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Selecting Programs for International Students at US Colleges

From thousands of miles away, it can be intimidating to choose one particular program of study from thousands of colleges and universities in the US. There are many aspects to consider, including types of programs, location, cost considerations, reputation and quality, features, amenities, admission requirements and most of all, goals for making the journey. The following are important points for consideration when comparing programs of study at US universities and colleges.

Purpose for Enrolling in Postsecondary Programs

Most college-level international students come to the US to study for similar reasons... to:

• Obtain a high-quality or specialized education not available in their home country
• Travel and explore
• Learn English as a Second Language
• Establish or further a career through education
• Meet people from different countries and learn about other cultures
• All or any combination of the above

When comparing different programs, it is recommended that students take time to decide which of these goals is primary, and which are secondary. For example, if a student wishes to attend a high-quality school that allows them to experience life in a big city, while obtaining a degree in quantum physics, he or she might consider the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). If, however, a student would like to learn English, experience the culture, and become a graphic designer or speech therapist, a two-year program at a vocational school or community college would be more appropriate.

Being clear on what is most important to them can help students narrow down their choices to a more manageable number of programs.

Types of Programs

For international students, programs available from US colleges and universities differ most by duration.

• Exchange programs - These immersive programs usually last one semester or one year, and allow students to trade places with someone from another country. Students commonly live with families, travel frequently, and study language, literature, geography, history, economics and more.
  
• College and university programs - Most students who enroll at a four-year postsecondary institution plan to study for an undergraduate or graduate degree, which involves a minimum commitment of two years and as many as six years. They chose a major field of study, and may chose minor fields as well. Campuses typically offer all the conveniences of housing, meals, computer labs, libraries, medical care, cultural experiences and entertainment. They offer the opportunity to interact and learn from students from many countries as well as US students.
  
• Vocational schools and community colleges - More affordable than most four-year schools, community college programs provide training geared more towards skills development for specific trades such as aircraft mechanics or massage therapy. These programs award a degree or certificate in a year or two, and offer smaller classes, intensive hands-on training, and flexible schedules. Students usually live off campus, obtaining a more immersive experience.

Location

In the US, a country with more than 9 million square kilometers, there are over 18,700 postsecondary educational programs. For students fond of recreation, a location near mountains, desert or ocean may be appealing. For those who want to see many different kinds of cultures within the US, the transit options available in a larger urban area often makes access to nearby regions easier. Or a particular school may be located in a noted area of commerce important to a student's career, such as fashion or finance in New York City, television and movie production in Los Angeles or Chicago, technology or agriculture in Denver, or Minnesota, Utah or New Mexico for archaeology.

• Regions, states and communities - Most public colleges and universities are funded largely by the region, state, city, or community in which they are located.
  
• Metropolitan areas - Big cities such as New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, Atlanta or Chicago offer many choices in colleges and universities. Cities in Southern California have schools that offer the most programs for international students.
  
• Urban areas - Particularly in the coastal states of the US, there are many smaller cities with a variety of four-year and two-year postsecondary schools.

Climate can also play an important role in how much a student enjoys their experience studying abroad. In northern states like Wisconsin, Montana, Michigan or North Dakota, temperatures can be bitterly cold (and in some, humid) for months on end. In Washington and Oregon, rain can dominate weather patterns for most of the year. Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico are arid states, and Southeastern states can have exceedingly hot, humid temperatures for six months out of the year, and can have hurricane activity. Texas, Kansas and Nebraska are primarily wide, flat open plains, and see frequent active tornadoes in the summer.

Cost Considerations

Tuition, fees, housing and food are the four major expenses associated with college-levels studies in the US. Rates can vary widely, without necessarily reflecting the quality of education received, so it is best to include cost as part of the decision-making process, but not as the primary determining factor.

Tuition costs and fees are determined mostly by:

• Whether a school is public or private (private schools are often significantly more expensive)
• If a school is a four-year college or university, or a two-year vocational school or community college
• The type of degree sought - associate's, undergraduate or graduate
• A particular program's reputation and demand
• The cost of educating students in some fields, such as chemistry or information technology, can be higher than teaching philosophy or human development
• How much financial support a state or city gives public schools
• Demographics - location of the school, number of students, size of surrounding community (metro/urban/suburban/rural), and local economics
• Quality of facilities, labs, transportation and available amenities

Financial aid opportunities also vary according to these determinants, although most financial support for students from other countries comes from family, their home country, or sometimes international organizations.

Other major costs to take into consideration include:

• Housing - On-campus housing is available at most four-year schools, and can offer significant cost savings over off-campus living, but may be difficult to get into due to demand. Affordable housing close to campus can be hard to find as well in some communities. Most living arrangements require a deposit equal to at least one month's rent, an application fee, and shared bills. Rent costs vary greatly depending on location, demand and economic factors.
  
• Food - Campus meal programs, which are paid once a semester, allow students to eat without concern for the costs of individual meals, and offer a wide selection of choices. Most communities surrounding campuses abound with inexpensive grocery stores and restaurants. Still, students who live off campus can expect to spend on average $200 - $400 a month for food and household goods.
  
• Transportation - Choosing a school that is within 50 miles of an international airport could save significantly on travel costs for students who plan to fly to and from their home country several times a year, or plan to travel within the US frequently by air. Other significant costs can include parking fees, bus or subway passes, or renting, purchasing or maintaining a car.
  
• Educational Resources - Textbooks, course materials, Internet access for online learning, lab fees, required software, and equipment such as calculators, drafting tools, paints or cameras for photography can amount to a substantial budgetary commitment. Some programs will require significantly more investment in these resources than others.

Reputation and Quality

Postsecondary educational institutions and programs in the US are evaluated by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) according to rigorous quality standards. International students are required to attend a school and program that has been awarded CHEA or USDE accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission can sometimes dash the hopes of a student who believes a chosen program is well-suited for him or her. It is best to consider these restrictions as early in the decision-making process as possible.

Some schools and programs (usually those that are in demand, offer training for a high-paying career, or are well-respected) can have high standards for admission. They may expect portfolios of academic work, proof of exceptional performance in previous schooling, and high scores on aptitude tests including the TOEFL, which measures fluency in English. Many programs are more accommodating, though, and typically require a well-written essay and average or above average academic performance and test scores.

Features

Individual programs within a field of study can emphasize different approaches, disciplines, methods and practical education. For example, a social work program may be geared towards preparing students to pass a test for state licensure, or emphasize policy making instead. A well-defined, well-marketed program clearly identifies what differentiates it from other programs.

Amenities

Large campuses often offer athletic complexes, medical facilities, entertainment venues, and a host of coordinated activities and student groups. Smaller schools frequently arrange for student amenities in the surrounding community. The student union / student center of a campus can be an excellent resource for a complete list of these amenities.

Some colleges and universities offer a broad selection of social activities and programs specifically designed to enhance the experience of international students, while others offer a minimum if any. Frequently the kinds of resources, depth of available information, and number of staff in a school's International Studies department is an indicator of how committed the school is to supporting visiting students.

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