The largest proportion of international students studying abroad choose to study in the USA. A growing number come from the UK, where tuition has trebled. Here are some key reasons that are making a US higher education increasingly popular.
Campus Life
- Living as an undergraduate in the US is a life-changing experience that can boost cross-cultural awareness, develop interpersonal skills, and enhance self-confidence.
- The core academic experience can be enriched by involvement in clubs, sports and a vibrant social scene. These help to develop leadership skills that are highly valued in the workplace.
- There is a strong sense of community at colleges, with opportunities to forge close ties to students and professors. The option of joining a fraternity or sorority add another unique dimension.
Intellectual Growth
- The US higher education offers a high degree of flexibility. Most colleges provide a wide range of courses before you have to specialize or “major” in a subject.
- This contrasts with the early specialisation of a UK higher education. In the US, much broader intellectual exploration is celebrated.
- Many institutions offer interdisciplinary and innovative programmes in fast-developing fields.
Flexibility
- There is a range of selectivity; some excellent schools offer open admissions while others are highly competitive.
- There are unique combinations of majors available in the humanities and arts. Some programmes allow students to design their own specialisation.
- Transferring from one university to another is possible without losing valuable credits/time.
Job Prospects
- The US higher education system has a global reputation based on state-of-the-art facilities, world-class teaching and research. Employers know this.
- Employers worldwide recognise the value of the social and professional networks fostered by the US university experience.
- At many colleges, students are offered opportunities to directly connect with companies based in newly emerging technologies and innovative fields.