The United States draws more international students annually than any
other country, largely due to the excellence of its academic programs
and the high reputation of its degrees. In the 2003–2004 academic year,
572,509 international students attended an institution of higher
learning in the United States, according to a report by the Institute
of International Education.Quality Education
The U.S. higher education system has a reputation for quality and offers competitive programs in nearly every field of study. Renowned faculty members, a commitment to technological development, and state-of-the-art facilities make U.S. schools attractive to international students.
U.S. schools are a place where diverse ideas and viewpoints converge. Students attend class to learn, and sometimes the best way to learn is to share ideas. Lively class discussions allow students to trade ideas and viewpoints, and you should not be afraid to speak up when you have an idea on the subject at hand.
Studying in the United States gives you the chance to be a part of cutting-edge science and research. After earning a degree in the United States, you can return to your home country or pursue a career in the international marketplace; portability and international recognition are key features of a U.S. degree.
Options
The U.S. educational system is renowned for its depth and breadth. Many international students choose to study in the United States because the program they wish to pursue is not available in their home country or because the limited number of educational opportunities in their home country makes competition there fierce. Colleges and universities in the United States offer programs of study from agriculture to mechanical engineering to sociology, and everything in between.
The liberal arts tradition in the United States offers you a multifaceted education. You will focus on a major or field of study, but you will also take courses in languages, the sciences, the arts, history, and mathematics. The U.S. educational system recognizes that while depth of knowledge in one area is an asset, so too is breadth of knowledge in subject areas that supplement and complement your chosen major. Upon graduation you will emerge with a complete education that prepares you for your career and your life.
Academic Rigor
While seeing a new country and exploring a new culture are part of studying overseas, education should always be the primary focus. U.S. higher education maintains its lofty reputation by requiring students to take their education seriously; college courses require much reading, writing, and researching.
As a full-time student, you will be in class from 12–18 hours per week (Monday–Friday); this number will vary based on whether your school is set up on a three-quarter or two-semester academic year, and also on your personal decisions as to the number of classes you take. You can expect that, for each class, you will spend one to two hours daily reading textbooks, writing papers, preparing class presentations, and studying for exams.
Recruitment
A strong tradition of recruitment has kept the United States at the forefront of international education. Colleges and universities actively seek out international students and welcome the diversity and knowledge these students bring to U.S. campuses.
Organizations such as NAFSA: The Association of International Educators and the Institute of International Education (IIE) work to encourage international education and to tout the benefits of overseas study. “International students in U.S. classrooms widen the perspectives of their U.S. classmates, contribute to vital research activities, strengthen the local economies in which they live, and build lasting ties between their home countries and the United States,” says Allan Goodman, president and CEO of IIE, in that organization's 2004 press release on the state of international student enrollment.
English Language Instruction
Because of their long-standing tradition of welcoming international students, many U.S. colleges and universities offer focused programs of English language instruction. These programs prepare international students to use the English language effectively in the college setting, thus increasing their potential for academic success. English is rapidly becoming the common language of the global marketplace, and the ability to read, write, and speak English is another benefit of a U.S. education.
