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Study Abroad in the United States: Language & Culture

American culture has become a focal point of the world. From TV shows like Friends and How I Met Your Mother to classic works of literature like Little Women and The Great Gatsby, American culture has come to dominate the Anglophone world. In fact, American English has become so dominant that it’s now the standard version of the language worldwide.

Mar 7, 2019

American culture has become a focal point for the world. From TV shows like Friends and How I Met Your Mother to classic works of literature like Little Women and The Great Gatsby, American culture has come to dominate the Anglophone world. In fact, American English has become so dominant that it’s now the standard version of the language worldwide.

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But if American books and entertainment have come to be known the world over, then its food is even more dominant. Most people in the world have probably eaten at McDonalds or Subway or enjoyed a Coke. But this is only scratching the surface. From the fusion cuisine of New Mexico, to the soul food of Louisiana, to the indigenous food enjoyed in Alaska, to the pizzerias of New York, to the world of cheese produced in Wisconsin, the United States is a foodie’s dream. 

new york

Food aside, the United States also offers you the perfect opportunity to practice, not only the world’s lingua franca, but also another major language: Spanish. Spanish is widely spoken across the United States. The further south you go, the more common it becomes. In fact, in some areas of states that span the Mexican border as well as in southern Florida, Spanish is more widely spoken than English.

But the United States is also home to another popular tradition: the Great American Roadtrip. Starting in Boston, New York or Miami and ending in Seattle, San Francisco or Portland, Oregon, you can take in the sights and sounds of this continent-sized country. The Great American Roadtrip truly is one of the perks of studying in the United States.

roadtrip

The Great American Roadtrip can be enjoyed in all weathers. But the climate is also something you should bear in mind. The East Coast, particularly Florida, can be hit during hurricane season. During the winter months, Hawaii can also be deluged by rain. While northern states in the Corn Belt and the Rust Belt, as well as Alaska, can be hit hard by snow. But, after one winter in the United States, you’ll probably be used to all that the weather can throw at you.

Study in the United States

The United States is a continent of adventure and experiences in just one country. This section gives you an overview of what it's like to study abroad in the United States, as well as insight into some of the opportunities waiting for you.

Education in the United States

Want to learn about how the higher education system works in the United States? The USA is a popular destination for students around the world given its diverse range of programs, friendly citizens and its culture and history. Find out more about the structure of the education system in the United States!

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to enter the United States to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizen status. You will also be required to bring certain documents with you to passport control at the airport in order to gain entry into the country.

Housing & Living Costs

Depending on where you study, the United States can be a very affordable country compared to other popular study abroad destinations. We’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you will be paying as a student in the United States.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for American programs vary greatly based on the school and degree program. International students usually pay a different fee than U.S. citizens. However, there are also plenty of scholarships available specifically for international students.

Meet the English Requirements

Make sure you're ready to start studying abroad in the United States. American schools will normally want to see evidence of your English-language abilities. The TOEFL iBT® test is accepted by all American schools and is even the preferred test by 9 out of 10 American universities. Find out more about the TOEFL iBT test and how it can help you.

Application Process

All countries have specific admissions requirements for students to enter their universities. Learn more about the ins and outs of admission to programs in the United States, and what you need to apply.

Programs

Ready to look at education in the United States? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in the United States today!

Keystone Team

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The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.