If you’re thinking about coming to the United States as an international student, you’ll be joining more than 1.25 million people who are already studying abroad in America right now. Even though that number took a slight dip recently due to border restrictions and reduced travel resulting from the global pandemic, applications for programs are steadily increasing again—and the benefits of studying in the USA for international students remains an incredible draw.
Studying abroad in the U.S. will offer surprisingly varied experiences depending on where you’re based.
You can create an independent plan and custom itinerary for your time abroad, custom-tailored to your long-term learning and career goals. Or, you can work with an established provider like , , or and let them do the planning for you. Whichever path you choose, you will be able to create opportunities that will benefit you long-term, wherever your next adventure might lead you.
Why study in the USA?
Of the many benefits of studying in the USA for international students, you will find some of the world’s best universities in America. And, with such a large number of students from other countries, you will be sure to meet people from all over the world studying abroad in the US, right along with you.
The support for international students is well-developed, so you’ll also be able to find help when you need it. But that’s only the beginning. Check out the list below for even more reasons that studying abroad in America could be perfect for you!
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10 benefits of studying in the USA for international students
1. Study at some of the world’s top schools
You may find yourself at a prestigious institution!
When you look at the global rankings for top universities, many of them are American. And while being able to claim a spot at one of those elite institutions might add to the obvious benefits of studying in the USA for international students, there are also numerous top-tier programs that don’t count among the Ivy League.
For example, if you’re interested in robotics, you might pursue a degree at MIT or Cooper Union—but you could also find yourself at the Colorado School of Mines. .
2. Experience a rich diversity of food and culture
American cultural history is largely influenced by both indigenous and immigrant cultures. College towns tend to have a reputation for being places where that diversity is evident.
When you study abroad in the US, you can listen to music, go to museums, and enjoy coffee-house and pub conversations that will not only enhance your social life, but they will also enhance your learning opportunities.
, offering plenty of places to continue learning while out with your friends.
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3. Build your network and make friends with people from around the world
If you decide that studying abroad in America is the right choice for you, there will be opportunities for you to build your network and make friends with people from around the world.
Not only is the US a destination for people everywhere, college campuses are filled with students from across the country and from every area of the globe.
You will be in good company when you enroll in an American institution, and you’ll find that the relationships you build are among the many benefits of studying in the USA for international students everywhere.
4. Gain access to a wide range of resources
Your program could afford you unique opportunities.
It could be that your home country is rich with resources and opportunities to access the best technology, and that personal freedoms and comforts are nothing new to you. If that’s the case, then that is excellent news—and the transition to American life will be relatively seamless.
But if you’re from a developing country, studying abroad in America could help you to connect with the kinds of resources that make learning in the US an incredibly attractive opportunity to learn, grow, and gain access to tools that will set your learning path apart from what you could gain at home.
5. Enjoy a wide range of climates
The US has a variety of geographies and climates. If you prefer snowy surroundings, warmth year-round, access to lakes, oceans, or rivers—then the US holds the right environment for studying abroad in America.
If four-seasons are what you crave, you’ll find plenty of places with crisp falls, cold winters, balmy springs, and hot summers; and if you want to keep your humidity high year-round, there are plenty of coastal towns with colleges that would be perfect for you.
Whatever weather you might want for your time abroad, you’ll be able to find it in the US.
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6. Travel easily across state borders
Even though these States are United, you can find a wide variety of regional and state variety from one location to the next. And the best part is that you can travel freely from state to state without any kind of specific permit or extra paperwork.
One of the benefits of studying in the USA for international students is definitely the opportunity to see so much of the country with very little effort. Other than small fees and paying tolls for turnpike travel, you can readily go from one state’s major city to another state’s countryside with little more than a GPS and gas money.
7. Gain international experience for your professional resume
Studying in the U.S. will leave you more prepared for your future career.
International experience is always going to be something that sets your resume or CV apart from someone else with comparable educational experience. When you get out of your comfort zone and travel abroad for school, you demonstrate courage, curiosity, flexibility, and an innovative spirit.
These are the skills of the new economy and the time you spend studying abroad in the US will show any potential employer that you are willing to expand your horizons through thoughtful planning and hard work.
8. Take advantage of a flexible course of study
Most American universities will feature a wide variety of electives and complementary programs, sometimes with other colleges and universities within their own region or consortium. This provides those studying abroad in America with a wide range of possible opportunities to pursue coursework beyond your major.
For example, if you’re interested in , you could find yourself in Silicon Valley, adding an innovation skill-building program to your resume over winter break. The possibilities are truly endless!
9. Improve your language skills
If you want to gain English fluency, studying abroad in America is a great idea.
One of the obvious benefits of studying in the USA for international students is the opportunity to perfect your English language skills. As with any kind of immersion program, the demands of developing your fluency are high, but so is the level of support for learning as you go.
Most campuses have English Language Learner resources, which can really help. You will also get great practice in the work you do in your field of study, while socializing with other students, and in the various workshops, conversation circles, and cultural clubs that exist on campus.
10. Open the door to future international opportunities
Finally, whether it’s the networks you build, the degrees you earn, the roles you hold, or the places you go, when you’re studying abroad in the US, you’re building the pathway to all kinds of future opportunities.
After you complete your college program, you might apply for an internship, or find another program to pursue. You might meet your future co-founder in your classroom, or be inspired to stay connected to leaders within your community.
Whatever you decide to do next, when you pursue a study abroad opportunity, your options will only grow!
Are there disadvantages of studying in the USA for international students?
, as well as countless benefits of studying in the USA for international students, but it’s important to note that there can also be some difficulties.
Some areas of the country are more conservative politically, or less exposed to international communities. These places can feel unwelcoming at times and it will be important to investigate what the areas surrounding your campus might hold.
Most admissions officers and international liaisons on campus will be able to give you clear and direct assessments of what the community might be like so that you can make an informed decision.
Sometimes, the area is friendly enough, and the people are truly welcoming and kind—but it’s simply so different to what you’re used to at home. Even if that’s just in terms of what the landscape might be! in your dorm with little independence.
And don’t forget that the US will have specific visa, immunization, and legal requirements for all study abroad students, and that these stipulations will vary based on your nationality, and sometimes from program to program.
For example, if you’re pre-med and you’ve already earned some credits from your home country, you might need to take specific equivalency tests. While other programs might require a certain level of language fluency. Make sure you do your research.
Just remember, if you’re concerned about the disadvantages of studying in the USA for international students, be sure to share that with your college representative or program coordinator so that they can help you make the best plan for you. And, don’t forget to check the available to you to make sure you’re fully prepared on what to do next.
All of this will ease your stress and help you to prepare. After all, when you’re studying abroad in the US, it should feel like something that helps you grow—but also something that makes you really happy!
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Is studying abroad in America the right move for your education?
You’ll never forget your study abroad experience!
With all of these reasons for studying abroad in America, and genuine support to address any of the more difficult disadvantages of studying in the USA for international students, if you have an interest to travel to the US in pursuit of your education, you absolutely should !
If you remember to treat this part of your learning process with the same thought and care you would put into any other element of your life, you will be ready. After all, preparation is the first key to success—and the ability to see the world while learning new things is one of the best ways to prepare for a future that is rich with opportunity!
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