Where to Study: The United States

The United States is a popular study-abroad destination for a reason. It’s a country that is rich in its diversity, culture, educational offerings, and career opportunities. The U.S. is home to many schools that are ranked amongst the best in the world, offering a variety of degree programs. As an international student in the U.S., you can benefit from robust job opportunities — both while you are earning your degree and post-graduation. Keep reading to find out more about this exciting destination — and how the TOEFL iBT® test can help you get there.

Choose what to study

No matter what you want to study — the arts, engineering, history, business, science, and more — you can find a U.S. school that offers top-notch, highly respected programs. In fact, in a recent ranking of the top universities in the world by Times Higher Education, the U.S. held 16 of the top 25 spots. If you plan to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), then attending a school in the United States is a very desirable choice. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security recently expanded the number of STEM majors that qualify for a student work visa — there are now over 500 potential fields of study for international students.

Build your résumé

You can gain invaluable work experience in the U.S. — from internships to OPT opportunities. Internships are completed while you’re still in school and are a great way to get on-the-job experience. It’s important to note that some internships are unpaid, but in most cases (whether you are paid or not), you can earn credits toward your degree. After graduation, if you’re in the country on a F-1 student visa you can pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing you to work in your field of study for one year. If you graduate with a degree in a STEM field, you can stay in the country for up to 3 years in an OPT program, making it possible to work for one of the world’s top tech companies located in the U.S.

Location, location, location

Whether you want to live in a city or the countryside, by the beach or in the mountains, you can find it in the U.S.

Cities in the U.S. range from large (like New York City and Los Angeles) to small/medium (like Charleston and Seattle). In a city setting, you’ll find streets lined with diverse restaurants, great shopping, exciting social events, and endless arts and culture. Cities also mean easier access to public transportation, an important factor for international students to consider.

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, perhaps a school in a country setting is for you. You’ll still find plenty to do — farm-to-table dining, outdoor activities like hiking and botanical gardens, and plenty of arts and culture. Or you can opt for a school in a suburban setting — often home to smaller schools and community colleges, these areas offer a more laid-back setting with easy access to cities.

If your ideal location includes sun and sand, then you’ll want to pick a school on either the East or West Coast. For more mountainous terrain and nature-focused pursuits, look at states like Colorado, Utah and Montana. These areas are prime for winter sports, like skiing, and snowboarding. And in the other seasons, you can explore parks, forests, and hiking trails.

The U.S. experience

With its multicultural population, the U.S. provides a welcoming environment for students from other countries. Many schools have special programs, clubs, and advisors to welcome you and ease your transition to campus life.

United States colleges and universities also offer unrivaled opportunities for social and cultural exploration, as well as participation in music, the arts, sports, entertainment, and other activities. 

Get there

One of the first steps toward studying in the United States is taking an English-proficiency exam. The TOEFL iBT test is accepted by 100% of U.S. universities and is preferred by 9 out of 10. Explore accepting universities and institutions with the TOEFL Destinations Search.

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