Many of you have recently consulted CheersYou（清柚教育） about the differences between studying in the U.S. and other options, from Europe to Singapore.
Therefore, CheersYou（清柚教育） will explain the advantages and differences of studying in the U.S. in the following points, hoping you can benefit from them and find your own path.
Top International Education Standards
It is no exaggeration to say that the quality of American higher education is the best in the world. In the latest 2017 top 100 world universities, nearly half are American institutions. To the delight of the U.S. Department of Education, the first and second places are both held by American universities. In terms of facilities, faculty quality, education expenditure, teaching standards, educational environment, and society's overall recognition and emphasis on education, the United States is undoubtedly number one in the world. At the same time, American higher education qualifications are widely recognized and respected around the world.
Multicultural Exchange
The U.S. is not only a cultural powerhouse but also the country with the highest concentration of different races and cultures in the world. As a nation of immigrants, the U.S. welcomes foreigners from all over the world to seek development, especially international students. About half of the more than 3,600 American universities can admit international students, and nearly one-third of new students enrolled by U.S. universities each year are international students. In the U.S., the number of Chinese students ranks second only to India. Diversity is a factor highly valued by American universities, and here you can experience a more colorful and varied life.
Generous Scholarship Policies
The U.S. offers more scholarships to international students than any other country. Universities provide various forms of financial assistance through multiple channels, such as scholarships, grants, on-campus jobs, low-interest (or even interest-free) loans, etc. Most international students studying in the U.S. can obtain a certain amount of scholarship as long as they adopt correct application strategies. In addition, some American universities offer a certain number of full scholarships to exceptionally outstanding international students each year. The overall cost of studying in the U.S. is not the most expensive in the world, but the scholarships provided are the most generous. Combined with its top-quality teaching, the value for money is evident.
Employment Opportunities
Currently, for the vast majority of students, the direct purpose of studying abroad is employment—hoping to gain overseas work experience through their studies. Only a small minority of international students plan to immediately return home after obtaining their degree, with jobs already arranged by their families. When it comes to employment opportunities, the United States is undoubtedly the top choice.
The U.S. provides far more employment opportunities for foreign nationals than any other country. The 85,000 H-1B work visas are quickly used up each year. There are also separate work visas for universities and research institutions (no cap but fewer job opportunities), L visas for employees of multinational companies, O visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities, etc. (L visa: an L-type visa that facilitates international business activities, allowing U.S. or foreign companies to engage in commercial activities in the United States.)
The employment opportunities offered by countless renowned American companies—from Microsoft to Google, Qualcomm to Intel, and JPMorgan Chase and Citibank—along with the CPT/OPT (Curricular Practical Training/Optional Practical Training) available to all international students, are factors you should value even more.
Immigration Opportunities
Previously, the immigration policies of the UK and other European countries were very lenient, making it easy for international students to obtain green cards. However, due to the influx of Chinese students, these countries gradually tightened their immigration policies, making permanent residency increasingly difficult for international students.
If you could pursue professional or skilled migration in other countries, it would be much faster and easier than obtaining a U.S. green card. However, the problem is that these countries offer relatively fewer job opportunities for foreigners, making it difficult for international students to find work. Even the main subjects of domestic news reports about returnees struggling with employment are predominantly students from these countries. Without finding a job, skilled migration is out of the question.
Immigration policies in any country may change according to political circumstances, and information can be found on the official immigration websites of each country.
Is Studying in the U.S. Right for You?
Do you only like delicious Chinese food and are unwilling to cook for yourself?
Except for a few cities like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, even if you have money, you cannot buy delicious Chinese food elsewhere.
Do you only enjoy entertainment in the way you do at home?
If you don't explore other interests and have limited curiosity about new things, keep in mind that many American schools are located in relatively remote areas. Learning to find your interests and live a more fulfilling life is also an ability.
Are you financially dependent and not good at finding part-time jobs?
Financial capability is also a crucial prerequisite for studying in the United States. However, many outstanding students do not come from wealthy families. In this case, finding a suitable part-time job becomes a necessary skill.
P.S. For doctoral students:
Since few people self-fund their doctoral studies—almost no one finances the entire PhD on their own—they usually quickly obtain scholarships and stop paying out of pocket. There is a popular belief that public universities are cheaper. However, most American public universities charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state residents. International students, as foreigners, cannot enjoy the low in-state resident tuition rates, so there is little price difference between public and private institutions.
Is the U.S. Safe?
There is no absolutely safe place in the world, nor is there a place of absolute danger. Here are four safety tips to always remember!
First, regarding accommodation, try to choose hotels and residences in safe areas. Never seek cheap housing and end up in dangerous neighborhoods.
Second, try not to go alone, avoid going out at night, or going out too early and coming back too late. Avoid lingering in high-crime areas.
Third, take care of your money and do not flaunt wealth. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use credit cards as much as possible. However, keep a few dozen dollars in cash on you—some say this could be a lifesaver during a robbery.
Fourth, do not argue or confront others when disputes arise. Many people in the U.S. own guns, and if someone gets angry and draws a gun, you'll be the one at a disadvantage. Always remember the 911 emergency number and call the police immediately in an emergency.
Overall, studying abroad is not just about studying; it is merely a means to an end.
Before adopting any approach, you must first consider whether it is the best choice to achieve your goals—whether it's studying in the United States or any other life decision.
