You will be hard pushed to find anywhere in the world that has more to offer than the USA in terms of an educational experience that is rewarding both academically and personally.
All the states have something unique to offer and whether you are looking for a small college in a quiet beautiful town or a large university in a thriving and cosmopolitan city you will find somewhere to suit your needs in the United States.
There are many different types of institutions of higher education throughout the US. Two year colleges, often referred to as community colleges offer an associate degree; either an Association of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS). If you successfully complete this associate degree, which takes two years of full time study, you will be able to apply to transfer to a four year college in order to complete a bachelor's degree program. Some two year colleges have programs that are specifically for this purpose whereas others are more practical based and provide more vocational education programs. A distinct advantage of studying at a two year college is that they are substantially cheaper options than four year colleges or universities.
Four year colleges or universities award bachelors degrees, either Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and obviously, many have graduate departments where you can continue to further your education with a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc), either by taught or research methods, or a Doctorate (PhD). Within four year colleges, the first couple of years of a degree tend to focus on general introductory coursework, covering a broad range of subject areas and so allowing students to become exposed to a wide range of disciplines. During the final two years students specialise and major in a particular subject area. This means that as an international student looking to study in the United States, you receive distinct advantages by obtaining both a general education and ultimately a specialised education.
The Education System
Within the US education system, teaching methods tend to be informal and student opinion and discussion are encouraged. Most programs offer students the opportunity to get to know their tutors and professors and this can really help you, as an international student, to enjoy and maximise your study experience. In addition, as the US is geared towards the internationalisation of education, the international offices provide help with culture shock and orientation programs to help you adjust to your new surroundings.
English Language Ability
You may be unsure as to whether your English language ability is of a high enough standard to gain admission to the institution of your choice. Many institutions within the United States are equipped with English Language institutions so that students can undertake intensive English as a Second Language courses prior to commencing their program. If the institution of your choice does not have an English Language institute then there are many English language colleges throughout the US where you can get your English language up to scratch before beginning your program.
A Country of Opportunity
The multicultural population of the US is made up of races from every continent. This makes for a study destination which is diverse and where you will be able to find places to suit your personal desires and needs. Comprising of 52 states, all with their own uniquely attractive features, the US has long been recognised as a country of opportunity and this is no different in terms of education. Perhaps the main problem for students wanting to study in the US is not in finding somewhere with a good standard of education, but deciding which one of the many to choose, from the vast selection of colleges. To follow are a few examples of places in the US where you might wish to study, in the hope that you might be able to get a flavour of the may opportunities available to you.
Choosing a State
New York state blends culture to the extreme. Many different people speaking many different languages have made New York City their home and one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It can also offer much to students whether it's shopping at Bloomingdales, watching the boxing in Madison Square Garden, eating in China Town, taking a walk through Central Park or making your way to the trendy Greenwich Village. This fact is proven by the 48,000 international students that were enrolled in institutions in New York in 1996.
Also located in the East are North Carolina, stretching from the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains to 300 miles of beach on the eastern coastline, and Maryland, home to the nation's top hospital, Johns Hopkins, the Redskins and the Kennedy Centre. Ohio has 100 colleges and universities, fantastic shopping, horseracing, beer festivals and Lake Eerie. Towards the south are states such as Kentucky, named the 'Bluegrass State' due to its plains of bluegrass, there is the opportunity for whitewater rafting, mountain climbing and exploring the mountains and gorges. Oklahoma is one of the US's youngest states but this has not stopped it jumping ahead with regard to technology and telecommunications.
Moving even deeper south, with a sub-tropical climate and a temperature rarely falling below 8 degrees Celsius, even in winter, Southern Louisiana reaches down as far as the Gulf of Mexico on its southern border. Over to the west of Oregon, divided by the Cascade mountains, moist in the west and desert-dry to the east. The 'Golden State' of California must be the most famous state on the west coast, taking its nickname from the great California gold Rush that made the area so prosperous. The beaches, sun and surf are not the only attractions as there are also a range of universities and colleges that are ready to cater to the needs of foreign students. Further west, located in the Pacific Ocean is what must be one of the most exotic student destinations, the 'Big Island' of Hawaii - a paradise for any international student.
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