Over a million international students choose to study in the United States each year.
But, what’s the appeal? Why study in the United States? Why do so many students from around the world choose the U.S. for their higher education?
Well, we’ve got the information you need. Let’s go through and find out why you should study in the United States.
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Get the Best Possible Education in the United States
The United States boasts some of the greatest and highest-ranked universities in the entire world. That’s why so many international students choose to study abroad in the United States.
In the QS World University Rankings, for example, American schools made up 18 of the top 50 schools in 2022’s list. The schools making the cut include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, John Hopkins University, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
In the Times Higher Education University Rankings 2022, United States colleges accounted for 22 of the top 50 schools. Some of the schools included were the University of Washington, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Texas at Austin.
There are lots of options when it comes to world-class educational opportunities in the United States. But, you’ll also need to make sure that you have all the right paperwork and information to successfully apply to the top colleges in the United States. You don’t want to pay for an application only to realize that you neglected to send in a transcript that was necessary to be considered for a spot.
Explore Different Cultures
Studying in a different country is a great way to learn more about the world. When you study in the United States, you’ll be exposed to experiences you’d never have the opportunity to learn about in your home country. That’s an important question to consider when you’re thinking, “why study in the US?”
The United States is a particularly great choice for studying abroad because of the diversity found in many of its major cities. And, the experience in each city is completely different. They’re both diverse, but you’ll have a much different experience studying in New York City than you would in Los Angeles, for example!
And, foreign students studying in the United States be able to explore the country itself. The United States is a vast countries with tons of different landscapes and cultural sites for you to visit. Make sure you take some time to travel around the United States over the course of your studies.
Plus, because the United States is so diverse, it’s a safe place to go for people from a wide variety of cultures. There are legal protections to ensure that your rights are respected, no matter where you came from.
And, in major cities, no one will think twice about people from different countries. So, you won’t have to worry about standing out from the crowd if you choose to study in the United States for your undergraduate degree.
Related Read: 5 Best Universities Tackling Gender Equality Around the World
Get a Head Start in Your Future
Obtaining an undergraduate degree from a university in the United States will give you a head start when you get out into the workforce. That’s especially helpful as the job hunt gets more and more competitive each year.
And, American schools often offer ways for you to get work experience before you even graduate. There are a wide array of internships available for you in many different fields. Some schools even offer co-op programs, so you’ll be able to gain specific experience in what you’re studying.
Plus, because of the way that American student visas work, you’ll have the opportunity to work in the United States once you graduate. This will give you real work experience that will help you stand out when you start applying to jobs in your home country or another foreign nation.
Choose Different Courses in the United States
One of the best reasons to consider going to the United States for college is the wide and flexible range of courses available. Even if you choose a limited and more focused program, like engineering or accounting, you’ll still be able to choose electives that interest you and allow you to learn more about the world around you. Some of the more unusual courses that have been offered or are currently available for you to take in the United States include:
- Puppet Arts
- Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse: Catastrophe, Disaster, and Human Behavior
- Pet Apparel Fashion and Design
- How to Win a Beauty Pageant: Culture, Gender, Race, and American National Identity
- Black Women, Beyonce, and Pop Culture
- Social Construction and Images of Menstruation
- How To Argue with Judge Judy: Popular ‘Logic’ on TV Judge Shows
- How to Stage a Revolution
- What if Harry Potter Is Real?
- The Physics of Star Trek
- Comparative History of Organized Crime
- The Textual Appeal of Tupac Shakur
- Mail Order Brides: Understanding the Philippines and Southeast Asia
You can choose majors that cater to specific and niche interests, too. But, make sure that you choose a major that can help you succeed in the career of your choice. You don’t want to have to go back and get another undergraduate degree, after all.
Of course, you’ll have to narrow down what you’re actually interested in. Some of the majors that you may want to think about signing up for if you choose to study in the United States are architectural engineering, materials science, food science, software engineering, environmental sciences, information systems management, construction management, and so many others.
Just consider your interests, your strengths, and what you’re hoping to do in the future when you pick a major. That will ensure that you have a strong foundation to build a future off of.
Related Read: 5 Best Universities for Climate Action & Justice Around the World
Improve Your Skills in The United States
The United States offers a lot of opportunities to help you advance various skill sets. This is one of the top reasons to study in the United States. If you’re seeking ways to improve your English language skills, you’ll definitely want to consider studying in the United States. Those who are interested in learning a whole new language will be able to take courses in different languages at their university.
Most American universities offer tons of different athletic facilities and sports teams, so if you’re looking to get fitter or want to start playing a specific sport, it’s definitely a factor to keep in mind.
And, you’ll gain a broader understanding of American history and pop culture by attending university in the United States. This can come in handy, given America’s prominence in the overall global discourse.
American Schools Offer Specialized Support
Because of the vast number of international students that study in the United States, most schools have specialized support apparatuses to help their international students navigate their new world. If you’re considering a school, you’ll want to reach out to their international student services department and see what they have available for your needs.
International student services can help you out with your visa paperwork and ensure that everything goes smoothly before you arrive to start college in the US. They can help you find housing and employment once you arrive in the country. They’ll also make sure you keep adhering to legal requirements and get your tax forms filled out properly so that you won’t be penalized by the United States government.
And, there are even specific financial support options for international students in the United States. This can be extremely helpful, as the cost of education in the United States can be quite high.
Related Read: A Student’s Guide to Promoting Gender Equality in Education (HS & Uni)
Break New Ground by Studying in the United States
Universities in the United States have resources that schools in many other countries don’t. If you’re interested in conducting scientific research, schools in the States have top-of-the-line laboratories. And, schools have world-class faculty members to start you on your journey.
If you’re more into the world of social sciences and humanities, the United States also offers amazing opportunities to contribute to the fields you’re interested in, even as an undergraduate student. You can become a research assistant to one of the top experts out there if you happen to play your cards right. So, if you want to start making an impact on the world ASAP, consider applying for university in the United States.
Related Read: How to Apply for College: Process, University Application Tips & Advice
Why Study in the United States? Start Today
There is no shortage of reasons you should consider the question, why study in the United States? So, if it makes sense for your needs, it may be time to buckle down and start the application process.
Do you want to reach your full potential? Sign up for Goodwall today to get started.