Over 700,000 international students will come to the U.S. this year to study at an American college or university, and many will enter these institutions through programs like CISL’s Pathway Program, which provides academic English classes that prepare students for the rigorous American university setting. Why choose to study at an American university? Here are just some of the many reasons!
Reasons to Study at an American College or University
Options, Options, Options
The United States has more college, universities, and technical schools than any other country in the world (over 4,00o in total). Once you enter a college or university, your options for subjects to study are endless: in addition to more broad degrees such as Business, International Relations, Communications, or Engineering, colleges and universities provide an array of degrees in many fascinating subjects like Ancient Greek/Classics, Film Studies, Graphic Design, and Latino/Latina Studies. In all, there are over 600 degrees you can achieve in the U.S. Your passion can become your degree (and later, your profession)!
A High Quality of Instruction
Most college and university professors are leaders in their field and are expected to publish new research constantly. Many have published books as well! CISL teacher Amanda remembers her time as a student at the University of California, Davis: “I was in a Woman’s Literature class and realized that my professor had written the Norton Anthology of Women’s Literature that we were required to read. She was (and still is) considered one of the great leaders in Women’s Literature. I felt like I was being taught by an academic celebrity!”
Research and Training Opportunities
Don’t expect to just read about your professor’s research: expect to get involved as well! The research centers of U.S. colleges and universities are not only top notch, but they thrive on student participation: in fact, many professors hire student interns to assist with their research, providing an incredible opportunity for students to participate in an exciting and esteemed part of academia.
Global Recognition and Esteem
Colleges and universities in the United States are accredited by governing bodies with strict standards in regard to curriculum, teacher experience, and student services. This ensures that the school offers classes and degrees which meet high standards.
Another perk? With a degree from an American university, your English language skills are immediately trusted by employers, clients, and customers. (Translation: say “goodbye” to taking TOEFL or Cambridge ESOL exams ever again: your degree practically doubles as an English certificate!)
Extensive Student Services
Graduating from high school and then “moving away” to college is a large part of American culture, so it makes sense that colleges and universities are designed to help students transition to life on their own. As as a result, you will find an impressive amount of student resources at your school. Tutoring labs, writing centers, academic advisers, counselors . . . American colleges and universities have numerous programs designed to make your life easier.
Impressive Technological Resources
Technology is not only a part of life, but it’s also an intricate part of the American education system. Most schools have state-of-the-art computer labs and require participation in online forums and class websites; many now offer online classes (see below: this also allows great flexibility for students).
Flexibility
Colleges and universities offer classes throughout the entire day, making it possible for students to work and take classes in the evenings (or vice versa). This allows students the flexibility to create a schedule which works for their life. Not a morning person? Opt for afternoon and evening classes! Prefer to get things done in the morning so that you can attend your favorite class at your local gym? You can often create a schedule that makes this possible.
The Campus Community
“Belonging” is a large focus of American college life, and schools work hard to ensure that you have plenty of ways to be an important part of the student body. The numerous clubs, sports teams, and social groups of each school are excellent ways to become involved, build your resume, and meet new people!
Click here to learn more about CISL’s Pathway Program, where students transfer directly from CISL to a U.S. college or university and obtain an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.