USA

United States of America (USA)

• Diversity: The USA is made up of 50 states, each with its own unique culture and identity. Regions like New England, the Midwest, the South, and the West Coast offer diverse lifestyles, environments, and traditions.
• Popularity: The USA remains the most popular destination for international students, offering a vast range of institutions and fields of study.
• QS World University Ranking: “Five of the top ten universities on the planet are in the USA,” including institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.
• Value for Money: While the USA can be expensive, there are various scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages available to international students to offset costs.
• Fast-track courses: Although degrees in the USA often take four years, there are accelerated programs and pathways, particularly in professional fields like law and medicine, that help students complete their education faster.
• Research: The USA leads global research, accounting for over 25 percent of the world’s scientific research output and producing a significant portion of the most frequently cited papers.
• Flexibility: U.S. degrees offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to pursue a wide array of majors and minors, often with opportunities to explore interdisciplinary studies and adjust their focus areas during the course of their studies.
• Teaching Methodology: The USA promotes a liberal arts education system that encourages students to think critically, be creative, and develop a broad skill set alongside their specialized education.
• Employability: The USA’s global leadership in business, technology, and innovation makes it an excellent place to develop valuable skills, network, and enhance employability on an international scale. Proficiency in English and exposure to U.S. industries boost employment prospects worldwide.
• Student Lifestyle: International students in the USA experience a vibrant lifestyle, from big city excitement in places like New York and Los Angeles to outdoor adventures in national parks and coastal regions. The USA also offers diverse music, cultural festivals, sports, and a range of social experiences.
• Satisfaction: International students generally express high satisfaction with their educational experience in the USA, benefiting from quality education, campus life, and opportunities to build lifelong connections.

Traditions & Culture:
American culture is a blend of diverse traditions from around the world, strongly influenced by Native American, European, African, Latin American, and Asian cultures. The USA is a global leader in music, cinema, television, art, theater, comedy, and media. American literature, philosophy, architecture, and education have also made significant global impacts. Major cultural exports include jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, Hollywood films, and various genres of literature.

Food:
American cuisine is incredibly diverse, with regional specialties ranging from Southern comfort food and New England seafood to Texas BBQ and Californian fusion. Internationally recognized American dishes include hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, and apple pie. Each state and city also has its own culinary traditions, drawing from its immigrant population, geography, and local history.

Safety:
It is important to research the safety of a city or campus before deciding where to study in the USA. Some areas are safer than others, and students are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid risky areas, and secure their belongings. Many campuses have their own security services, and the U.S. is generally considered a safe and tolerant place to study.

Welfare:
U.S. universities prioritize student welfare, offering various support services such as counseling, mental health resources, academic accommodations, and student housing management. Universities often have orientation programs that educate students on safety, wellness, and personal support services.

Health:
Healthcare in the USA is primarily private, but universities typically offer health insurance plans to students. These plans cover both physical and mental health services. International students are usually required to purchase health insurance, and many universities have campus health centers for basic needs.

Transport:
The USA has extensive public transportation systems in major cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston, and San Francisco. The country also has numerous regional and international airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport being one of the busiest globally.

• Train: Amtrak provides intercity rail service, but trains are more popular in the Northeast Corridor than elsewhere. Students can benefit from discounts through student rail passes.
• Buses: Buses are widely used for both city travel and long-distance journeys, with companies like Greyhound and Megabus offering economical options for students.
• Cycling: Cycling is a growing means of transportation in many U.S. cities, with bike lanes and bike-sharing programs available, though weather and safety can be factors to consider.
• Driving: The USA is car-dependent, and many students own or rent vehicles. A U.S. driver’s license is required, and cars must be insured and pass annual inspections depending on state laws.
• Taxis & Ridesharing: Taxis are available in all major cities, but ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are more commonly used for convenience.

Tuition Fees:
International undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees in the USA vary widely. Public universities charge lower fees, typically between $10,000 and $30,000 per year for out-of-state students, while private institutions can charge $30,000 to $60,000 per year or more, with medical degrees being on the higher end.

• Humanities and social sciences degrees tend to cost less, while STEM and medical degrees are often more expensive.

Cost of Living:
The cost of living depends on the city or region where the university is located. Average living expenses can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per year. Larger metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles typically have higher costs, while smaller cities and rural areas may be more affordable.

Work Opportunities:
International students in the USA are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Off-campus work is generally restricted unless authorized by the institution or under specific visa conditions like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows students to supplement their living expenses while gaining work experience.

Planning & Housing:
While studying in the USA, you will have a range of accommodation options depending on your university or college, city, and budget. Typical options include on-campus dormitories (halls of residence), shared apartments, or renting a house off-campus. Some dorms may include meal plans, while off-campus housing often allows for self-catering. Large cities usually have more expensive housing, while smaller towns may offer more affordable choices.

Restricted Items to Bring to the USA:
Items prohibited from being brought into the USA include illegal drugs, firearms, certain types of knives, personal defense sprays that aren’t legal in specific states, materials that are obscene or violate U.S. laws, and specific agricultural products such as certain fruits, meats, and plants. Always check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for the latest guidelines.

Orientation/Welcome Week:
Orientation Week is your first chance to meet other students, get familiar with your university’s resources, and learn about life in the USA. Universities offer a mix of events, some of which are required and others optional. Activities may include campus tours, social events, and informational sessions about academics and student life.

Travel to Your Institution:
If you’re living on or near campus, many universities provide shuttle services between key areas, including nearby airports or bus terminals. Otherwise, public transportation such as buses and trains is available in most cities, and many students opt for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to travel longer distances.

Opening a Bank Account:
To open a U.S. bank account, you’ll typically need to present a few documents, including proof of identity (such as your passport) and proof of your U.S. address (e.g., a utility bill or university housing letter). Most banks require these documents whether you open an account in person or online.

The USA is highly globalized, making the job market competitive.

Major industries in the USA include:

• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Services: Banking, insurance, finance, and professional services
  Other key industries include aerospace, automotive, information technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, chemicals, food processing, telecommunications, and media.

There are currently a number of shortage occupations across various sectors in the USA, including:

• Arts: Graphic designers, musicians, and animators
• Education: Secondary school teachers (especially in STEM fields like math and science)
• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers
• Healthcare: Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and physicians
• Hospitality: Chefs and hotel managers
• Information Technology: Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and systems engineers
• Science: Biochemists, biomedical researchers, chemists, and environmental scientists
• Social Care: Social workers, mental health counselors, and clinical psychologists

Graduate schemes and internships are available at many large U.S. multinational companies across sectors such as:

• Banking & Finance
• Engineering & Manufacturing
• Retail
• Technology
  The top sectors for graduate vacancies include tech, finance, healthcare, and consulting, with some of the highest starting salaries found in investment banking, law, and tech companies.

According to surveys of the most popular graduate employers in the USA, notable companies include:
Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Pfizer, and NASA.