Studying abroad does not just give you degrees and certificates but also an experience that shapes you as a better person and sets you out of your comfort zone. Studying and working abroad can make you stand out in the job market.
USA has the world’s largest international student population, with total enrollments reaching over a million students in the year 2015-16. Students from China and India are the leading countries of origin and account for 84 percent of the growth in international students. Their education system is one of the most diverse in the world. There are about 4000 universities across the country.
The United States has one of the world’s finest university systems, with outstanding programs in virtually all fields. In 2016, as per QS World University Rankings, half of the top 10 Universities in the world were located in USA.
Most American colleges and universities offer top-notch education programs with highly qualified teaching staff. The best accredited US programs at every level offer an approach to education that encourages students to develop their own capacity and passion for learning with the support of cutting-edge instructional resources and facilities. Graduates of such programs emerge not only with job-ready skills, but also with a foundation for learning and success that serves them their whole lifetimes.
Remember that no official ranking system exists for colleges and universities in the United States. The best college or university is the one that is best for you and meets your requirements—academic, financial, and personal. No matter in which state of the US you wish to study, you will have plenty of amazing choices to upgrade your education.
Scholarships
The decision to attend college in another country can be a difficult one to make. The cost of tuition varies dramatically at US colleges and universities from as little as $7000 a year at some schools to $40,000 a year and beyond. Scholarships are the primary form of financial aid for students wanting to study abroad.
As a foreign student / international student, you must prove in advance that you can pay for your college studies before you can obtain a student visa to study in the United States. There are following types of scholarships available for international students:
1. Merit-Based
2. Need-Based
3. College/University Specific Schemes
4. Country-Based
5. Government-Funded
6. Privately-Funded Scholarships
Campus Life
By studying in the US you experience the most vibrant campus life and get a chance to meet students from all corners of the world. This enables you to experience different cultures and communities. The lessons learned my co-existing and living with others from all over the world are priceless.
On campus, students usually live in residence halls or dormitories, which are student apartment buildings that are often called “dorms.” Students usually share rooms, and the environment can be a great place to meet new friends quickly. Students dine in cafeterias located on campus where they can find a number of food options to meet cultural and dietary needs. The housing, support services, and extracurricular activities on U.S. campuses help students form a community within their campus.
Credits
Regardless of the institution type, in the United States, students typically earn credits for courses they take and these credits count towards the completion of a program. Courses are often divided into “core” subject areas to provide the foundation of the degree program and “major” courses to provide specialization in a subject area. Students can also take “elective” courses to explore other topics of interest for a well-rounded educational experience. A course is typically worth three to five credits.
Flexibility in Programs
One of the prominent feature of the USA Education System is the flexibility it provides to the students in all their programs. The reason for giving flexibility is to conform the needs and interest of each kind of student. The students can decide when to attend classes, how many classes to enroll in a semester, what elective or optional class to take etc.
State of Art Technology and Infrastructure
Universities in US are at the forefront of technology, research and techniques. They implement latest technology in their Education System which improves the student’s proficiency and potential and gives them a better learning experience.
The campus provide beautiful open surroundings along with modern facilities.
Geography
From the skyscrapers of Manhattan and Chicago to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and Alaska to the warm sunny beaches of Florida, Hawaii and Southern California, United States has a lot more to offer. Covering a large part of the North American continent, the USA shares borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
Climate
The climate of the continental United States varies considerably from coast to coast. Eastern United States has a humid continental or subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. The Southeast has mild winters and hot humid summers. The Northeast and Midwest have much colder winters with frequent snowfalls and periods with snow on the ground. The Western United States is mostly mountainous hilly terrain, and has a mostly arid climate with mild to warm winters and hot summers.
Culture
United States is considered as a “Melting Pot” of cultures around the world and plays a dominant role in the world’s cultural landscape. The United States of America is an ethnically and racially diverse country as a result of large-scale migration from many countries throughout its history. The vast majority of people in the USA are Christian.
Top states hosting most international students as of 2015-16 are:
1. California
2. New York
3. Texas
4. Massachusetts
5. Illinois
6. Pennsylvania
7. Florida
8. Ohio
9. Michigan
10. Indiana
Top universities hosting most international students as of 2015-16 are:
1. New York University
2. University of Southern California
3. Arizona State University — Tempe
4. Columbia University
5. University of Illinois — Urbana-Champaign
6. Northeastern University
7. University of California Los Angeles
8. Purdue University
9. Boston University
10. University of Washington