Pros and Cons of Studying in the USA as an International Student

Are you considering studying in the United States as an international student? Living in a new country can be exciting and daunting, so research is important before deciding. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of life in USA as an international student. From navigating language barriers to accessing necessary resources and getting out there to make friends, read on for our tips and advice that will help ensure that your stay is a success! FAQs Who is an international student in the USA? An international student in the USA is a student who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States and who has come to the U.S. to study at an accredited college or university. International students must obtain a student visa from the U.S. government to study there. International students in USA must follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding learners from other countries. That is, they must have a full academic load and pay their tuition fees on time. After completing their time studying in America as an international student, according to the above-mentioned regulations, young people with college diplomas must return to their country of residence. How many international students are in the USA? The United States is home to the world’s largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2019-2020 school year. In the 2021-2022 school year, this number dropped to approximately 950,000 students. Why do international students study in the USA? International students come to the United States to pursue higher education and gain exposure to American culture. The U.S. is home to some of the top universities in the world, offering high-quality educational opportunities with a wide range of programs at all levels. Additionally, the U.S. is attractive due to its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and numerous professional opportunities. How can international students study in the USA? International students must obtain an F or M visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to study in the United States. Additionally, students must have been accepted to a SEVP-approved college or university and enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. In addition to these requirements, international students must submit proof of sufficient funds as part of their application process. international students Photo by Ben Duchac on Stocksnap.io Pros & Cons of Studying in the USA as an International Student When considering studying in the United States, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider: Pros: Cons: quality of education scholarship options for international students internship opportunities earn better & easier worldwide recognition of education lively and vibrant campus life cultural diversity cost of education cost of living cultural loneliness & home sickness high workload and challenging environment huge stress load hard reintegration back home language barrier Pros of Studying in the USA as an International Student Studying in the United States as an international student has many advantages. Quality of Education: The United States has some of the highest-ranked universities in the world, with 8 of the top 10 universities in the Q.S. World University Rankings for 2022 located in the U.S. Additionally, the U.S. has the most Nobel laureates of any country, with 400 Nobel laureates as of 2022. This is one of the most significant benefits of studying in USA for international students. Scholarship Options for International Students: The U.S. government, universities, and private organizations offer international students a wide range of scholarships and financial aid. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), more than 50% of international students in the U.S. receive some form of financial aid. Internship Opportunities: Many universities in the U.S. offer internship programs and career services to help international students gain practical experience and make professional connections. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that the average hourly wage for an intern in the U.S. is $20.82. Earn Better & Easier: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. is $1,305, compared to $781 for someone with a high school diploma. Additionally, a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that the earnings premium for a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. is higher than in any other OECD country. Worldwide Recognition of Education: A degree from a U.S. university is highly respected and recognized worldwide. According to the 2022 Q.S. World University Rankings, the U.S. has the most universities in the top 100, and U.S. universities dominate in many fields, including engineering, technology, and business. Thus, a foreign student in USA has the opportunity to obtain a prestigious, quality education. Lively and Vibrant Campus Life: U.S. universities are known for their lively and vibrant campus life, with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports teams. According to the IIE, 90% of international students in the U.S. report being satisfied with their campus experience. For example, at the University of Southern California, foreign students can join the Trojan Marching Band or attend a basketball game at the Galen Center. UCLA has a variety of student organizations, such as the Bruin Belles dance troupe and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Meanwhile, University of California Berkeley students can participate in the Cal Band or explore their campus’s many museums and galleries. Cultural Diversity: The U.S. is known for its cultural diversity, and studying in the U.S. can expose international students to a wide range of cultures and perspectives. According to the IIE, there were 1,075,496 international students in the U.S. in the 2019-2020 academic year, representing 5.5% of the total U.S. higher education enrollment. Overall, studying in the USA as an international student offers many advantages, including top-quality education, scholarship options, internship opportunities, and a vibrant campus life.