Why Study in USA if you are International
By Claudine Vainrub, EduPlan College Advisor and Principal
How can you evaluate educational options if you are international, and thinking of leaving your home country to pursue your college or grad school education in USA? There are many considerations to address when making this choice. Here are some to think about…
There are over 4,000 higher education institutions in the U.S. Among them, we find many types offering various degrees. Some institutions include:
- Community colleges and junior colleges offering 2-year associate degrees.
- Colleges offering bachelor’s degree programs.
- Universities offering undergraduate, masters and Ph.D programs.
- English as a second language programs (ESL schools).
- Sports academies.
- Boys-girls boarding schools.
- Online colleges.
- Technical schools including culinary arts programs, healthcare related and engineering related.
The U.S. higher education system offers many educational options to suit all types of students. This becomes especially important if you are seeking a particular degree, and you need to attend a specific type of college/university. There are just so many options available from an educational standpoint in the U.S. that it would be hard to not find one that suits your specific needs.
Another advantage of studying in USA is that there are a myriad of degrees and educational programs to choose from. The most popular are:
- Associate Degrees (A.A., A.S., among others)
- Bachelor Degrees (B.A., B.S., B.B.A, and others)
- Masters Degrees (including M.S., M.A., MBA, among many)
- Doctoral Degrees (including M.D’s, J.D’s, Ph.D’s, Ed.D’s, among many)
There are also credential programs that allow you to become certified to conduct a specific job in a specific environment. For example, the School Counseling certificate program allows you to work as a school counselor, in certain states.
Though many of the countries that international students originate from offer similar degrees, the value of a degree from a college or university in the U.S. could be considered higher. Prestigious higher education institutions not only offer top faculty, resources and the most advanced technology, but also universally recognized educational brands that stay with you no matter where you end up living. These are prime reasons which cause international students to study in USA, sacrificing closeness with family and friends, and spending far more money than when getting a local education, in order to get a degree in USA.
An important question for international students is how to proceed in order to legally gain student status in USA. Students must obtain permission from the U.S. consulate of their country, a process which is supported by the school admitting the student. This is very easy for students from certain countries while it is not so easy for others. We advise you to find out more information about policies between your country and the U.S. before considering applying to institutions in USA.
Being a leader in technological advancement, USA higher education institutions often times offer the latest technologies within their classrooms. Imparting knowledge on technology is also part of the curriculum. This practice encourages students to become experts before they go out into the workplace. Special equipment is often times available in U.S. universities, allowing you to gain a competitive advantage by getting familiarized with their use. Medical programs, engineering programs, and others offer the latest lab resources, allowing you to really grasp concepts not only in theory but in practice. This allows students to reach their maximum professional capability before joining the workforce.
Information is available to support international students thinking about studying in the U.S. Advice on paying for education in the USA, institutions providing scholarships to international students, degrees available and much more is all over the internet. EduPlan college advisors recommend you to read! Learn about every detail possible that will ensure you will make the most favorable steps towards achieving your educational goals, whether in your own country, or in the U.S.
With a U.S. education, you might be able to achieve your maximum potential, seeking a degree that might not be available in your country. Returning to your country with that type of knowledge can help you become someone very valuable, and ready to make a difference. Consider your options wisely, read, research and be thorough, and the decision you make will be the right one!