U.S. colleges and universities are excited to celebrate the cultural diversity that international students bring to their campuses. International expositions, ethnic food festivals and international speakers are just a few of the many activities that have become an important part of campus life.

International education is not just a “trend”, but has become more of a “norm” or even an “expectation” for today’s generation.  We are living in global communities around the world.  International schools worldwide enroll students from many different countries and cultural backgrounds.  International students are being educated in increasingly more diverse school systems and they naturally expect their choice for a university to provide these same opportunities.  U.S. universities want to recruit you for many reasons, but primarily it is because we feel we can provide you with a great educational experience that will prepare you very well for a successful future.  We work very hard to provide you with an environment on campus that is great for living and learning.

U.S. university administrators recognize that you have many choices around the world where might go for your university education.  So, why do so many international students choose to study in the USA?  The answer to this question changes from student to student but there are a few main factors that you will hear consistently when we talk to our current international students.

Academic Quality
Many of the world’s most recognizable and developed universities are located in the United States.  Many of today’s world leaders have been educated at some of the over 4,000 accredited colleges and universities.  Offering some of the most modern laboratories, high-tech computer facilities and the newest in classroom technologies, U.S. universities not only want you to learn and be successful as a student, but they want you to be prepared to be the most successful professional that you can be in the future.  Student/faculty interaction and research are crucial for this success and U.S universities stress the many opportunities you will have for “hands-on”, practical experience.

Student Activities and Services
U.S. universities are somewhat unique in that an important part of what a campus offers to its students, includes modern athletic facilities and student activity centers.  Olympic-size pools, climbing walls, fitness centers with televisions on its equipment, indoor tracks and multi-purpose gymnasiums are common-place at U.S. universities.  Year-round sport offerings allow interested students to be involved in athletics and stay fit through their involvement.

You contribute greatly to our campuses through your involvement in and outside of the classroom.  In turn, we understand that you require specific services that can contribute to your adjustment to life in the U.S. and to your academic success.  Full-time international student advisors on our campuses provide advising on immigration issues and academic advise and counseling.  In addition, this person typically plans the International Student Orientation which happens prior to the start of each semester.  Providing an academic and social orientation to our campus and to life in the United States is a very important part of your initial experience after arriving in the U.S.  Most campuses also offer an International Club as well as ethnic student organizations that allow you to meet with and plan events with students that come from similar cultural backgrounds.

Cost & Scholarships
It is important to note that, yes, a university education, and especially a U.S. university education is not inexpensive.  What it is, however, is an investment in your future.   Your job opportunities and income potential increase many times over those who do not pursue a university education and in many countries a degree from the U.S. does allow you access to more competitive jobs and salaries.  It is also important to note that many universities do have some financial assistance to offer to qualified international students, however, the two key words in this statement are “some” and “qualified”.  Very few U.S. colleges and universities offer full financial aid and even those who do, very rarely advertise this fact.  More commonly, a limited number of partial scholarships, usually ranging in value from 25-50% of total cost might be available to those students that “qualify”.  Most awards are based on a high performance in your previous academic work.  While some institutions might have a limited amount of aid available to those that show some genuine financial need, this is relatively rare.  It never hurts to ask by e-mail or mail if anything is available from a U.S. college or university, but many times the answers you are looking for are also available on the universities’ web sites.

Making the choice that is right for you
There are over 3,600 accredited colleges and universities in the United States.  They offer hundreds of different academic programs and they are located in cities, suburbs and small towns.  There are many important factors that are used in making the “right” university choice for you, such as availability of academic program, location, and size.  Remember, this is an important decision that need not be made because “that is where my friend goes” or “I am going there because it is a famous school”.  You need to make your choice because it seems to be the right choice for YOU.  Don’t limit your choices to only those schools in a certain region of the U.S. (unless, of course, you definitely want to end up in that region) or only to those that you have heard of.  There are many options for you and you deserve the opportunity to find the “right” school.

Most major cities around the world have an EducationUSA Advising Center, usually affiliated with the U.S. Embassy.  These centers are the best comprehensive sources of information on U.S. colleges and universities.  They offer free advising and use of materials while sometimes offering additional services, such as intensive English or test preparation for a nominal fee.

Finally, you also have a resource that provides endless information and that is the Internet.   Because you are reading this, you have already taken the first step toward finding your U.S. university, and that is doing research using this wonderful, but many times overwhelming resource.  Use your resources, request information and then you will make educated choices.  Good luck and have fun in the process!