6 Common Misconceptions
About US Colleges and Universities by Varnika Dhyani
US higher education is world-renowned and international students come to America for school every year, but there are some misconceptions that need debunking.
W
hen thinking about studying abroad or apply- ing to an American university, our minds rush to some of the best educational insti-
tutions in the world. But there are several notions that have stuck with international students when it comes to US higher education. While deciding to study abroad, misconceptions can cloud your judgment, and you may feel slightly frightened. These misconceptions are not only harmful to the prestige of these great universities but could also affect your future career if you choose not to pursue this opportunity. Thus, it’s very important to address some of the most common misconceptions international students have about studying at American colleges and universities.
1. Study abroad is expensive Attending an American university might appear to be expensive compared to studying in your own country, owing to the US’s world-renowned reputation in higher education. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pay it all on your own. There are need- and merit-based scholarships (often specifically for international stu- dents) that will take some of the financial burden off your shoulders. You can also consider looking into public universities and community colleges, as there’s typically a large difference in tuition costs compared to private universities. You shouldn’t worry about fees just yet; instead, focus on building an academic and extra- curricular profile to get the best scholarships.
Articles & Advice
2. You’ll feel left out and isolated When it comes to studying abroad, there always lies the fear of missing out and not being included in friend groups. As an international student, you may fear you’ll end up alone and isolated due to being a different ethnicity and having different cultural norms. Likely to your surprise, American universities have quite a good percentage of international students coming from var- ied backgrounds to their campuses each year. There are also student cultural societies and other campus resources universities offer so you don’t feel left out. You’ll find on most US campuses that students are humble and practice inclusivity. You’ll come out of the experience with great friends for life. Just make sure
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