Higher Education in the USA

Benefits of Studying in the United States

The United States is the premiere destination for international students from all over the world. Many students coming to the U.S. for their university studies have certain expectations. The America that students see portrayed in films, television, music videos, song lyrics, and in newspaper headlines is hardly the America experienced by citizens in their daily lives. The " real" America is certainly diverse and exciting, but it is more routine and normal than they've been led to expect.

The main advantages of higher education in the USA are as follows:

World class learning institutions. The United States has more institutions of higher learning than any other country in the world. More importantly than that, however, is the quality of these academic bodies. Most American colleges and universities offer top-notch education programs with highly qualified teaching staff. The research at many of these universities is cutting-edge and often published in journals worldwide. Many of the professors at these schools are leading authorities in their field. The list of world-class learning institutions in the USA is endless and include, but are not limited to: Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, California Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, John Hopkins, Northwestern University, etc.

Endless study choices. One of the best things about studying in the USA is the vast number of academic options offered to students; Since the USA is such a large country with vast resources, almost every field of study is available in the country. One can study everything from Russian history to nuclear physics.

Worldwide recognition. A degree or certificate from a college or university is useless if it is not recognized by employers, other institutions or field authorities. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the degree from the school you choose is recognized in the place you plan to use it in. Fortunately, colleges and universities in America are given professional accreditation by different governing bodies. There are thousands of US schools that offer credentials recognized in almost every corner of the world.

Supporting industries, training and research. Because of the vast wealth of resources in America, the opportunities for practical training related to your field of study are vast. Most college and universities have established affiliations with employers and researchers in different fields of study, thereby creating an avenue for students to obtain hands-on and invaluable experience. Many universities even require that students obtain practical training in order to graduate. In many cases, these opportunities are not' available anywhere else in the world.

People and culture. America is a melting pot of people from all over the world. One will find most Americans to be very hospitable, friendly, kind, generous and accepting of foreigners. In general, the people are gregarious, innovative, and eager to learn. These are traits that many international students adopt and take home with them.

Technology. Regardless of what degree a student chooses to pursue in school, he or she will have to use computers and other technology in order to succeed. Many universities incorporate the latest technology into their curriculum, encouraging students to obtain proficiency before they go out into the workplace.

Flexibility. Since the USA school system utilizes credit units and often accommodates working students, most schools offer academic programs that are flexible in nature. This means that, very often, one can choose when to attend classes, how many classes to enroll in each semester or quarter, what elective or optional classes to take, etc.

Campus experience. It has been said that the friends and experience obtained through campus life are worth as much as the education itself. Many people make friends that last lifetimes. The lessons learned by coexisting and living with others from all over the world are priceless.

Global focus. More and more often, American colleges and universities are focusing on the global aspects of each subject, better preparing students with a worldwide view of their fields.

Task 1

Comprehension check. Answer the questions given below

1. What country has the largest number of institutions of higher learning?

2. What is the quality of these institutions? ' _t

3. Why do so many foreigners choose to obtain their training in the. USA?

4. What do many universities require from students in order to graduate?

5. What do many universities incorporate into their curriculum?

6. What educational aspect are American colleges and universities focusing on?

Task 2

Discussion points. Discuss the following issues. Do all you have the same opinion?

1. One of the best things about studying in the USA is the vast number of academic options offered to students.

2. Many foreigners choose to obtain their training in the USA.

3. Most schools in the USA are accredited.

4. Specialized technology, such as the newest medical equipment in medical schools, allows each student to maximize their true potential and gain experience that is marketable in the real world..

5. The friends and experience obtained through campus life are worth as much as the education itself.

Reading. There are numerous misconceptions among foreigners about the US and Americans themselves. Sadly, people who have not visited or studied in the USA initiate much of this misinformation. It is important that these misconceptions are fully understood and do not keep a potential international student from obtaining a quality American education. Read the text