The land of dreams and opportunities, the U.S. offers high-quality educational options for students from around the globe. Be it for the quality of education or the career prospects after graduation, the U.S. has monopolized the attention of most all study abroad aspirants. Let’s take a closer look at the world’s most preferred country for higher education.

Top 10 Reasons to study in the United States

U.S. colleges and universities are attractive to international students for many reasons. The surveys say that almost 600,000 international students are currently pursuing their higher education degrees in the U.S. Following are the top ten reasons why Nepalese students choose U.S. colleges and universities:

1. Excellent Academics

It is believed that the world’s finest higher education is available in the U.S., especially in the field of technology. U.S. degrees are accepted across the world and are considered to be among the most prestigious.

2. High-Quality Research

If research is your passion, the U.S. is the right choice. There are numerous research opportunities in every field that allow students to gain practical experience during their studies. In addition, due to funding from the U.S. government and public and private corporations, students who work as research assistants often receive a waiver of tuition fees and are provided with a stipend to help with their living expenses.

3. Flexibility in Course Curriculum Offerings

In addition to their major field of study and courses, students often have the option to take courses (called “electives”) in other subject areas, based on their interests. In addition, the selection of course offerings at most colleges and universities is very large and diverse. Sometimes students may even be able to “cross-register” or take courses at other nearby universities as part of their degree program.

4. Financial Assistance

In some situations, financial assistance is provided to international students. Most of the universities financially support international students either in the form of providing teaching or research assistantships. These assistantships are based on academic merit, rather than financial need. Awarded students will receive stipends, and/or either partial or full tuition waivers. In some cases, a student’s education could turn out to be completely free if the student exhibits exceptional skills in his or her field of study. Students also have the opportunity to receive grants, loans, and scholarships from various organizations

5. On-Campus Work Opportunities

Most colleges and universities allow international students to work on their campus as part-time employees. Students who are on F-1 student visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week in the summer or vacation periods. The students are usually paid an hourly rate (usually from US$ 8.00-US$15.00 an hour), and their earnings help to cover their living expenses. Students are placed in jobs based on their financial need and personal skills and experience. For example, an English major may be placed at the university library, while someone who has a lifeguard certification may be placed at the campus Aquatic Center.

6. Internships

Students are allowed to work as interns in their respective academic fields outside of the campus during summer vacation. There are internship programs during the academic year as well. Internships are a valuable part of education as they help students gain practical experience while taking classes. Most universities also offer academic credit for internship experience.

7. Job Opportunities / Professional Training

Once students complete their degrees, they are authorized to work full-time for one year in a related field in order to gain practical experience. (As of 2008, students in certain fields can extend this to 17 months.) This program is called the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Many talented students are hired as permanent employees after they complete their OPT period by securing sponsorship from their employers for an H-1 visa. The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Accounting, or Marketing. Students may continue their work without leaving the U.S. after the status change approval.

8. International Student Affairs Offices

Most all U.S. colleges and universities have an international student affairs office with advisors who provide extraordinary support to international students to help them navigate the sometimes confusing university and immigration bureaucracy and to get the most out of their educational experience. In addition to immigration and academic advising, these offices also often host events and workshops to help international students meet other students and get involved in campus life.

Australia is one of the top study destinations with an excellent education system. With 8 out of 120 World’s Top Universities and 5 out of 30 Best Student Cities in the World, Australia is home to over 1100 institutions offering a wide range of programs.

According to statistics, 35 Australian universities are among the world’s best-ranked universities. The country spends up to 250 million dollars per year in financial aids, scholarships and grants for international students to study in Australia.

Known globally as one of the world’s most diverse and welcoming countries, with migrants from about 200 countries, the Australian society is a mixture of cultures that blend into a tolerant and relaxed lifestyle. Australia has consistently ranked in the world’s top 10 most liveable countries.

The contemporary lifestyle and indigenous culture attract many international students every year.

Canada has many reasons to be counted among the best international study destinations. It offers a wide variety of course options ranging from undergraduate diplomas to master’s degrees. Research is a key component of Canadian universities and it plays a great role at the forefront of technology.

It is a peaceful and safe country and is considered among the best countries to live in. Three Canadian cities viz. Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary fall under the top 10 “Most Liveable Cities” in the world.

It is also one of the most industrialized countries of the world and has been consistently ranking amongst the most stable economies. A small population in a vast, resource rich, technically advanced country means that there is always a need for skilled professionals and employability rates are high

Ireland, also entitled to be Europe’s most entrepreneurial nation, is a beautiful island country, with exceptional job opportunities.

With World-Class Universities, internationally recognized qualifications and extensive choice of courses, education in Ireland is value for money due to shorter and more intensive courses.

It is home to many of the world’s top high-performance companies such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Intel, Genzyme, and EA Games. It’s also a hub for the World’s Largest IT, Pharma and Finance Companies offering excellent employment opportunities for International Students.

Chances to get indefinite right to stay also makes Ireland an ideal study destination in Europe