Future international students should consider many factors when choosing a global university.
Shah, who received his bachelor's degree in chemistry in May, 20 19, said: "UNI enjoys a good reputation in the central and western regions because of its excellent education, abundant opportunities and quiet campus environment. He intends to apply for a master's degree in biology from the same school.
Choosing to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States or Europe may be a difficult decision, but it is helpful to understand the key differences. The following are some factors for future international students to consider the differences between American and European bachelor's degree programs:
Time length and cost
primary
Types of schools and courses
campus life
? When comparing higher education in Europe and America, one factor that needs to be weighed is how long it takes to get a degree. American universities tend to provide breadth and need general education courses to expose students to various fields, while most European universities provide depth and focus on specific research fields.
Markus Mandl, the chief marketing officer, wrote in an email, "Students studying for a bachelor's degree in Europe can usually complete a degree in a very specific subject within three years, while a degree in the United States takes four years to complete, which provides more flexibility." Holt offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and has campuses in Boston, San Francisco and London, offering a bachelor's degree in business administration.
But not all American bachelor's degrees take four years. Some can be completed quickly through summer courses and college credits (such as pre-university or AP exam scores) obtained in high school, so that students can obtain a bachelor's degree in less than four years. On the contrary, Christie Cesany, director of international enrollment and enrollment at the University of Northern Iowa, said that it may take more than four years for students to graduate "due to the change or increase of majors, unexpected problems or opportunities, such as research or studying abroad".
The length of the degree also causes the cost problem. When comparing American universities with European schools, the cost may be quite different.
For example, according to the school website, the tuition and miscellaneous fees for international undergraduates at the University of Northern Iowa in 2020-202/KLOC-0 were 19480, while the tuition fees at the University of California at Berkeley in the same year were $47,602.
? There are also differences in the choice of majors between American and European universities.
"The United States provides students with great flexibility and freedom. Although freshmen will still identify a field of interest, most bachelor's degree courses include general education courses, which gives students time and opportunities to explore different fields and confirm their commitment to specific fields, "Major Marchesani said.
Shah said he was grateful for the extra time.
Shah said: "Studying an undeclared major in a university allows you to grow and learn while making lifelong career decisions." "It provides a smooth transition period. You can look at the world and decide what you want to do, instead of deciding first and then regretting."
Marchesani said that although students in American schools can diversify their courses by adding additional majors or minor majors, in most European universities, "students must apply for specific degree courses and start studying this field immediately."
This is very effective for Neel Rajendrakumar Patel, an Indian, who knows that he wants to study for a bachelor's degree in business administration. He graduated from American Business School in Paris in 20 19 with a BBA degree, and is currently studying for an MBA program in this school.
Patel said that his undergraduate courses made him proficient in accounting, business and consumer law, e-commerce, global supply chain, import and export, trade and taxation. He believes that these two projects have helped him prepare for "career opportunities in the international arena in the fields of management, digital marketing, corporate financing and trade".
? Schools and Course Types Both the United States and Europe have long-established institutions of higher education. But when international students compare their choices, they will notice the differences between schools and course types. For example, there are hundreds of liberal arts colleges in the United States, while there are only a few in Europe.
"Many students studying in the United States are attracted by various institutions. In the United States, students can study in large public research institutions, small private liberal arts institutions, urban or rural institutions, "said Cheryl Matherly, vice president and vice provost of international affairs at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.
Michael Peak, Senior Education Advisor of the British Council, said that in a popular European destination, Britain, students will find universities with close ties to business and industry, which are located in four countries, from the city center to the Scottish Highlands. He said that British universities offer courses in a range of disciplines and minority majors. Another advantage, he said, is that the shorter course duration reduces the cost of study and provides an opportunity to enter graduate courses or the job market earlier.
Experts say that there may not be many courses taught in English in Europe, so future international students should realize that they may have to learn their mother tongue.
Patel's undergraduate courses are taught entirely in English. He said that studying in France gave him the opportunity to learn French not only through interaction with other students in books or classes, but also through contact with languages in daily life.
? Campus life Finally, when comparing American and European bachelor's degrees, future international students should also consider the differences in campus life.
"European universities, especially those in the northeast of Europe, do offer the possibility of campus accommodation, but there is no strong campus culture, so students are usually more inclined to integrate into urban life," said odlum, head of the Office of International Studies. Ra？ Coskeene? At kaunas University of Science and Technology, he wrote in an email.
Bl？ Ss said that especially in continental Europe, few universities concentrate all or most of their activities on one campus, and students rarely live directly on campus. He said that student dormitories can be seen everywhere and are close to the campus, but they can be located anywhere in the city, and the departments of universities may also be located in different parts of the city.
"For example, the University of Hamburg has a large central campus, but various departments are scattered throughout the city. This also means that students may have to go back and forth between lectures, which is very common in Europe, "he said.
Matherly said that in contrast, American higher education is usually characterized by a rich campus life, usually centered on dormitories, college sports, fraternity, sorority and clubs. She said that students "have formed a strong sense of identity with the campus community, and most of their social life will be carried out on campus."
Amy Hall, assistant director of international enrollment and enrollment at Kansas State University, said that from hundreds of campus resources, from academic success and international student services to student housing support and career services, "American universities have paved the way. The way students prepare for success while studying and entering their careers in the United States and elsewhere. "
Any discussion about campus life naturally includes security issues. Matz blom, a marketing expert at the University of Helsinki, said that European cities may be a safer choice for parents who may be worried about their children's safety. For example, he pointed out that the capital of Nordic countries is one of the safest capitals in the world. Most importantly, he said that students may find a higher-ranked university with much lower tuition fees.
"In the end, of course, it boils down to the student's need to find a course that suits him/her," Engblom wrote in an email. "If you want to live in the United States and have that kind of experience, then no matter how good the education is, staying in Helsinki for a few years may not be the right choice for you, and vice versa."