The USA has long enjoyed the reputation of being a coveted destination for higher education. The country has some of the most renowned universities and colleges, and as per the World Reputation Index, 2022, 7 out of the top 10 universities (rated on the basis of reputation for curriculum and academics) are US universities.
According to the Open Doors Report 2022, almost 2 Lakh Indian students chose America as their higher education destination in the 2021-22 academic year. The enrollment of Indian students in American Universities has increased by 19% as compared to the 2020-21. Nearly 21% of over one million foreign students studying in US are Indian students.
Let’s look at the top 6 reasons why US tops the list of countries as a preferred destination for higher studies.
#1. Quality of Education
Any student who wishes to pursue higher education in a foreign country, would want an institute that has a comprehensive curriculum in line with the demands of career aspired for, and an accomplished teaching faculty that makes that curriculum exciting and understandable. The US scores on both accounts.
With over 5,000 universities and its institutes ranked high in the QS world rankings, US is home to some of the best institutions and colleges in different streams and disciplines. There are five types of universities in the US –
- Public Universities
- Private Universities
- Technical Schools
- Liberal Art Colleges
- Community Colleges.
The country has, over the years, maintained the highest standards for not only studies but associated activities on the campus. The universities enjoy a formidable stature on account of exceptional academic standards, small class sizes, and highly accredited professors. The QS World University Rankings 2022 lists 26 US universities among the top 100 universities globally.
A degree from a prestigious institute in USA definitely gives the student a competitive edge over others at the workplace. The courses are globally recognized and the quality of content and teaching enables students to gain immense academic and practical knowledge to transition comfortably from college to a work place.
#2. Flexible education system:
US universities accept admissions thrice a year enabling students to choose from several courses and admissions cycles.
Studying in US colleges is a fully customizable experience – you can choose not just the course content but the course structure as well. American universities give students the option of starting a course without having decided on a major so that they can try out courses till well until the 4th semester before choosing a major.
Students, who are undecided on their major, get the time to discover and explore more subject options to finally discover what their best-suited field can be. Apart from the time that this allows them for decision making, it also helps them gain knowledge from diverse fields in the interim.
After a student has declared a major, he can choose electives to explore interests beyond the main field of study. There are a wide variety of unconventional combinations which are usually not available in other universities. Students have the option of pursuing a Double Major in two subjects.
Not just that students in US can take a gap year which gives them the advantage of exploring their lives beyond college. Another advantage of the US higher education system is transfer admission. The student can shift his credits to a different university or another destination.
#3. Campus Life and Enriching extra-curricular activities
The campus life at a US university is vibrant and exciting and offers great opportunity to be at ease in a multi-cultural environment considering it is a hub for international students. You will get to discover American culture, their way of life irrespective of which American university you study in.
College life at an American university enriches you in more ways than one; it is more than just academics. Right from the orientation week, you will have club representatives explaining to you all about the activities and encouraging you to sign up based on your interest.
During the year there are several events held in the field of sports, music, art, charity, politics, and economics and so on, and all are governed by student bodies. There are various options like dance club, or a potter club, photography or film appreciation club or a writers’ club. You could pursue your erstwhile interests or develop a new passion.
All of these activities give students the opportunity to make new friends, pick up new skills, or improve upon existing ones and become more inclusive in their thought and approach. All of these add not only to life skills development but help students network, something that is of advantage in one’s professional journey as well.
#4. Research and training opportunities
The United States remains the global leader in R&D performance. It is home to some of the best research institutions in the world.
After business, it is educational institutes that rank 2nd as the R&D performers in US. Universities are given the infrastructure and aid that fosters research and innovations among the student community. International students can become part of these research projects or even start one of their own while studying at college.
Beyond the joy of discovery in research, the students stand to gain by way of academic credit, get their work published and have a head start when applying for jobs which involve research.
The US universities provide ample opportunity to students to gain knowledge and experience in the latest scientific techniques and technologies. This is tremendous practical exposure that leads to a work-ready graduate, who is skilled in the latest methods of R&D.
#5. Career opportunities
US universities lay a strong emphasis on internships and career development which further lays a strong foundation for finding a suitable job at the end of your course.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are part of the degree program and serve as a great preparation for work. If a student is enrolled in a degree program full-time, he is eligible to engage in CPT part-time or full-time during the academic term. OPT is a temporary employment authorization. With OPT F-1 students can work in a field directly related to their main area of study for up to a year before, after, or both before and after graduation.
There are a whole lot of opportunities made available by the education system to ease out the students’ advent into the professional world. Job fairs open the doors to a multitude of job opportunities at the end of the students’ academic education.
This system helps students become work ready even as they are studying in college. It is a great way to prepare them for work in a real-time work environment.
US is making special effort to help international students pursue rewarding jobs with reputed organizations. In 2016, the United States initiated an effort to allow STEM graduates to stay for 24 months to extend their stay and acquire a healthy job experience.
#6. Excellent support system for international students
It can be intimidating for a student to arrive at the American shores and get used to an absolutely new socio-cultural environment and system of education. However American universities have had international students for many years and they have enough systems in place to make the transition of a foreign student from his home country to the new environment easier.
They offer great support to students to get acquainted with and become comfortable in a new environment. There are orientation programs, workshops, and training programs conducted by students themselves to ease the entry of the next batch of fresh entrants. Universities have international student bodies which are very active in providing both logistical and informational support.
Apart from students’ bodies, there are specialised organisations on the campus, which help students by guiding them for their stay in the country. These organisations support students in looking for financial aid, psychological or emotional counselling, leads for employment, and address some FAQs related to making the best of their life in the college and the country. The support system creates a feeling of security and support and the student does not feel as if he has to fend for himself on his own.
Conclusion
America’s academic superiority is clearly unparalleled and it is largely due to the fact that it has constantly adapted to the needs of the times. The education system does not continue with the old pedagogy or content if they are irrelevant in the current academic or job scenario.
The universities have expanded their syllabus, included latest technology, kept assessment processes updated and helped in the academic and personal growth of the students. Little wonder then that with the pandemic subsiding, the number of students from India opting for US is expected to rise.