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Study in the USA
Six years after 9/11, there are strong signs that the popularity of the USA as a destination for international students is returning to something like previous levels: the number of students from other countries has jumped for the first time since the terrorist attacks on New York in September 2001.
According to the latest data released by the International Institute of Education (IIE) in New York, 582,984 international students were enrolled in colleges and universities in the USA in the academic year 2006/07, an increase of three per cent. Perhaps more importantly, the number of new international students enrolling on campus in the USA rose 10 per cent on the previous year, confirming that, for many around the world, the USA is most certainly the number one destination for graduate education.
The return of an increasing interest in the USA among the world’s international students is something that the US Federal Government is keen to celebrate. Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, is delighted to see more international students studying in US institutions: "The increase in enrollments we saw in 2007 statistics reflects the dynamism, diversity and excellence of US higher education institutions in a competitive international environment and demonstrates the commitment of the US government and US higher education leaders to welcoming international students."
The USA has dominated the minds of prospective international students for decades, with its combination of prestigious universities, high quality academic provision, attractive financial aid and scholarship packages and the opportunity to work and study simultaneously. With the recent publication of the THE-QS World University Rankings confirming 30 of the top 50 universities in the world today being located in the USA, much of the reason for the renewed interest in studying in the US can be attributed to the undoubted quality of the institutions there. US qualifications are recognized the world over and are regarded as being extremely mobile – if a graduate of a US institution returns home, or secures a job in another country, the level of work their degree represents can be a real advantage to them.
The level of research and innovation, particularly in the sciences and technology, remains at a very high level, attracting some of the most talented individuals from the world over.
There are other reasons why so many international students consider the universities and colleges in the USA. The level of research and innovation, particularly in the sciences and technology, remains at a very high level, attracting some of the most talented individuals from the world over. Universities such as Stanford, on the coast of California, offer an intellectual environment few institutions can match, linking research with scientific and creative industries in a heady mix international students find very attractive indeed. In areas such as biotechnology, engineering, the natural sciences and technology an increasing number of foreign-born, US trained students are finding employment as academics and researchers alike in many of the leading US institutions.
Kristen Williams, Executive Director of Admissions at George Washington University in Washington DC, has some essential advice for all those international students considering a US university for either their Masters or PhD program: “Once you’ve identified the schools in which you may be interested, visit their websites to get program descriptions, admissions and degree requirements, and other important information such as housing availability and costs. Always identify the specific graduate programs that fit your particular interests, background and goals - be honest about your academic background and potential. How selective is the program? Will you be able to meet their admissions requirements?”
"Most universities prefer that you use the online application, as it can be processed more quickly".
The selection of programs is a particularly important component when considering universities and colleges in the USA, simply because the range of academic specialities is larger than in many other countries. The specific academic content and direction of an individual program can be very different from university to university, so it is important to ensure that your ambitions and expectations will be met by the outline of the program that you are interested in. Even the mode of application for graduate studies is important, according to Kristen Williams, “You can usually apply for admissions either online or by paper. However, most universities prefer that you use the online application, as it can be processed more quickly. Additionally, it may include several features not available through the paper application, such as electronic submission of letters of recommendation and other supporting documents, so if you have the opportunity to use this method, try to do so.”
