Top 7 Reasons International Students Should Study in the U.S.

If you’re looking to study abroad, you may get overwhelmed with the variety of countries and universities you can choose to study in. At ISO, we are comprised of a team of former U.S. international students - and have been in your shoes. To help you be more informed prior to making your final decision on your education, we’ve created a list of the top 7 reasons you should consider studying in the United States.

1. Largest international student population and diverse student bodies

The United States has long contained the largest international student population in comparison to other countries across the world. As of the 2021-22 academic year, there were 948,519 international students in the U.S., nearly double second place.

Universities across the U.S. are dedicated to providing a diverse experience to their student populations and will often have departments dedicated to help support incoming international students. Studying in the U.S. provides the opportunity to meet diverse people who are facing the same challenges, all while having an organized support system throughout your journey.

2. Prestige of studying at U.S. universities

No matter what list you look at when ranking the quality/prestige of universities worldwide, U.S. universities will make up a majority of the list. This includes some of the most historically significant universities – such as Harvard University, Stanford University, UPenn, etc.

Even if you are not planning to attend a renowned Ivy League school, U.S. universities still carry a quality reputation across the board. No matter where you study in the US, you will be given access to research programs, learning experiences and extracurricular opportunities that you’ll rarely come across elsewhere.

3. Massive catalog of universities/colleges to choose from

On a similar note to the above, there are currently over 6000 universities/colleges in the U.S. With this, you have a variety of options to choose from that will be able to fit close to your exact needs.

When choosing a college, make sure to look at reviews for your desired study program, student faculty ratio, location and other attributes you want to factor into your decision. With the vast array of options available, you are likely to find something that can work for you in the long term and beyond.

4. Varied Range of Courses and Majors

With the large amount of schools available, you’re also likely to find a high quality program based on whatever your long-term interests are career-wise, including for technology, arts, sciences, or humanities.

With the large amount of resources U.S. universities have access to through their vast student populations and government funding, most are able to support their own post-secondary education programs and specialty schools in areas such as law, medicine and business. Though you may need to bounce around schools to sustain your specialized education elsewhere, that is not the case in the U.S.

5. Post-Graduation Opportunities

The U.S. provides various options for international students to stay and work after graduation. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their degree, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates can extend this period for an additional 24 months. Additionally, the US offers various visa programs (such as H1B) for skilled professionals, making it easier for international students to pursue long-term careers in the country.

Beyond this, the U.S. boasts the strongest economy in the world according to GDP and international students contribute a lot to this. Wherever you study, you’re bound to be close to a variety of exciting opportunities that can help you grow your career shortly after your studies.

6. Multicultural experiences and opportunities for personal growth

Beyond the academic/professional opportunities, the U.S. is an incredibly vast country with a variety of different things for you to experience. It’s home to some of the largest cities and structural marvels, while also having a varied climate and scenic natural locations.

Plus, the U.S. is considered a melting pot of different cultures, so getting involved in your community offers a rich opportunity to experience different cultures from around the world all in one place. Your college campus itself should be home to a variety of extracurricular activities and events for you to explore.

7. Scholarships and Financial Aid

While studying abroad can be costly, many US universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to international students based on academic merit, talent, or financial need. These opportunities make US education more accessible and affordable for deserving students, enabling them to fulfill their educational dreams without a heavy financial burden.

For a database of potential opportunities for you to explore, feel free to check our Scholarships database.

If you do choose to study in the U.S., you will need a health insurance to save you from the high costs of healthcare. If you want an affordable option, enroll with ISO Student Health Insurance – accepted at a majority of universities in the U.S.!