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The USA is the favourite destination for international students, and there are over a million head there yearly, nearly twice as many as the second-placed country, the UK. In fact, there are nearly as many international students in the US as there are in the whole of Europe, although you should decide whether an American or European education is best for you rather than just following the crowd. But why do international students choose to study in America? There are plenty of reasons. A key attraction are the world-leading universities, but just as attractive are the opportunities to study in world cities, take advantage of links with global businesses and tech innovators, or just to experience the culture of a nation that has shaped the world we live in.
- America is the world’s education super-power. Its universities dominate the world rankings including the first three, according to Meta-ranking. If you want a Bachelor’s or Master’s recognised as high quality the world over, American universities will have you covered.
- There are over 4,300 universities to choose from. you will find a plethora of study programmes, offering extensive academic programmes and diverse campus environments. Whatever you want to study, there will be a centre of excellence for you.
- America is incredibly diverse. It was built by migrants, and that shapes the nation today. You will see influences from all over the world. If you want to experience a true melting pot of global diversity, nowhere is better than America.
- America leads the world in many sectors. When you think of almost any industry, you’ll probably think of the American — and world — centre. From New York for finance, to LA for entertainment, or San Francisco for technology. If you want to be close to the world’s best in almost any category, head to the USA.
- The USA is one of the world’s most geographically vibrant and diverse nations. From the gleaming glass and steel of New York’s skyscrapers to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, or the cold expanses of Alaska to the surfing paradise of Hawaii, America really has everything.
Why else choose America for study? It is academically innovative. For example, universities have followed the lead of Silicon Valley in providing education in the latest technologies, with some universities, like Caltech or MIT, with an especially strong reputation in the area. The USA was the first country to offer MBAs, while American universities drive new thinking in psychology and economics. American universities lead the world when it comes to the latest courses and thinking.
And it would be impossible to talk about American universities without a mention of the Ivy League. Although, originally, a sporting league for some of the East Coast’s older universities, the term is more often used to refer to a set of universities that offer academic excellence. But while the Ivy League colleges are, undoubtedly, excellent, the strength of American education is such that there are plenty of other universities mounting a strong challenge when it comes to academics.
Culture in United States
Most people will think they understand the culture of the United States. However, these beliefs are often shaped by media representations in books, on television and in movies. But these stereotypes hide the incredible cultural diversity in America, a country that spans a continent and is home to over 300 million people.
American culture and lifestyle reflect the modern nation’s origin as a set of British colonies. Although the American Revolution marked a break with its British past, much was kept. English is still the dominant language, although many speak Spanish, especially in the southern states where there has been immigration from Latin American countries. It has also kept the protestant ethics of the UK.
However, America’s story of freedom and opportunity has attracted people from all over the world. These have typically been from European countries, and there are significant communities with Irish or Italian roots, especially on the East Coast. The West Coast, meanwhile, has seen migration from across the Pacific, with significant Chinese and Japanese communities.
This has resulted in some specific contributions to American food culture. However, Italians may be horrified to learn that Americans argue whether the best pizza is from New York or Chicago, while Chinese people won’t recognise the fortune cookie presented after meals.
More recently, migration from other parts of the world has increased. However, America has quite strict limits on immigration, meaning it has less impact on diversity and culture than it once did. But its history has created a population that is progressive and welcoming, especially in urban areas and on university campuses.
American Academic Year
American universities mostly follow the English structure of having three semesters a year, although precise dates will vary, they are broadly follow the pattern:
- Fall semester runs from September to December
- Spring semester lasts from January to April
- Summer semester lasts from May until July.
Language requirements
Although America has no official language, English is the dominant tongue, and the one used in universities. You will, therefore, need to prove your fluency. How can you demonstrate proficiency in English? There are two ways.
Most universities will accept earlier education in English as evidence of fluency. Typically, this will require three years of instruction solely in English, for example at school or a Bachelor’s degree.
Alternatively, universities will accept commonly recognised English tests. The exact requirements will vary between universities and even courses. Tests, and the scores you need, include:
- IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System). Most universities will look for at least 7.5 on this test.
- TOEFL iBT (The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test). A score of 100 or more is usually needed.
- PTE Academic (Pearsons Test of English Academic). A minimum score of 68 is usually requested.
- iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency). A score of 4.5 or higher.
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency). A core of 190 or more.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) is another way to do it. Universities typically require a score between 105 and 120 for undergraduate admissions.
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