Study Abroad Programs in The United States

What’s most important to you when choosing a destination for a study abroad program?  Is it the quality of education offered in that country, the variety of programs offered by the various schools there or the level of support for international students?  Or is it more about the destination itself—its people, attractions, customs and traditions?  These are all important questions that potential study-abroad candidates must ask themselves, but regardless of your answer, odds are you won’t find a better locale for your studies than the United States.  To illustrate this, below we will discuss some of the unique features that make the U.S. such a popular locale for international students.

The Educational System

The United States is renowned for its enormous commitment to education, evidenced best, perhaps, by the more than 3,000 public and private universities located throughout the country, all of which welcome with open arms the international students who choose to study here and the obvious value they bring.  With degree offerings in everything from astronomy to zoology and all subjects in between, the United States makes it easy to follow your educational passion.

Similar to the structure at many European universities, the colleges and universities in the United States offer 3 tiers or cycles of education, beginning with the bachelor degree.  Depending on the university, bachelor degrees in the U.S., which typically take 4-5 years to earn, are available in most major fields, and with just a few exceptions, international students who earn this degree will generally qualify for an entry-level career in most professional fields should they decide to stay.

Master’s degree programs, which usually span 2-3 years, comprise the second tier of U.S. education.  To qualify, students must first earn a bachelor’s degree in a similar field, and will generally have to take a qualifying examination to demonstrate comprehension and proficiency.

Lastly, Doctorate Degrees, also known as PhD programs, are available only to those possessing a graduate level degree.  While most major universities in the U.S. offer PhD programs, the selection criteria is very strict and offered only to the most motivated and accomplished candidates.

Advanced degrees in medicine and law are also available at most major universities, but require a separate application process.

Why Study in the U.S.

As you might have suspected, with a few notable exceptions, the educational system—the degree structure and program offerings—in the U.S. is not much different than in some other countries, so why should you travel abroad to study in the United States?  Good question:

The United States is without doubt one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world and a true innovator in fields ranging from agriculture to medicine.  Its abundant supply of natural and human resources enables it serve as a global leader both politically and economically, and it consistently attracts students and businesses throughout the world for the number of academic and economic opportunities it offers.

From a cultural perspective, there is simply no country in the world that can boast the diversity of the United States.  Students who come to study here will feel welcome and accepted in all 50 states, not just in their academic pursuits, but society in general.

Whether you prefer beaches, mountains or deserts, big city life or urban tranquility, in the U.S. there is a university—and a community—for you.  Students on break from their studies can visit Hollywood and scope out their favorite celebrities, jaunt to Florida to see Disneyworld and the Epcot Center or scoot over to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon—the largest and most visually spectacular of its kind in the world.

The U.S. offers a world class education, unrivaled diversity, economic opportunity and more sights and sound than you can possibly imagine.  So the question isn’t why should you come to the United States to study abroad, but rather, why shouldn’t you.