Why Study in the USA? 5 Top Reasons Students Choose US Colleges and Universities
Learn about the top five reasons why foreign students decide to pursue academic careers in the United States.
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Key Takeaways
US schools are ranked highly on many well-respected ranking lists.
You can study topics in a wide range of areas, which is one reason so many international students relocate to the US each year.
Life on campus offers many activities and the possibility to join various groups, workshops, clubs, etc.
Studying in the US will allow you to experience a new way of learning and taking tests. You'll gain new skills and knowledge to help you in your career.
Introduction
After graduating from a US college, you'll have specialized knowledge and new skills that can help you advance your career anywhere in the world.
- There were 948,519 international students in the US in 2020/21; in 2019/2020, that number was 1,075,496.
- 54% of international students majored in STEM fields, according to data from 2022.
- Approximately 50% of international students come from China and India.
Source: ProsperityForAmerica
In this article, we'll cover five reasons why international students choose to study in the USA.
5 Top Reasons Students Choose U.S. Colleges and Universities
There are multiple reasons why so many international students come to the USA to study, including the quality of education, the availability of high-quality programs, an abundance of helpful resources for international students, multicultural learning environments, and rewarding campus activities.
Quality of Education
The United States has some of the best universities in the world, according to many ranking lists. Enrolling in a US undergraduate or graduate school will give you the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for your dream job.
Not only do schools in the USA have a higher bar regarding academic standards, but they also continuously work on providing the best quality of education by utilizing new and innovative technologies. As you begin to explore programs in your chosen field, you'll discover different ways students study, research, and take tests in the United States.
Professors at US schools are often professionals who have worked in their fields for many years. Their teaching methods include traditional instructional lectures, group activities, and hands-on research projects that provide the opportunity for student participation.
Source: Pexels
A Plethora of Programs
If you decide to study in the States, you'll see that undergraduate and graduate schools offer many programs and courses — and that finding the right one to take you further along in your career path is easier than you may have expected.
Depending on the institution, you might have the option of committing to a major right from the start, or you may have the opportunity to delay that decision. Opting not to declare a major at the outset can give you more time to think about the academic degree you want to pursue by taking various general education courses (you'll earn credits for those). However, you'll generally need to pick your major before the second year (sophomore year) ends.
Resources for International Students
Most US undergraduate and graduate schools provide orientation programs, workshops, and training sessions to assist international students and help prepare them for classes.
That support system will help you get accustomed to your new life and prepare you for all the challenges of studying in a foreign country.
- International student office — For questions about your visa or available resources at your school, you should go to the international student office.
- Academic advisors — An academic advisor will help you choose the right program or, if you already know what your major will be, courses in your chosen field of study.
- The counseling center — Sometimes, students feel stressed, experience culture shock, and have difficulties adjusting to schools and life in the US. If you find yourself in such situations, feel free to go to counseling sessions on campus.
Multicultural Environment
The majority of schools in the US prioritize diversity, as it is one of their most important institutional pillars.
At schools in the USA, you'll see, meet, and study with students from various countries, religions, and cultures, which will benefit you as an individual. Also, in such environments, there's no tolerance for discrimination and members of all communities are accepted equally.
With such a diverse international student body, the US is one of the best destinations in the world to experience a multicultural educational and professional environment.
Amazing Student Life
As you already know from movies and videos on social media, life at an American college or university can be very entertaining. During your studies, you'll be able to explore life on campus — including seminars, workshops, sporting events, and many other social activities you can participate in.
For example, if you're interested, you can join study groups and share knowledge and experiences with other students in your area of study. You can join a sports club to train and compete against intramural teams or those from other schools.
You can join many other types of clubs as well, such as groups with shared interests in art, film, writing, etc. Being with your fellow students in class and completing projects together will create long-lasting friendships and professional networking opportunities throughout your career.
Conclusion
Many US universities are highly ranked and offer cutting-edge education with skilled professors and innovative teaching methods. The numerous undergraduate and graduate programs and courses available draw many international students to the US.
Schools often provide orientation and support services to help international students succeed academically. They embrace diversity, offering a welcoming atmosphere for students from different backgrounds, countries, and cultures.
Another draw for many international students is the vibrant campus life in the US, which typically includes a wide range of activities, clubs, and opportunities to make lasting friendships.
If you decide to study in the USA, you'll study at the best schools, gain new skills and knowledge, and experience student life on campus. Also, you'll stand out in the job market, which will help you fulfill your career goals.
FAQ
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Approximately one million international students attend US undergraduate and graduate schools each year. There are many reasons for that, including a better higher educational experience, numerous programs and courses to choose from, cultural diversity, and for some, the appeal of student life on and off campus.
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Popular areas of study at US colleges and universities include applied mathematics, accounting, architecture, biology, biomedical sciences, business administration, computer science, civil engineering, computer engineering, dentistry, economics, media studies, physics, social science — and many more.
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You can study in the USA by getting a scholarship, by paying your own expenses, or combining the two strategies. If you wish to study at a US college, you'll need a Student Visa (F-1), so first check to see if you're eligible.