European Student Experiences Studying in the USA

Did you know that more than one million international students select the United States for their higher studies? The potential reasons for choosing the US universities include their excellent educational facilities, program diversity, immense scope of internships and research programs, funding programs, etc. Along with this, one gets to experience cultural diversity as the US hosts multiple courses that attract souls worldwide.

What does it mean for European students to study in the US? Do US universities provide ample opportunities for European students to establish their career goals? As per recent studies, the US continues to be one of the favourites for European students as the US universities are globally ranked and offer exceptional education, world-class faculty, culturally rich environment, diversity in curriculum and courses, great employability rates, scholarships, internships from globally recognised brands, etc. 

There are post-study options for foreign graduates in the US, which help international students extend their stay in the country. However, the US has strict visa criteria and eligibility requirements for European students. Checking these rules before filing the visa application is mandatory to avoid rejection. 

Benefits of Studying in the USA 

Why study at U.S. universities? What does this country have to offer to European students? Let's explore the top benefits of studying in the U.S.:

Quality Education and Prestigious Universities

Structured curriculum, excellent career opportunities, and diverse programs are available for European students in the U.S. With exceptional teaching methodologies, U.S. universities are among the best options for completing your higher education. These universities are keen on maintaining their curriculum standards and global ranking in the educational world, eventually leading to higher employment rates for their international aspirants. 

One of the critical reasons why the U.S. ranks higher in the education world is its IVY league colleges. As per the Q.S. World University Ranking, some of the top universities and colleges are from the U.S. Let's get an overview of the top IVY league schools here available for European students:

1. Harvard University, founded in 1636, is the country's oldest institution of higher education. The university comprises ten academic faculties, along with the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. The Harvard alums include personalities who have won 10 Academy Awards, around 110 Olympic medals, founders of giant brands and companies, Nobel laureates, 8 U.S. presidents, 188 living billionaires, Marshall Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, Fulbright Scholars, etc.
   
2. Yale University, established in 1701 by the Congregationalist clergy of the Connecticut Colony, is the third oldest institution in the U.S. It is also one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the famous American Revolution. The notable alumni of Yale include John C. Calhoun, William Howard Taft, Gerald Ford, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Henry Louis Gates, Josiah Willard Gibbs, Paul Krugman, Reinhold Niebuhr, Jonathan Edwards, Florence B. Seibert, etc.
   
3. Princeton University is the fourth oldest institution. It was founded in 1746 and is governed by the Trustees of Princeton University. It has the country's largest endowment per student, around $37.7 billion. The university offers undergraduate and graduate courses in social sciences, humanities, engineering, natural sciences, etc. Around 75 Nobel laureates, 16 Turing Award laureates, and 16 Fields Medalists come from this prestigious institution. Princeton's alum body also comprises 217 Rhodes Scholars, 5 Abel Prize awardees, 137 Marshall Scholars, two U.S. presidents, three Secretaries of Defense, etc.
   
4. The University of Pennsylvania has four undergraduate and 12 graduate and professional schools, established in 1749. It is the fifth oldest institution in the U.S. and has an endowment of $ 20.7 million. No wonder this one is the sixth-wealthiest private academic institution, as reported in 2022. Did you know that Penn has alumni who won 17 Grammy Awards, 13 Academy Awards, 53 Tony Awards, 25 Emmy Awards, 81 Olympic medals, etc? It also comprises eight signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, 3 U.S. Supreme Court justices, 163 U.S. House of Representatives members, 3 Presidents of the United States, 28 State Supreme Court justices, 46 governors, nine foreign heads of state, etc.
   

Some other reputed universities in the U.S. are Cornell University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Duke University, University of Chicago, etc.

Diverse Cultural Exposure

One of the primary reasons the USA attracts international students is global exposure. European students get the opportunity to mingle with people from diverse backgrounds, teaching them to appreciate cultural differences. People from all over the world have been in this country since the 17th century. The largest groups here include Chinese, European, Indian, Filipino, Mexican, etc. Due to such variations in race, language, culture, and lifestyles, students have incredible experiences while completing their education in the USA. 

Career Opportunities and Networking

The land of opportunities offers incredible European student experiences studying in the USA. Regarding career opportunities, some of the biggest brands are available in this country to provide excellent jobs to students. Whether you are inclined to the fields of engineering, medicine, education, or healthcare, you can find ample jobs and lucrative offers here. Even part-time and full-time jobs are available for international students still pursuing their courses in US universities. Some of this country's most demanding career opportunities include digital marketing specialist, web developer, registered nurse, project manager, data scientist, cyber security engineer, software engineer, investment banker, pilot, IT manager, etc.

Networking plays a significant role in shaping the international student experiences in the USA. It helps the students to expand their interactions with peers and faculty who can assist with job referrals in the future. Building healthy personal and professional relationships with the people around them helps the students to get recognised by potential recruiters of many giant brands during their university visits. Also, such engagements enable the students to stay in touch with the latest industry developments and other business strategies. 

End-to-End College Campus Experience

One of the USPs of studying at US universities is that they specialise in providing end-to-end college experience to their international students. They are keen on identifying the challenges these students face so that they can offer them customised facilities to meet their specific expectations and needs. Some of the effective ways these universities help the international students to blend in this new environment seamlessly are:

• Orientation programs are essential for international students as these are customised to meet the student requirements related to campus facilities, academic policies, and adjustment strategies to grow networks and build connections with peers and people.
• A dedicated team of university experts get ready with the pre-arrival orientation programs to help the students get adequate information to make a smooth transition to campus life. Such information includes details about visa applications, housing types, travel plans and arrangements, academic programs, cultural diversity, etc.
• Most universities will have international student facilities that can offer appropriate assistance regarding academic programs, immigration details, required resources and support to help international students adjust to the cultural differences around them.
• Universities offer on-campus facilities to international students. However, they also have student groups that can help you get off-campus accommodation information and find relevant housing options to support students settling into the new environment without any barriers.
• For a smooth transition, the universities also offer English language support facilities to master the courses and academic programs and find conversation partners to improve language proficiency. 
• Explore the cultural events and attend workshops the colleges and US universities organise. This can help international students engage with American cultural identities and foster healthy cross-cultural relationships with the community.
• Wellness resources are another great initiative by US universities that can help international students quickly access healthcare services like medical clinics, health insurance, counselling services, etc. It enables the students to take care of their mental well-being.
• Engage in community activities like volunteer activities, campus clubs, etc., to build professional relationships and network with your peers, thereby getting the opportunity to enhance the campus experience.

Top 3 reasons why our students love studying in the USA

We have surveyed and interviewed over 200 students studying in the US guided by us and our sister company UNI Student Advisors, and we found that there are the 4 most common reasons mentioned by European students for studying in the US, though a large amount of them has also cited the practical approach to education as being one of the main reasons why they chose the United States for their studies.

Out of the 231 students we have interviewed and surveyed, all of them mentioned the opportunity to meet students and friends with different backgrounds and cultures as one of the top 3 benefits of studying in the US.

We also found that 221 of them mentioned the career opportunities as one of the top 3 benefits of studying in the US: many of them highlighted the importance of being proactive and starting to apply for internships early on during your degree program to maximise the job opportunities after graduation.

Of the 231 students surveyed, almost 60% of them mentioned the university campuses and the overall student life as one of the top 3 benefits of studying in the US.

Finally, the quality of American universities and their practical approach were also commonly referred to as the top 3 benefits of studying in the US.  

Challenges Faced by European Students 

Adapting to American classroom culture might only sometimes be a cakewalk for all. With high hopes and excitement, thousands of international students set foot on American soil to fulfil their career aspirations. However, embarking on such a journey isn't always easy and comes with many challenges. 

From the laborious and time-consuming visa application process to getting accustomed to the American culture and customs, European students often find themselves on a lifetime transformation journey that can be entertaining, enthusiastic, thrilling and daunting. How? Let's find out here:

Cultural Adjustment

College life for European students in the USA is full of excitement and challenges. One of the biggest problems many international students face in this country is adapting to the varied cultures and customs. Moving to a whole new country with different social norms can be challenging. Sometimes, making eye contact in a few cultures might be considered rude, while it may be a symbol of respect for some. Similarly, adapting to communication differences can be tricky, often leading to misinterpretations. 

Another struggle often faced by international students is food. The situation worsens when one needs to adjust to different food choices depending on one's dietary restrictions. Even the holidays and other festivals celebrated here might sometimes differ from those in Europe. In such cases, students must make special adjustments to commemorate these occasions away from home, too. 

Education System Differences

One of the common challenges European students face in the USA is the distinct curriculum differences here. In the case of European countries like the UK, children start their schooling at the age of four, while it is slightly late for the students in the US. 

Different European countries have their education system with pre-defined curricula and courses. For example, the National Curriculum is followed in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and the UK. It starts in the state primary schools and can continue until the state secondary education. General Certificate of Secondary Education or GCSEs are held at the secondary level. 

In the US education system, students attend part-time preschool, followed by elementary, middle, and high school. The system here focuses less on the exams while helping students work on their social skills, basic maths, and English capabilities. Generally, a high school diploma is awarded to the students at the end of Grade 12, while GPA or Grade Point Average is considered for college applications.

Financial Considerations

To study abroad in the USA, one must be very clear about the financial challenges often faced by international students. The entire journey gets slightly expensive for the students, from accommodation to paying the tuition fees. That is why it is advisable to start investing wisely to secure extra income for the future. Proper planning and economic awareness can help you deal with financial hassles while motivating the younger generation to focus on their skills and not always their position.

It must be mentioned that, while they are very expensive, American universities offer incredible scholarships to international students. For example, there are several need-blind universities for international students, which means that the university will meet whatever scholarship and financial aid package the student can show is needed to pay for the studies. Typically, you will need to fill out an external application to apply for need-based financial aid.

Visa and Immigration Process

Typically, the country issues three primary student visas: J, F and M. The F-1 Student Visa is issued for students who aspire to study at any accredited U.S. college or university or to pursue English at any English language institute. The J-1 Exchange Visa is issued for those keen on the exchange program. The M-1 Student Visa is meant for those pursuing vocational, study, or non-academic training in the U.S. 

For valid student visas, one must apply to the Department of Homeland Security at the port of entry. DS-2019 document refers to the J-Visas and Students' Form I-20 document, which allows students to maintain their student visa status in the country, even if the visa expires during the course. 

The U.S. institutions need to be certified by the Department of Homeland Security SEVP or designated by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to issue the I-20 or DS-2019 documentation for student visas. Generally, separate entities manage and monitor the arrival and status of international students in the U.S. 

The U.S. Department of State is known for the initial visa application process. However, once the student with a valid visa arrives in the country, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will act as the responsible agency for granting and monitoring the entry of the visa holder into the country. It also acts as the enforcing immigration body that governs the activities and status of international student visas in the U.S. 

Visa Application

How do I apply for a student visa in the U.S.? There are several steps involved, which might differ depending on the U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

• To apply for a visa, visit the official site at https://www.usembassy.gov/ and find your relevant country.
  
  
• Complete the visa application online. Select the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. It is mandatory to understand the form to complete the application procedure successfully. Once completed online, print the application form confirmation page for your visa interview.
  
  
• Upload a recent visa photo for completing the online Form DS-160, maintaining the strict format as specified by the visa regulations.
  
  
• Once the procedure is done, the visa interview must be scheduled depending on your age. For those 13 years and younger, the visa interview isn't required. However, it is required for people aged 14 to 79 years. Schedule the interview at the nearest Consulate or U.S. Embassy in your country.
  
  
• Pay the visa application fees and prepare for the interview with appropriate documentation to avoid any hassles later.

Maintaining Visa Status

Maintaining legal immigration status in the U.S. is crucial for every international student. 

• Be clear about the I-20 expiration date and get a travel signature before departing the U.S. If you change the major, degree level, or funding source, you must bring a new I-20. In case of changes in the major field of study, degree level (such as transitioning from a bachelor's to a master's program), or funding source (such as switching from self-funded to receiving a scholarship), the student needs to request a new Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO) to reflect these changes. The updated Form I-20 ensures that the student's immigration records accurately reflect their ongoing academic and financial status. Since the process is pretty lengthy, it is advisable to start early.
• To maintain your status, enrol in full classes each spring and fall semester. Undergraduates need at least 12 credit hours each semester, while graduates need 8 credit hours per semester. However, these standard minimum credit hours are required for the undergraduate and graduate courses. This can vary depending on the type of college, course, and other factors. For example, the College of Letters and Science of UC Berkeley may require at least 13 credits per semester for PGs. 
• If you are planning to work, get authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service or OIA, except for on-campus jobs. 
• For on-campus jobs, the F-1 visa holders might not require any specific authorization from USCIS, provided they adhere to their institution's restrictions and regulations and maintain their full-time student status.
• For off-campus jobs like Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), or economic hardship employment, the F-1 students need authorization from USCIS, and OIA plays a significant role. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) at the university can provide guidance and assistance with the application process, but ultimately, the authorization comes from USCIS.  
• In case of an address change, update the same within ten days, even if it is a temporary change. 
• Always have a valid passport, and contact the embassy immediately if it expires soon. This is crucial for every international student to maintain legal status in the United States
• Students are granted a sixty-day grace period following the completion of their course of the Optional Practical Training. This is the time duration till when you will be asked to leave the country. One can extend their stay if they continue with higher education or plan relevant jobs in the country. The grace period eventually removes the F-1 status, and opting for another degree program or applying for a job won’t extend your stay in the country beyond this period. That is why one needs to take immediate action to maintain legal status in the USA. Plan your action during the last semester of your current program and use this grace period to change your visa status as early as possible. If you aspire to look for jobs during this period, change your legal status with the help of your employer to avoid overstaying your authorised period of stay.

Life on Campus and Beyond 

If you aspire to complete your overseas education in the United States, prepare for the incredible life on campus and beyond those boundaries. Mostly, the USA universities believe in campus policy. They are keen on promoting an inclusive environment to help the students reach out to the faculty, establish healthy relationships with their peers, grow their network, and work in the labs and other necessary facilities for all-rounder development. 

Such establishments are ideal for international students as they help create a strong student community on campus. Moreover, the availability of strict rules and campus police make such an environment highly secure for the students. However, real life starts when you go on exploring beyond the boundaries of your college. Run across the city limits or roam around the country's stunning natural landscapes on your weekends to get the much-needed vibe of the countryside. Road trips and cultural experiences will be integral to your student life in the US.

Along with these, one needs to be early with the accommodation choices. You can select from the dormitory-style accommodation where you get to share the room with other students, or you might want to go to the off-campus apartments. Many foster families open their doors for international students to feel like a home away from one. 

Success Stories and Testimonials

How to determine the right place to complete your higher education in the States? Definitely, you can do so by learning about the European student perspectives on studying in the USA. Let’s check out a few success stories of the international students in this country:

• Veronica, a student of ours whom we have guided in the admission process to the best undergraduate programs in International Relation and, later, in the admission process to two of the best masters in the world for international relations said that her top 3 reasons why she loved studying in the US are “the job and internship opportunities, the practical approach to teaching by American universities, and the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.” We helped Veronica get admission to American University and many other institutions for her Bachelor’s Degree and we have helped her secure offers from Columbia and John’s Hopkins for her Master degree

• Christian, a student of ours who is currently completing his Master’s Degree at Florida Tech in the US says that his top three reasons for studying in the US are “the overall personal development from living and studying so far from home, the great career opportunities, and of course meeting people from all over the world.
  
  
• Gabriele, a student of ours who has received our help to gain admission to the best PhDs for Muscle regeneration worldwide, says that what he loves most about the US is the “meritocratic system: in Italy you never know if the person who will be chosen for a PhD made it alone or with the help of his/her network, while in the US I do not feel like that”. He also mentioned the very high amount of “grants offered to researchers like him” and, of course, the great job opportunities that await him after graduation. We helped Gabriele gain admission to Stanford, Florida, Buffalo and many others

Conclusion

Whether you love to explore the world of cutting-edge technology or want to pursue your artistic talents, US universities offer it all. From incredible funding options to diverse courses and extraordinary cultural experiences, one can get it all here. The USA provides a unique environment with vibrant cultural experiences ideal for overall self-development and learning for international students. 

So, European students not only gain from world-class faculty but also get to explore terms of innovation, ideas and cultures. If you want to open the doors to better job opportunities while expanding your global network, start planning to complete your higher education in the USA. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for European students in the USA?

The basic admission requirements for European students in the USA include:

• Completion of bachelor’s degree or high school diploma or the country’s equivalent
• English language proficiency test scores
• Academic transcripts from previous educational institutes
• A personal essay and statement of purpose
• Passport copy
• Financial proof to cover the living expenses and tuition fees
• Letters of recommendation
• Visa application fees

The entire visa process is lengthy and time-consuming. That is why it is advisable to start arranging the documents along with other academic records as early as possible.

How do I apply for a student visa to study in the USA as a European student?

A European student must apply for a student visa to study in the US. Start your journey by selecting the right university as per the choice of course, and check out their admission criteria thoroughly. Once you submit all required documentation, it will be time to select the type of student visa for the US. Select from F-1, J-1, and M-1, depending on your student visa requirements. File the visa application, select the interview date and pay the application fees to get started with your visa approval. 

What are the common challenges European students face when studying in the USA?

The common challenges often faced by European students in the US are:

• Cultural differences in US universities
• Financial constraints
• Language barriers
• Culture shock
• Climatic changes
• Accommodation problems
• Homesickness
• Academic problems
• Curriculum differences
• Health concerns
• Differences in learning-teaching methodologies
• Loneliness

Are there scholarships available for European students in the USA?

Yes, US colleges offer several billion $ in scholarships and financial aid to European students every year. There are three major types of scholarships and financial aid European students can access:

1. Merit-based financial aid: these are offered primarily on the academic merits of the students, shown with their GPA and admission exams scores, but most scholarships will also take into account extracurricolar activities and professional experiences when deciding which students will receive them. Merit-based financial aid is offered both by private universities, public universities as well as external agencies. Universities such bas Duke and University of Connecticut, with whom we at Unify Apply have an amazing partnership, are examples of universities that offer full merit-based scholarships to European students
2. Athletic Scholarships: these are offered based on the abilities of students in specific sports. US colleges offer more than $3 billion in athletic scholarships every year, making it a paradise for competitive athletes from Europe, as usually many Higher Education systems in Europe do not give students enough time to engage in sports due to the very high workload. There are 24 NCAA-sponsored sports and over 2000 universities in the US offering athletic scholarships to European students.
3. Need-based financial aid: this aid is offered exclsuively based on the financial abilities of the student and his family, and it requires students to fill out seperate application and submit financial documents such as bank statements and tax returns. These scholarships can range from a few thousand $s to covering the full cost of tuition fees, room and board, books and, in some cases, even the flights to and from your home country. There are two types of universities that offer need-based financial aid: need-aware universities and need-blind universities. The second type are preferrable because your financial needs cannot negatively impact your application.

Here are some other scholarships available for international students in the U.S.A: Foreign Fulbright Student Program, The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, MPOWER Financing, The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship, Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program, Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program, Illinois State University International Awards, Michigan State University International Scholarships, University of Oregon International Scholarships, etc. 

Unify Apply has helped our students receive more than $15M in scholarships and financial aid.

What is the cost of living for European students in the USA?

The overall cost of living in the U.S. as an international student depends on your living preferences, location, travel, accommodation, etc. However, typically it costs around $10,000 to $18,000 yearly and $1000 to $1500 monthly. 

What is the process for transferring credits from European universities to American universities?

Check out the rules and eligibility criteria for transferring credits from any European university to the U.S.A. institutions. Provide all the required documents, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, course descriptions, etc., to complete the credit transfer. Review all the transfer admission requirements, including G.P.A. requirements, English proficiency tests, etc. The university will be evaluating the international transcripts to determine the eligibility. The university will always inform the students about the credits eligible for transfer and acceptance for the degree program. 

What cultural differences should European students be aware of when studying in the USA?

Some of the cultural differences to learn before studying in the U.S.A. are:

• The deep root of independence, which adds to the individuality of every soul
• Treasuring time, as Americans believe that time is money
• Strong work ethics where Americans are keen on putting extra effort in completing their projects to meet expectations
• Americans are firm believers in respecting each other’s space and privacy
• Personal hygiene is a must for everyone, especially fresh teeth and pleasing body odour
• A friendly environment where everyone is respected and valued irrespective of gender, race, etc. 

How can European students make the most of their study abroad experience in the USA?

The best ways to make the most of your study abroad experience in the U.S.A. is by:

• Exploring beyond your line of study
• Getting involved with your peers and campus life
• Building up a strong resume and expanding your network
• Gain valuable skills by engaging in on-campus part-time job opportunities
• Take the opportunity to travel across the country to discover cultural diversity and learn more about other people 

What are the job opportunities for European students after graduating from a US university?

European students have multiple job opportunities after graduating from the best U.S. universities. Some occupations that offer excellent career options include Human Resources, Engineering, Medicine, Healthcare, Teaching, Investment Banking, Sales and Marketing, Civil Engineering, Opticians, Dieticians, Pharmacists, Audiologists, etc.