The United States of America – a dream destination for people of all generations around the globe. The USA also enjoys a high reputation among students: The “ Land of the Free ” is still by far the most important host country for international students. In 2012 alone, around 740,000 foreign students attended US universities.
Fascinating metropolises like San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York, Route 66 and natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls – all of this makes the USA an attractive study destination. In fact, studying in the US has even more advantages. The most important reasons for studying in the USA at a glance:
1. Land of unlimited study opportunities
Thousands of academic programs, just over 4,700 Degree-Granting Institutions – higher education in the USA is extremely varied and multifaceted and one of the reasons for studying in the USA. All conceivable courses are offered at US colleges and universities.
Anyone looking for a specific focus or a combination of subjects will most certainly find it in the USA. It is not uncommon for international applicants to choose from several hundred courses at a single university.
A semester abroad in the USA is an excellent opportunity to take specific courses that are not available at your home university. Many students choose to do a full degree in the United States and choose a course at the intersection of different disciplines. In this way, you can deepen your previously acquired knowledge in a specialist area and at the same time expand your individual profile in a targeted manner.
2. Study in top-rated colleges and universities
Good reasons for studying in the USA are also the first-class study conditions and the high quality of the courses at many American colleges and universities. Numerous universities are excellently equipped, promise high teaching and research standards and the relationship between students and professors is considered exemplary.
For many international students, the top positions of US universities in internationally significant university rankings such as the QS World University Rankings or the Times Higher Education World University Rankings are an important item on the list of reasons for studying in the USA. The prestigious elite universities of the Ivy League are doing particularly well. The universities of the two California university associations are also internationally known: the University of California and California State University.
In addition, the United States is the country that has produced the most Nobel Prize winners in the categories of physics, chemistry and medicine. It is therefore not surprising that applicants who study in the USA score points with many employers and are sometimes given preferential treatment. One of the reasons for studying in the USA can therefore also be to secure a career advantage over other applicants through study experience in the United States.
3. Benefit from a comprehensive range of services
“The customer is king” – a motto that American universities take seriously. The colleges and universities in the USA compete for new students and keep coming up with new services and advice. If you are looking for reasons to study in the USA, you should not forget the comprehensive range of services offered by US universities on your list of pro arguments. Students can enjoy numerous amenities when they choose to study in the United States. Many colleges have
- Sports facilities
- Fitness studios with a pool
- Cinemas
- Theatre
- Numerous options for catering in the form of restaurant complexes, dining halls, cafes and supermarkets
- First class furnished student residences
- Health Centers (Health Center)
- A football stadium
A large number of universities also offer services for international students. Popular accommodations for studying in the USA are, for example, special dormitories for international students (International Dorms). These are mostly equipped with leisure rooms, which makes it easier to make contacts with one another. The dormitories are often in close proximity to central campus buildings.
In many cases the universities have their own International Students Office. This advises international students on all study-related issues and often organizes additional activities for international students.
4. Immerse yourself in campus life
There is nowhere better to experience the American way of life than on campus. After their return, many students rave about everyday university life in the USA, the special solidarity and community spirit at universities.
The many clubs and student organizations at US universities are also good reasons for studying in the USA. It is not uncommon for there to be several hundred clubs and associations that international students can often join. This is where social, cultural, political or religious groups come together. To campus life in the US also include countless leisure clubs, for example, have a common passion for hiking, board games, movies or the theater.
Anyone who is involved in a student club or organization will get to know new people more easily. In addition, this way students can add that certain something to their own résumé.
Also, the College Sports plays a special role in the United States and particularly in sports-loving students at the top of the list of reasons for studying in the US. College sports in the United States are professional and cannot be compared to college sports in other countries. Some of the university teams take part in national competitions. Accordingly, there is a euphoric and exuberant atmosphere on campus when one’s own university teams compete against other universities. Anyone who has the chance, for example, to attend a football game of their own university team, will experience a piece of the American way of life.
International students who achieve excellent athletic performance even have the chance to take part in college sports and contribute to the success of the university team. Many universities in the USA offer lucrative sports scholarships to attract top athletes from other countries to their own university.
5. Studies for high school graduates and high school students
There are several reasons for studying in the USA for high school graduates and high school students. In contrast to Germany, it is quite possible in the USA to study without a high school diploma. There are two insider tips on how high school graduates and sometimes even high school students can make it to a US university:
- Community colleges: The admission requirements are simple, the tuition fees are relatively low – studying at a community college in the USA pays off. Transfer agreements between many community colleges and universities create the prerequisite that students can continue their bachelor’s degree in the USA at a college or university after two years of study. In this way, they have the chance to catch up on their bachelor’s degree. Normally, nothing stands in the way of a subsequent master’s degree.
- Summer Sessions: It is common practice at many universities in the United States to offer special summer programs every year. The so-called summer sessions or summer schools usually take place during the lecture-free period in Germany. The participants often have an immense variety of courses to choose from. In addition, there is usually an attractive supporting program. Many programs are already open to high school students aged 16 and over. Summer sessions are also often the only way for international students to gain access to renowned universities in the USA.
6. Train your English skills and intercultural skills
A study visit to an English-speaking country often has a positive effect on your own English skills. In the USA, students from Germany are constantly confronted with the English language. In many cases, the lectures and seminars are given by native speakers. In their free time, international students often spend time with fellow students from Germany. Improving language skills should not be missing from the list of reasons for studying in the USA. Learn more about USA and North America on shopareview.
Studying in the USA also offers the opportunity to acquire or improve intercultural skills. For example, anyone who familiarizes themselves with US business culture has a good hand in the labor market in Germany. The 30 largest US companies alone have more than 340,000 jobs in Germany. Studying abroad in the USA can therefore have positive effects on your career.
