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US Education system: Advantages and Disadvantages
In today’s article, we will have a detailed discussion on the United States education system, with a focus on its advantages and disadvantages. Even though the United States is one of the most criticized countries across the globe, it is also one of the most attractive for individuals who want to live and work abroad. Also, it is one of the best places to get higher learning.
In case you are wondering about what to consider when applying for universities in the United States, here is an overview of the things that you may or may not consider in the United States education system.
A point to note is that the information below might not reflect your position on learning in America. To you, some of the pros may be cons and vice versa. Here we are attempting to review the information from an international standpoint.
What are the Advantages of the United States Education System?
1.Diversity
With a country consisting of 50 states spreading on a whole continent, you can imagine the overwhelming range of programs and majors that are at your disposal, and, with English being the universal language, you can practically select any area of study in any university. The other positive side of the United States education system is that, with such a big potential, there is a considerable opportunity for you to get a program, which best suits your interests. Additionally, as an international student in the United States, you may find a program, which is looking for candidates from your region.
The United States education system has a lot of diversity programs that encourage learners from all over the world to apply. This is a golden chance for the student communities that belong to the underdeveloped nations to gain international experience, hence improving their quality of life in return.
In addition to this, the universities also provide different funding options so as to encourage international applications, hence filling their quota and raising their international and domestic recognition. Additionally, there is a high regard for sports education in the United States education system, and there are many scholarships aimed at developing the potential of athletes.
2.Education Flexibility
The United States education system is one of the most diverse across the globe. Learners have unlimited options on what they could study. Typically, the United States universities provide you with the possibility to experiment with different courses in the first two years of your education, unlike to European universities, where you choose a specific subject with a predefined curriculum, and you follow it throughout your studies.
This diversification in the United States education system allows you to gain a different perspective and avoid spending money on something you do not want to study. Also, it encourages you to broaden your knowledge in other fields so you could better develop your personality and skills. For example, if you are studying to be a lawyer, you might want to cover courses for public speaking, literature, reasoning, and argumentation, PR, rather than only covering courses that are directly connected to your subject.
The other interesting feature of the United States Education system is the focus on the development of an all-around state of mind. This implies that your talents are recognized and nurtured by motivating you to take part in extracurricular and outdoor activities, researches, round tables, etc. Furthermore, U.S universities offer up to date facilities and advanced technologies, which are being developed on-site and can be utilized for work on private and government projects.
3.Academic and Learner Life
Due to the high standard, many United States universities attract the best and brightest of the learners across the globe. You will have an opportunity of meeting and speaking to researchers who are on top in their respective fields, which will give you access to contacts and knowledge that you otherwise will miss.
Furthermore, visiting professors will not only read lectures but also expect you to get in touch with them to share your thoughts.
Regarding this, academic life in the United States may be more hands-on and interactive than the one in other nations. In class, learners may be expected to express their opinion, and the lecture itself is in open form. This creates a setting that tolerates dialogue and discussions.
Typically, the student life is situated mostly on the campus. The dormitories are also situated there. Usually, the campus is outside of the city or in a designated area. There, one can also get the necessary utilities, clubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Because you will be using a lot of your time on the campus, student life is considered more like a community, where you can associate with other learners; engage in different activities, clubs, and organizations.
We strongly commend you for getting involved in such activities, as they will assist you with cultural integration and will create chances for friendships, academic, and collaboration ties.
4.Global Recognition
With some exceptions, United States universities are highly regarded worldwide, and candidates with American Diplomas have better opportunities to be picked by Employers.
In a survey for the best universities in the world from 2014, 40 out of 100 universities are situated in the United States, 7 of which are in the top 10.
What are Some of the Disadvantages of the United States Education system?
1.Diversity as a Negative
Every state follows a different curriculum of courses creating learners of varying standards of education. A subject from one university may differ greatly from the same subject in another.
This creates gaps in education and in knowledge in general, which results in certain universities becoming more favored by employers and hence raising the inequality in the workforce.
2.Tuition Fees
One of the major disadvantages of the United States education is the cost. The fees are among the highest across the globe, reaching up to $50 000 per year.
3.Holistic Admission Process
Compared to other nations, the admission process in the United States is rather complicated. Learners need to have more than a good academic record so as to qualify for the top universities. They need to do well both socially and academically, taking part in activities that help the community, such as volunteer work, art, and science projects.
Participation in contests and competitions are also required.
Another side is the requirement to cover standardized tests. Most United States colleges need that you take one or more admission tests so as to qualify for their programs.
Such tests as IELTS, TOEFL, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT are not always available in other countries or online.
4.Social Benefits and Work
The greatest con of being an international scholar in the United States is the limited accessibility to benefit from programs such as healthcare, social security, or other types of benefits provided by the government for United States citizens.
In order to get social security, you will require a social security number (SSN), which is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In order to be eligible, you will require a letter from the International Social Service (ISS). To get an ISS letter, you must bring a job offer letter to ISS, indicating that you already have an employment position, regulated by the F-1 international learner visa.
As for healthcare, every university provides its own system, which may differ in standard or the provided services. Smaller colleges may provide only basic coverage for general illness, where others may provide a full package.
In any case, you are supposed to sign with the health insurance plan of your university. Once you can no longer utilize it, you can turn to the other side. Nevertheless, it is good to know that the United States doesn’t offer socialized healthcare and the treatment is very costly.
Work choices are also limited and are regulated by the F-1 international student work visa.
Conclusion
In the end, despite the high tuition costs and the bureaucratic process, the United States education system provides diverse possibilities for personal, academic, and professional growth, which are globally recognized. The education system praises personality and encourages self-sustainability. It attracts highly qualified personnel, which depends on communication with the scholar. The United States education system, even though not very diversified, provides the possibility of cultural integration where differences are welcomed, and learners live as a community.