The USA is a popular destination for international students looking for great programs and degrees, a wide variety of options, and universities that welcome students from abroad.

Here's an overview of why you should consider studying in the USA.

It's already the top destination for international students!

For multiple years running, the USA has stayed in our Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad, and this year it placed #1 on the list. And for good reason.

The USA boasts an impressive number of top universities, with at least a quarter of the world's highest-ranked universities. It also welcomes more international students than any other country, outstripping its closest rival (the UK) by more than a third. In fact, at nearly 1 million international students, students from abroad make up more than 5 percent of all college students in the USA.

USA universities want international students

Universities in the USA have a long-standing reputation for welcoming and supporting international students. An obvious reason for this openness is the revenue that international students bring to universities - international students usually pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.

But US universities also value international students for non-monetary reasons. International students bring diversity to US college campuses, and their insights and experiences can broaden the mindsets of their cohorts. Similarly, international students help universities make connections with academics and institutions around the world, furthering research collaboration, cross-cultural exchanges, and bilateral exchanges.

Because international students are so valuable to US institutions, universities and colleges often boast excellent support systems for international students. Most campuses have international student offices, which offer everything from visa and immigration advice, airport pick-ups, dedicated housing for international students, cultural exchange events, and academic support.

International students get real-world experience

The USA has long been a global leader in innovation and development. Major scientific breakthroughs, world-changing inventions, and disruptive ideas and technology are hallmarks of American academia and intellectualism. Many US universities are on the frontlines of scientific and technological research, offering hands-on experience to students as well as real-world connections.

The country is also incredibly diverse. Students who study in the USA will have opportunities to meet, work, and network with people from every stratum of society and from around the world.

You will have many study options

The USA is the destination for students looking for diverse and flexible learning options. Alongside traditional four-year colleges and universities, you'll find community colleges, technical colleges and institutes, art and performing arts schools, trade schools and apprenticeships, business schools, medical schools, law schools, and seminaries. You can study part-time or full-time, on weekends, in the evenings, online, and in hybrid programs.

As well as offering a variety of higher education institutions, the degree system in the US is also very flexible. At most four-year colleges and universities, students spend one or two years exploring subjects and degrees before settling on or 'declaring' their major. While some graduate programs are very rigid, many will consider students from a variety of academic backgrounds. There are numerous opportunities, through courses, short programs, and graduate programs, to diversify your skills or pivot to a new field.

Your study experience can be tailored to you

Studying in the USA is more than just getting an education. It's a cultural experience. From leafy red-brick campuses to vibrant urban colleges, the US college scene is everything you've ever imagined and more.

US colleges and universities are usually designed to be relatively self-contained. Students can study, live, work, and play all within the confines of their campus or the areas surrounding the university buildings. This turns colleges into communities with unique identities that then attract students who value and embrace what it means to be a student at that school.

American colleges have sports teams (and the associated rivalries). They have bespoke holidays and traditions. Their students join fraternities and sororities that are connected across state and national boundaries. Students can be exclusively local or drawn from all over, making each college or university a microcosm of the American public. You will find religious colleges, colleges founded to give minorities equal educational opportunities, colleges for specific subjects or professions, and colleges that profess specific pedagogical approaches. With at least 4,000 higher education institutions in the USA, there is something for everyone.

In short, whatever experience you want to have in the USA, you will find a college or university that will give you that experience. Hoping to surf and study? Sure. Want to study with only one gender. No problem. Hoping to see where the Exorcist was filmed? You're covered.

Improve or perfect your English skills

One big benefit of studying in the USA is that you will leave with an excellent grasp of the English language. While the USA does not have an official language, English is the default language used in daily life. And outside of niche private schools, English is the exclusive teaching language for all non-language programs at US institutions.

This means that, to study at a US college or university, you will need to be proficient in English before you enroll, and you will improve and perfect your English during your time as a student. For students looking for career opportunities, fluency in a second language, especially one as widely used as English, is essential.

It can kick-start your career

Whether you want to stay and work in the USA, move back home and start a career, or use your international experience to go further afield, studying in the USA is a great way to give yourself an advantage in the job market.

Universities and colleges in the USA offer students lots of opportunities to gain real-world experience. You'll find programs that include job shadowing, internships, and industry connections in nearly every field of study.

Earning a degree from a US institution can translate to open doors throughout the country and the world. Many US institutions have international recognition, as well as alumni networks, that give graduates a chance to shine in application pools and interviews.

There are also opportunities for post-study work visas in areas like medicine, technology, and engineering. Students who enter the USA on academic student visas (F-1) can also work within their field of study after their first year of studies.

Conclusion

If you're considering studying abroad, the USA can offer a lot of advantages that make it an attractive option for international students.

Its history as a top destination for international students means that you will find great opportunities and infrastructure. Degrees and credentials from the USA are recognized throughout the world. The experiences you can gain in the USA extend beyond academics. You will learn about a new and diverse culture, meet people from all over the USA and the world, and explore cities and regions that vary as much as countries.