6 reasons to study in the U.S. and how our university system sets itself apart as a study destination for international students.
1. Flexibility in declaring a major
According to U.S. News & World Report, 48 of the top 100 Global Universities are in the United States. While several factors set U.S. schools apart, many students agree one of the best benefits of studying in the United States is the academic flexibility.
Students in the United States typically are not required to declare a major until the end of their second year of study. Many students will remain “undeclared” or “undecided” on their major and use these two years to explore their academic interests before settling on a major.
In other countries, students are typically required to declare their field of study when they apply, or they must apply directly to (and be accepted by) that specific college within the university.
Read more about why an undeclared major is okay.
2. Taking a range of general education classes
Most universities in the United States require you to take general education or core classes, which give you the opportunity to study a wide variety of academic subjects – not just your major or focused field of study. These courses—ranging from writing to science classes— are also referred to as “liberal arts,” and will ensure you graduate with a well-rounded education. They also give you the time and experience you need to make an educated decision when declaring your major. Your general education classes may uncover a passion or skill set that you did not know you have.
3. Emphasis on internships & career advancement
Universities in the United States offer internship programs as a way to kickstart your professional career. Many students obtain internships during their college years to take advantage of hands-on experience and get access to better-paying jobs after graduation. Whether you want to return to your home country after graduation or remain in the United States to work full time, your U.S. education will undoubtedly be the starting point for a successful career.
Read these helpful tips on how to get a job after college.
4. Engaging in the full campus experience
The campus community is another one of the many reasons to study in the United States. Colleges and universities in the U.S. offer a wide range of campus activities beyond just academics. You will have the opportunity to join athletics, music, drama, arts, Greek life, volunteering and many other clubs and student organizations. If you want to have an active and engaging campus experience, attending school in the U.S. will provide you with many chances to get involved.
Read the personal stories of international students studying in the U.S.
5. Diversity of student population on campus
The United States is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. International students from all over the globe come to the U.S. for college. If you study in the United States, you will have the opportunity to learn new languages, meet new friends and experience new cultures each day.
6. Specialized services and support for international students
United States universities offer a variety of services to help international students both inside and outside of the classroom. Most schools have offices dedicated to international student services. These offices can assist you with English-language skills, visa issues, financial aid and even cultural adjustment while you study abroad in the U.S. In addition, American universities offer many other resources for students, from career services to mental health services.
Read how U.S. universities make international students feel welcome.
Now that we’ve shared all the best reasons to study in the U.S., you can research schools in the Top Universities for International Students directory. The U.S. News & World Report directory compiles information from hundreds of schools and ranks them on how well they serve their international students both in and out of the classroom.
Read more about the methodology behind the U.S. News rankings, which covers both social and academic factors.