find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
Top 5 Reasons To Study A Postgraduate Program In The USA
Year upon year, the number of graduate students from abroad who choose to study in the USA increases, it’s a great place to continue a course of education but also offers a range of exciting experiences. The United States is one of the most popular destination for international students, but with academic excellence as standard, US universities are also a great choice for home grown talent.
Here are five reasons to study a postgraduate program at a US university:
1. World-class educational opportunities
Postgraduate degrees obtained from a US university are recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world. They are respected for the standard of teaching on offer, the research options, the transfer of knowledge and for having an international outlook. At least 15 USA universities are ranked amongst the top 20 in the world in any given year, and most of these, along with thousands of others in America, offer postgraduate level courses. With this many prestigious colleges to choose from, students can take advantage of the incredible amount of subjects on offer, with stand out programs in every discipline. Graduate and professional schools within American universities put the emphasis on employability, providing their students with access to excellent research programs and the best qualified professors in their field of interest.
2. Universities in the United States support all areas of student interest
From financial incentives like bursaries and scholarships, to practical advice and student groups that let people connect with like-minded others, US universities can enrich the life of a postgraduate student throughout their course. An active vibrant campus life is the norm for postgraduate schools, most universities have an American football team for students to cheer on, but there are a variety of other sports on offer with excellent facilities. Students with an interest in politics can carve out a niche for themselves in the student government of their college and budding journalists can contribute to the university magazine. The arts are also strongly represented, with performances staged regularly by student amateur dramatic societies and community groups.
3. Students can broaden their outlook with a postgraduate USA study program
By studying in America, international students have a chance to experience a culture that is very different to their own. Exploring an alternative way of life can build confidence and nurture excellent social skills. There are possibilities for travel to some of the world’s most stunning destinations; from the Grand Canyon, to Niagara Falls and cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles or New York. As the country is so vast, spanning a total of six time zones, the diversity in geography and culture is huge. This means that even students who were born in American can immerse themselves in new, exciting and unfamiliar surroundings, just by beginning a postgraduate program in a different state.
4. Long-term career gains
Many universities dedicate a great deal of resources into helping students with their career choices and professional development. This can enable postgraduate students to define a personal vision for their future if they are unsure about which path to follow, and give them a better chance of long-term success. Postgraduate students can attend workshops, events and one-to-one tutorials for advice on selecting the most fulfilling role in their chosen field. Furthermore, an education that takes place in an international setting is highly valued by employers, as it provides graduates with the edge when it comes to adaptability, independence and communication skills. As the global market place becomes more relevant to a number of industries, recruiters are more inclined to seek out candidates who have a working knowledge of different cultures and reliable connections within these.
5. The benefits of networking
Good networking at postgraduate level can set up relationships that provide support though each stage of a person’s career. Contacts are invaluable when students are seeking work having obtained their qualification, but also when they are employed and need to generate referrals or create interest in a new project. At an American university it’s easy to establish and maintain a network of other professional people by offering to volunteer with a relevant organisation, asking tutors for guidance, and participating in campus activities. Links with alumni and others can be made stronger through social media and business tools like LinkedIn. Many US universities have networks of past students (alumni) totalling 80,000 or more, spread over many countries, who are willing to play a mentoring role. Current students can connect with them on campus at events and conferences, or through charity days organised by the faculty.