Why international students should study in the US:
Should you study in the US? Why have so many international students chosen the US over another country? Does the US still welcome international student? What are your options? The United States hosts more international students than any other country in the world, a number fast approaching 600,000. In fact, international students comprise approximately 4% of the total undergraduate US university and college population, and 10% of the population for US graduate school. These international students from every continent in the world choose to study in the US because they believe that an American education would afford them the best preparation for their future. They leave homes, families and friends in order to pursue their dreams of an excellent education. In fact, International students contribute more than $13 billion to the US economy!
US universities, colleges and schools constantly rank very high in world rankings. This is just one of the reasons to study in the US. Schools such as Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, Julliard, Berklee School of Music, West Point, are all world famous and welcome international students. The US offers international students the most exciting, rewarding and comprehensive array of study options in the world. International students who choose to study in the US have almost unlimited choices. Furthermore, international students who successfully complete their degrees in the USA are highly sought-after by employers worldwide. While the reasons vary from student to student, there are 9 main advantages of studying in the US, as summed up in the Benefits of US Study section. You can also view a list of some famous international students who have completed their study in the USA. Or if you are ready to start searching for schools, you may start your search here. Welcome, international students!
“I chose to study in the US because I believe the options are the most varied. The US still welcomes international students and it welcomed me.”
-Michael Tan, international student-
“I love the US and would not study anywhere else. I think that students who study in the US are more sought after, and that gives me an edge.”
-Francois Boniface, international student-
Education in America: The US Education System:
Do you find the American education system to be confusing and different from the education system in your own country? Do you want to attend a university in the USA? A USA high school? A USA graduate school? The American education system offers international students the most diverse set of options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance. The possibilities are almost endless!
The American education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public (or government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling (or their equivalent) may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the American education system and obtain a quality American education. Perhaps one of the most impressive facts is the large number of presidents, prime ministers and leaders from other countries who have experienced the American education system and graduated from a university or school in the USA. In many fields and industries, the American education system offers the most cutting-edge, sought-after programs at the world’s best schools. That is why graduating from an accredited American school and being exposed to the rigors of the American education system is an investment in your future.
Whether you want to study at a USA university, a top college, or at an ESL, vocational or high school, a thorough understanding of how the American education system works is essential. Without a clear grasp of the system, an international student will find it difficult to make the right academic choices. The information provided in the Overview of the American education system section will help you develop that understanding. You can also search our list of Universities, colleges, community colleges, graduate schools, and boys and girls boarding schools. It is no surprise that the United States hosts more international students than any other country in the world!
You can learn more about specific areas of the American school system (high school, access to college, the unit system, school accreditation, liberal arts education, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s and PhD degrees) by clicking on the links on the left of this page. The American education system offers students the widest study options in the world!
What some people are saying about the American education system:
“The American education system offers international students the widest choice of study options. Just think of all of the products, services, and processes invented in the USA! This innovation is the result of a system which allows a student to study so many different fields. I am so glad I chose to study in the USA and obtain and American education.”
-Diann Manjulika-
Former international student
“I chose to study in the United States after looking at different countries and different options. I truly believe that the American education system is the very best in the world since it offers so many choices, and the schools are the best in the world. If you want to gain an edge, I would definitely recommend enrolling in a top university, college, or school in the US.”
-Andrew Lim-
Former international student
“While Australia and Europe have excellent schools, I strongly feel that the American education system still is the best.”
-Lana Morias-
Former international student
“I am from Hong Kong and I always wanted to enroll in an American school. I am so glad I finally managed to get my education in the US. In Hong Kong, it really does help if you graduated from a good school in the USA.”
-Susan Li-
International student
“Coming from Asia, I was shocked by the vast number of study options offered by the American school system.”
-Peter Lim-
International student Admission in USA:
Admission at US colleges and universities can be very competitive for international students. US vocational, ESL and high school admissions are generally less competitive, but there are exceptions. Much depends on the school in question and the qualifications of the international student. In order to be accepted at a US school, you must have attained good grades, completed challenging coursework, obtained sufficient financing, and developed a strong command of the English language. You can search our list of US schools to find a school that meets your needs.
Less competitive schools have less stringent admissions for international students. Each school sets its own international student admissions requirements. Different schools will have different minimum requirements for grades as well as for standardized tests (such as the TOEFL and the SAT). Even within the same school, there may be different requirements pertaining to admissions for international students, depending on the major (or course of study) selected. For example, international students who want to major in engineering at a USA university will be required to have completed more courses in math and science than students who want to major in business. Typically, the higher your grades and test scores, the better your chances of being accepted by at least one top school.
Above all, successful admissions for international students to a US school requires preparation. The admissions process is a long one, and should ideally begin at least 18 months before your expected arrival in the US. Organization and planning are very important because timely completion of all the necessary steps is key.
Living Life in the USA:
The United States calls itself “a nation of immigrants.” Immigrants (from Europe) founded this country and have been coming in large numbers (from all over the world) ever since. Therefore you will find that all ethnicities and nationalities are represented, although not to the same extent in every city. The country is vast (over 9 million square kilometers) and populous (over 275 million people). In the US, you can encounter and experience almost any climate, landscape, lifestyle, and culture imaginable. By selecting the right location, you will be able to find a living experience that is perfect for you.
Even though there is so much variety in America, there is still an “American culture” that may be quite different from your own. While much of American culture is exported through television, film, and consumer products, there are some aspects that you do not encounter until you live in the US.