The freedom of subject choice available to international students at US universities enhances the overall study experience, students have said.
Through pre-recorded videos in a session at the OACAC conference this month, international students explained that as well as global reputation, the variety of subjects students are permitted to pursue at US institutions enticed them to study there.
“Exploring your passions, and being able to have the manoeuverability”
Students said the choice of subjects and curricula at US institutions enables them to “try different things” and be more “well-rounded”.
An Indian student observed that the system in India requires students to decide on their focus of study very early in their education, whereas in the US it is possible to explore a wider range of subjects without having to commit to one so soon.
Another student, from China, commented that due to the focus on the traditional academic subjects at domestic institutions, students cannot develop as many hobbies as in the US.
Rick Clark, director of undergraduate admissions at Georgia Institute of Technology, said having control to pick their class and create their class schedule is also appealing to many international students.
“Really exploring your passions, and being able to have the manoeuverability within the curriculum – I think that’s something they’re really excited about,” he told The PIE News.
“And frankly that’s the kind of student we want to study in the United States.”
As well as the choice of classes, Clark said that many parents wish to expose their children to “education as an experience”.
“I do think this idea of the freedom and quintessential college experience is probably the commonality,” he said.
“It’s not just as a means to an end of just go to college, get a job, go along with your life. This is a special time and it’s a great opportunity.”
