Table of Contents:
Introduction
1. Excellence and a Diverse Offer
2. Networking and Connections
3. Access to Quality Resources and Facilities
4. English Proficiency and Soft Skills
5. Opportunities After Graduation
Conclusions
Introduction
This special will be very personal as over the last months I have been questioning myself about a burning issue you may also be having in your minds. Indeed, at some point in March this year I started thinking about attending grad school in the United States. After googling a lot and speaking with some of my undergrad professors that did their studies there, I realized that there are several advantages that derive from choosing this learning path. Today I am going to share these reflections with you. Ready to bring your education to the next level and explore the pros of attending grad school in the USA as international students?
1. Excellence and a Diverse Offer
It is well known that the United States hosts some of the world’s most prestigious universities. These institutions are well-known for their academic rigor, high-quality research, and innovative teaching techniques. Having said this, let’s not forget that the country is home to different types of universities that grant graduate degrees. Knowing this classification means understanding the priorities and focus of a particular institution, as well as the cost you will have to pay to enroll there. In general, there are two main types of universities:
Public: those are usually welcoming large numbers of local students (but internationals as well) as they are financed through state funds. They are generally more affordable.
Private: they tend to have smaller campuses, to offer a smaller and more selected number of majors, and to admit more international students. They are generally more expensive.
Ivy League Schools are part of this category.
MIT, Stanford and other highly ranked schools are also part of this category.
After taking a look at this overview, I think you will agree with me that the educational offer in the US is very diverse, so different students with different needs can find their place there.
2. Networking and Connections
The more you advance in your studies, the more important it will be to create a strong network, to support you both personally and professionally. In this regard, grads schools in the US tend to place a strong emphasis on helping their students to connect with each other, with their professors and with external employers. Particularly referring to the links outside the campus environment, many universities have strong ties to the business and industry world, and in this way they are able to enrich their students’ learning process through internships, co-op programs, and job placements.
3. Access to Quality Resources and Facilities
In every country in the world, to achieve quality education there needs to be money that is invested to hire good teachers, to provide state-of-the-art books, to update lab machinery, to keep libraries and study places in optimal conditions, and so on. In this regard, the United States has demonstrated to be always working to improve their higher education offer by investing in it. Indeed, students there have access to the right tools that allow them to focus on advanced research and learning.
To be even more precise, I decided to do some research online and to collect more detailed data on this subject. I can tell you that, according to Statista, in 2019 the United States were spending 2.5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on higher education. This is a considerable amount of funds, as the country ranked second worldwide for their interest in investing in universities, right after Chile.
4. English Proficiency and Soft Skills
Studying in the US can impressively boost your English proficiency and communication skills. But moving abroad doesn’t only mean improving one’s linguistic abilities. Indeed, this important decision comes with a series of collateral advantages. Think about it: you have the opportunity to become more flexible and able to adjust to a different culture, to test your interpersonal skills in a new environment, and to deal with life challenges (small and big ones) in an autonomous way. Furthermore, grad school may be the best time period to move abroad. Indeed, you are not new to a university environment and you probably have acquired some independence already during your undergraduate degree. Why not take a further step?
5. Opportunities After Graduation
Completing a graduate degree in the United States can pave your way to a variety of professional opportunities. Also, several industries are valuing the advanced knowledge and skills that graduate education provides, making you a desirable candidate for competitive positions. Furthermore, a topic that you may want to research on is the Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is a special program offered in the US that allows international students to work in their field of study for up to three years after graduation. Here you can find the link to the official OPT information page, operated by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Conclusion
Attending grad school in the US is a decision that can shape your future in significant ways. With its high-level academic environment, countless research opportunities, diverse networking prospects, and pathways you could undertake after graduating, the US offers an optimal educational experience. Whether your dream is to become a scientist, an artist, a lawyer, or an entrepreneur, here your potential can reach new heights. Good luck with your graduate journey!
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