The United States is a culturally diverse country that is literally made up of every part of the world. Being the world’s largest economy, America, has a huge global presence, and American culture is consumed all over the world led in large by its music, movies, and television shows.

According to a study by Statista, the Land of Opportunity had a staggering 948,519 international students enrolled in higher education in the United States in 2021/22. It is worthwhile to understand the reasons why the United States is the most popular study destination in the world for higher education abroad.

Global recognition: The United States is widely recognized as a world leader in higher education abroad. The Ivy League universities share a reputation for their academic excellence, incredibly selective admissions, and world-class programs.

Academic System: There are over 4500 colleges and universities that offer a vast range of majors and minors to prospective students. Interactive classroom sessions, flexibility in the curriculum, the option to explore/switch majors early in undergraduate studies, research programs, and more make the US education system very unique.

Hub of Research and Innovation:According to a Forbes report, the total research and development expenditures at American universities topped $89 billion in FY 2021. The investment in research has been a major contributor to the nation’s innovative capacity. Students gain access to cutting-edge technologies through research opportunities in universities.

Internships and Job Opportunities: Students are encouraged to apply their learning in the classroom out in the real world through internships. The internship programs are usually available in the summer semester and can prove to be a gateway for a job opportunity in the future. University career fairs draw recruiters from all industries. They are a great way to meet prospective employers and interview for entry-level positions. Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Cigna, Wal- Mart, and Vanguard are some top companies that hire for entry-level positions.

Cooperative Education or Co-ops: : International students on an F-1 visa can participate in co-op programs after obtaining work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT allows students on an F-1 visa to engage in employment in the United States as long as it is an integral part of their curriculum. Students can gain valuable work experience and earn a competitive wage during the co-op program.

Part-time work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation

Optional Practical Training: After course completion, the Optional Practical Training or OPT allows international students to work in the USA, for an initial period of 12 months. Students with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) background get to extend this by a further 2 years.

High-Quality of Life: US is a friendly and diverse place to live in. The standard of living in the US is high and it outperforms the average quality of life standards in areas of income, job opportunities, education, and environmental quality.

Strong Alumni Network: Alumni associations in the US are critical to the university’s support system. They assist the university in recruiting new students, develop mentoring relationships with students, offer scholarships, and support research through philanthropy. They can be a valuable source for getting your foot in the door after your graduation.

Travel: With each one of the fifty states having something to offer, the United States is one of the top travel destinations for tourists across the world. Towering skyscrapers, breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, amusement parks, diverse landscapes, and historical monuments – there is something for everyone.