Study in The United States of America (USA)

The United States of America (USA) is the world’s greatest economic and military power possessing an invincible global concern and global reach. Every ambitious youth sees the USA as a land of opportunities and dreams for a US degree. It bears the world’s largest population of international students. In 2019, more than one million international students enrolled in American colleges for higher-level education which makes up to 5.5% of the total student body in the country and the number is just growing. (MPI, 2021)

The overwhelming influx of students and immigrants from around the world makes the USA a country of colourful cultural mix and traditions. Besides, the bluegrass and beaches, snow-covered peaks and redwood forests, food-loving cities and wide-open skies, enormous supermarkets and huge skyscrapers further add to the great American experience. Until the 19th and 20th century, the USA had 13 states to which 37 states were added, making the total number of states to 50. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia are five of the largest cities in the country you may visit. The USA boasts various mesmerizing destinations for visit-the most urban life of New York and Chicago, the natural wonders of Yellowstone and Alaska to the sunny beaches of California, Florida and Hawaii being some of the real escapes.

Washington, D.C is the capital city of the USA. Located on the Potomac River bordering two states, Maryland and Virginia, it is named after George Washington, the first President of the nation and a Founding Father.

Language and culture

The American Declaration of Independence states that “all people are created equal” which is ingrained in cultural values people portray. They equally believe in independence and enjoy the concept of individualism. Shaking hands is the usual form of greetings and people are very informal and direct in conversation. Initially, the relaxed and informal atmosphere might not be usual for you. But, in no time you will realize you have attuned and adapted amongst entirely new faces.

English is the main spoken language and if you know a little of Spanish, French or Chinese, trips to some states would be more fun. Besides the political or historical background, diverse ethnicity, religious beliefs and traditions have entitled the USA with quite a number of public holidays. Christmas (24/25 December), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday every November), Halloween (31st October) and Independence Day (4th July) are some of the major celebrations for you to get involved and live up to unique American traditions.

Food is the central part in most of the celebrations where family and friends come together and enjoy dishes, traditional recipes and cuisines. Over the years, recipes from around the globe have entered into the US kitchens making the American cuisine as varied and unique as the country itself.  You will find so many delicious options to choose from. A local taste of the burger, pizza, apple and key lime pie and barbeque will lead you to some real tastes and help you immerse yourself in the American way of life.

Additionally, it has rich and wide-ranging climatic conditions. In terms of temperatures and precipitation, the territory deals with huge differences. The northwest is predominantly wet, the southwest fairly wet and the central part is dry and warm. Travelling to the USA in spring or autumn is comparatively a good idea; of course, you have to prepare for rainy winters and rather warm summers.

Travel

Laying back and thinking of moving around the country may seem challenging as an international student. But in fact, travelling is very comfortable and safe in the USA. You just need to identify the means you would travel by from and around the place you live. Airplane, trains and subway, bus, waterways (boats), metro, taxi, or rental cars are at your footsteps through apps as well as online reservation systems. Public transportation is well organized and domestic flights are affordable. You can even opt for a bicycle to move around your campus and local area that turns to be relatively inexpensive as well.

The USA offers you an opportunity to travel to different places and lifetime experiences to embrace. You may visit some of the world’s iconic attractions. Niagara Falls on the border of the US and Canada, Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, Central Park in New York and Hollywood hills in Los Angeles are just a few you won’t want to miss.