Top International Education Standards
It is no exaggeration to say that U.S. higher education quality is the best in the world. In the latest 2017 ranking of the world's top 100 universities, nearly half are American institutions, and to the U.S. Department of Education's delight, the top two spots are both held by U.S. universities. In terms of facilities, faculty level, education spending, academic standards, educational environment, and even the societal awareness and emphasis on education, the U.S. is undoubtedly number one globally. Moreover, U.S. higher education degrees are widely recognized and respected worldwide.
Multicultural and Multiethnic Exchange
The U.S. is not only a cultural powerhouse but also the most concentrated gathering of different ethnicities and cultures in the world. As an immigrant nation, the U.S. welcomes foreigners from all over the globe to seek development, especially international students. About half of the more than 3,600 U.S. colleges and universities admit international students, and nearly a third of new enrollments each year are international students. In the U.S., the number of Chinese students ranks second only to Indian students. "Diversity" is a factor that American universities highly value, and here, you can experience a richer and more vibrant life.
Generous Scholarship Policies
The U.S. offers the most scholarships to international students in the world. Its universities provide various forms of financial aid through multiple channels, such as scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, low-interest (or even interest-free) loans, and more. Most international students studying in the U.S. can receive a certain amount of scholarship as long as they adopt the right application strategies. Moreover, some U.S. universities award a number of full scholarships each year to exceptionally outstanding international students. While the overall cost of studying in the U.S. is not the highest in the world, the scholarships offered are the most generous, and combined with its top-tier teaching quality, the value for money is clearly evident.
Employment Opportunities
For the vast majority of students today, the immediate goal of studying abroad is employment, and they hope to gain overseas work experience. Those who simply want a degree and then immediately return home, with jobs already arranged by their families, are still a minority. In terms of employment opportunities, the U.S. is indisputably the top choice.
The U.S. provides far more employment opportunities for foreign nationals than other countries. Each year, the 85,000 H-1B work visa cap is quickly exhausted. There are also separate work visas for universities and research institutions (with no cap but fewer job openings), L-class visas for employees of multinational corporations, O visas for individuals with extraordinary skills, etc. (L visa: The L visa is a type of visa that facilitates international business activities, allowing U.S. or foreign companies to engage in commercial activities in the U.S.)
The employment opportunities offered by countless renowned U.S. companies—from Microsoft to Google, from Qualcomm to Intel, to JPMorgan Chase and Citibank—along with the CPT/OPT opportunities available to all international students, are factors you should take even more seriously.
Immigration Opportunities
In the past, the immigration policies of the UK and other European countries were very lenient, making it easy for international students to obtain green cards. Later, due to the influx of large numbers of Chinese students, these countries gradually tightened their immigration policies, making permanent residency increasingly stringent for international students.
If you can pursue skilled or technical immigration pathways in other countries, it often takes far less time and is much easier than obtaining a U.S. green card. The problem is that these countries offer relatively few job opportunities for foreigners, making it hard for international students to find work. Even the returnees facing employment difficulties in the news are often from such countries. Without a job, technical immigration is out of the question.
Each country's immigration policies may change according to the political climate and can be checked on their official immigration department websites.
Worried About Adjusting to Life in the U.S.?
Do you only like delicious Chinese food and dislike cooking for yourself?
Except for a very few cities (like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco), even with money, you can't find tasty Chinese food elsewhere.
Do you only enjoy the entertainment styles back home?
If you don't explore other interests and have limited curiosity for new things, you might find it tough. In the U.S., many schools are in relatively remote locations. Learning to discover your own passions so you can live a more fulfilling life is also a valuable skill.
Not financially independent and also not good at finding part-time work?
Financial means are a crucial prerequisite for studying in the U.S. However, many outstanding students do not come from wealthy families. In such cases, finding a suitable part-time job becomes a necessary rule of thumb.
P.S. For doctoral students:
Very few people self-fund their entire Ph.D., as almost no one pays out-of-pocket for the whole duration; typically, they either quickly secure funding and stop paying. There is a popular belief that public universities are cheaper. But in reality, most U.S. public universities charge two different rates: one for in-state residents and one for out-of-state residents. International students, as foreigners, cannot take advantage of the lower in-state resident tuition, so the cost difference between public and private institutions is negligible.
Is the U.S. Safe?
There is no absolutely safe place in this world, nor any absolutely dangerous place. Keep these four safety tips in mind!
First, in terms of accommodation, try to choose hotels and residences in areas with good public safety. Never go for cheap options and end up in high-crime areas.
Second, try not to go out alone, avoid heading out at night, or leaving too early and returning too late. Also avoid lingering in unsafe areas.
Third, keep a close eye on your belongings, don't flaunt wealth, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use credit cards as much as possible, but still keep a few dozen dollars in cash on you—some say this is "life-saving money" in case of robbery.
Fourth, if you get into a dispute, do not confront or argue face-to-face. Many people in the U.S. own guns, and if the other party gets angry and pulls out a gun and fires, you'll be the one to suffer. Always remember the 911 emergency number, and call the police right away if anything happens.
In conclusion, studying abroad is not just about studying; it is a means, a way to achieve your goals.
Before you choose any path, you must first consider whether it is the best choice to reach your goals, whether it's studying in the U.S. or any decision on your life's journey.
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