Why the USA? Ask the Fulbright Commission
The Fulbright Commission’s advisory service is part of the EducationUSA network, which is sponsored by the US State Department and designated as the UK's only independent and official source of information on US higher education. EducationUSA provides objective, accurate and comprehensive information and advice to individuals and organizations, but does not endorse or rank any college or university or any services provided by third party companies.
Considering uni the in the USA? You're in good company. The US is the top destination for international students worldwide. In fact, 11,600 British students chose the States for their studies in 2015-2016; attendance at the annual Fulbright USA College Day has grown to over 4,500, and traffic on the UK-US Fulbright website has increased to a million visitors a year.
The US-UK Fulbright Commission is delighted to work with Uni in the USA...and Beyond to provide the advice you need to consider and apply to American universities. In addition to our website on applying to American universities (www.fulbright.org.uk), we offer seminars for students and parents, training sessions for schools and our USA College Day fair in London, attended by over 170 American universities each autumn and more than 6,500 students and their parents.
Uni in the USA...and Beyond complements our work by offering you detailed information on specific American universities you may be considering from British students just like you.
As you read Uni in the USA, you will see there are many benefits to studying in the USA. But don't just take our word for it. Each summer the Fulbright office teams up with the US Embassy in London to survey British students as they apply for their student visas. Here are the top reasons they tell us they've chosen to study in the States:
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Choice of a wide range of universities: There are over 4,500 US institutions offering undergraduate degrees, from the prestigious Ivies and “public Ivies” to liberal arts institutions and community colleges. With such a wide range of universities and degrees on offer, there is bound to be one that is a great fit for you. American universities are also known for their high quality of education around the world, occupying a majority of the top 20 spots in every world university league table.
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Liberal arts approach and focus on undergraduate teaching: Not sure what you want to major in? You can apply to US universities as "undecided" about your major. Under the "liberal arts philosophy", you will take classes from a variety of subjects during the first 1 - 2 years before specialising in your major field. Students who already know what they want to study can complete a "double major," degrees in two academic fields - often completed within the normal four years of study. Moreover, students can expect a high level of undergraduate instruction, with at least 15 contact hours per week.
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Experience American college life: In the States, learning is not confined to the four walls of the classroom. US universities are known for their vibrant campus life. Cheer your university's football (American, that is) team to victory or play intramural sports yourself. Join a club - there are hundreds to choose from. Become a leader in student government, raise funds for local charities through your sorority or fraternity or write for the university newspaper. Act or sing in the campus arts programme or volunteer in the community. There are so many ways to get involved in American college life. This is not only a fun addition to your studies, but also a way to build up transferable skills for your CV.
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Take advantage of funding opportunities: Many students are able to fund their studies through scholarships from US universities and external funding bodies. Scholarships are often offered to students based on merit, extracurricular achievement, financial need, talent and/or personal characteristics, such as country of origin, field, gender or ethnicity. If you look hard enough, there is a scholarship out there for you.
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Internationalise and strengthen your CV: Studying and working abroad can make you stand out in the job market when you return to the UK. According to a Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) survey of 230 UK companies, one in three employers valued job applicants with international study experience, while 65% of employers favoured applicants with overseas work experience. International students in the US have the opportunity to gain work experience during their studies and to work in the US for up to one year after graduation on the Optional Practical Training scheme. Students in the sciences and engineering stay on for up to two years.
Regardless of what draws you to the USA, Fulbright and Uni in the USA...and Beyond look forward to helping you. We believe studying abroad changes lives and changes countries – for the better. So, congratulations on getting this far in your journey and good luck!
Rowena Boddington
Director, Advising and Marketing
US-UK Fulbright Commission - EducationUSA
http://www.fulbright.org.ukwww.fulbright.org.uk
