Why US remains a top choice for Indian students

The US is a top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad due to its world-class practical application and experience that gives graduates an advantage in the global economy. The United States remains a top destination for international students and is home to 914,000+ international students belonging to more than 200 nationalities according to the 2021 Open Doors Report.

The Indian student population is around 20% of the overall international student population i.e. around 167,582 students in the 2020-2021 academic year. The US government and US higher education institutions welcome international students in person, online, and via hybrid learning methods every year.

Top 5 Reasons why the US is a Top Choice for Indian Students

The US is a top study destination that offers international students with world-class universities, top-notch student facilities, a flourishing job market, beautiful cities and parks, and a very culturally diverse population. Listed below are more reasons why the US is a top choice for Indian students:

1. Highly Acclaimed and Top-Ranked US Universities
2. Academic Flexibility
3. Career Opportunities
4. Networking Opportunities
5. Support for International Students

Highly Acclaimed and Top-Ranked US Universities

The USA is home to some of the best universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and more. International students are willing to pursue their education at these universities for the value it provides them on both personal and professional levels. Earning an educational degree from a prestigious college/ university in the US gives the student an edge over other students and makes them employable across the globe.

The academic departments and faculties at the US universities are well-funded and the classrooms are optimized to give students more success in web-based learning, utilizing computer-based tests and world-class resources, thus providing more than just theoretical knowledge.

Academic Flexibility

Top US universities provide academic flexibility to students that can help them explore their interests and different academic disciplines. Undergraduate students have the option to study a wide range of subjects before they choose a major at the end of the second year. Similarly, graduate students can customize their curriculum with elective courses and combined degrees. One is free to explore different fields of study and find a subject that resonates with them the most.

Another great feature in the US for international students is transfer admission which allows easy transfer of credits from one university to another university. Academic freedom is demonstrated in the classroom as well, where students get an opportunity to openly exchange different views and perspectives.

Students and professors share a close relationship which helps in mentoring students and establishing academic curiosity. This academic flexibility attracts Indian students to the US. Also, the student-to-faculty ratio is low, which gives an opportunity for students and teachers to connect.

Career Opportunities

The US is a top choice for Indian students as it offers a perfect mix of education and practical experience to its students. International students benefit from academic training programs such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). 

An OPT allows international students with an F-1 visa to work up to 12 months during or after the study duration. Students having STEM degrees get another 12 months and can work up to 24 months. A CPT is similar to an OPT but should be completed before graduation.

Both these options allow international students to get a better idea about the job market and make connections with potential employers. Some students also get an opportunity to work with a leading scholar in their chosen field.

Networking Opportunities

An educational degree in the US, although expensive, offers equal opportunities to get its worth. Professors offer valuable career advice and also help students in several ways to become employable. US universities host job fairs, workshops, career counseling sessions, and networking events to help boost student employability.

Several US universities also have a wide alumni network to help mentor and guide students to enter the US job market. One can also make use of the university’s career centre which is dedicated to helping students in finding the right job opportunities. The US universities rank higher than most in terms of producing the most employable according to the QS Employability rankings 2020.

Support for International Students

India is the second-largest source of international students in the US. Cultural diversity is one of the defining pillars of any US university. Students coming from various races and nationalities help universities create a productive environment for students, which in turn makes them feel comfortable and more engaged and motivated to study.

International students are provided with financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, bursaries, and tuition fee waivers which is another reason why the US is a top choice for Indian students. Resources such as dedicated international student officers are available at US universities that can assist international students with anything from cultural resources to visa and legal assistance and mental health support.