By: Trevor McDonald
If you’ve been thinking about expanding your horizons and spending a semester or two abroad, you may want consider the United States.
You’ve grown up watching iconic cities as the backdrop of your favorite television program. It feels almost like you already know this land.
But there are so many reasons to study abroad in the U.S. Sightseeing is only one of them.
1. Study at top schools
There are amazing universities throughout the world, but did you know that the United States is home to 7 of the top 10?
You have plenty of schools to choose from, so if you want to go to a top university, you may apply to all 7. Here are the top schools in the United States:
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard
- University of California, Berkeley
- Columbia University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
But naturally, you don’t have to attend an Ivy League school or anything similar to benefit from your study abroad program.
2. Easy transition
If you’re already fluent in English, you’ll find it easy to navigate the campus and general college life. And most schools in the U.S. accept TOEFL scores, so you’ll find the transition to be smooth.
TOEFL is an English language proficiency exam that’s accepted worldwide. If you’re transferring from a non-native English speaking country, consider taking this exam before submitting your application. It may improve your likelihood of being accepted.
3. Classroom innovation
If you’re interested in the technology industry, the United States is probably the best place you can study. This country is a leader in technology innovation, and you can study from some of the best innovators. There is also a trend towards using technology within the classroom, so you can expect more of a hands-on experience than you may get elsewhere. You can expect things like online classes, state-of-the-art classroom equipment, excellent lab resources and computer-based testing. Just be sure to apply to a college that’s well-suited to your major. Not every university will offer state-of-the-art classroom equipment and the like – so do your homework before you apply.
4. The full “college” experience
It’s common for students in the U.S. to board at universities, so this provides a comradery that you may not get if you choose to study in your home country. As if in an instant, you’ll be submerged in American culture. Naturally, this may have its ups and downs, but it’s a life experience you’ll never forget. As part of boarding, you’ll have access to dining halls, libraries and gyms that are usually walking distance from your room.
5. Support for international students
Most large universities will be equipped with a support office for international students. You’ll find this invaluable as you attempt to navigate your course-load, extra-curricular actives, and staying in touch with family and friends back home. If you need help with anything, you don’t have to go it alone. This office and its staff are there to help make your transition go smoothly. They can also connect you with any international student program in the local area. For example, there are programs that are specifically designed for international students to get cars for their time in the states. You may also find courses that are tailored to your needs. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and this is a great place to start.
6. Cultural diversity
Not only is the United States one of the top choices for international students studying abroad, but there could be a great deal of cultural diversity within your chosen school. How does that benefit you? Well, you can rub elbows with other students from around the world. And, you can meet Americans from various states – all on your college campus.
Whether you realize it or not, this is a crucial time in your life for relationship building. The relationships you form in college are likely to become lifelong friendships. And you never know who might become an influential person in your field.
You may go to college abroad with the goal of having fun and experiencing something new, but make a point to connect with as many people as you can while you’re there.
This is especially helpful if your major is something like international business, but the right relationships can get you further in any career.
7. Wide array of available majors
We’ve already talked about how and why the U.S. is a great place to study technology, including Computer Science and Engineering, but there are many other degree choices available to you in this country.
You can choose from a wide array of majors. In fact, the U.S. is well-known around the world for its education in the following industries:
- Social Sciences
- Business management and marketing
- Communication and Journalism
- Visual and performing arts
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, the United States should be on your shortlist of potential countries – especially if you’re planning to attend a top university or enter the technology or entertainment industries.
