The United States is the top study abroad destination for international students for good reason. From world-renowned universities to cutting-edge technological institutions, it’s home to over a quarter of the world’s top 100 universities.
However, you may find that you’re a better fit for some institutions or communities than others. After all, you can’t study all the time. The climate, culture, and size of your community, both on- and off-campus, can make a big impact on your experience.
Curious about top American universities? Check out our list!
Climate
America is both massive and a land of climate extremes. So you know what to expect—and what to pack—it’s important to look at what the weather is like at each of your target institutions.
For example, California is popular with international students for its excellent academic institutions, thriving industries, and welcoming cities. But before you sign up for four years in San Francisco, know that while the locals call it “The City,” it’s also known as the “cool, grey city of love”—and the fog which blankets the Bay Area is so notorious it has its own Twitter account. Students looking for a study abroad experience where they can finish up class, then enjoy a warm and picture-perfect evening could be better suited to schools in central or southern California.
Southern California’s not the only part of the US perfect for sun-seeking students. Arizona has 300 sunny days a year, and its deserts attract biologists, artists, filmmakers, and extreme sports enthusiasts. However, even in this state, look closely, as northern areas can be quite cold. Cities like Flagstaff see snow, and winter highs are around 6°C, compared to winter highs of 20°C in Arizona’s capital, Phoenix.
Students interested in studying accounting or finance might have their sights set on Atlanta. As the emerging fintech capital of the world, Georgia’s capital city has hot, humid summers and cool winters thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Looking at studying in Georgia or other southern states like Florida or Louisiana? Make sure that your housing has air conditioning that works well! Also, check sites that share housing reviews from past students for a candid perspective.
Midwestern states like Michigan and Illinois can have their weather influenced by the Great Lakes. This “lake effect” means some parts of the states have cooler summers and warmer winters compared to other areas. That said, watch out for lake effect snow, where cold winds moving over the warmer lake water condense, causing heavy snowfall!
Curious about other climates? Check out our blog on how to choose where to study in Canada!
Culture
Think about the experience you’d like to have while studying abroad:
- Would you like to live on- or off-campus?
- What hobbies would you like to continue or start while living abroad?
- Does being part of a community with many entertainment options (concert venues, restaurants, festivals) matter, or would you rather have easy access to outdoor activities? Or, are you hoping for both?
- Do you plan to work part-time? If you’d like to work in your field, look at what the local industries are.
- Is it important to have access to food that meets your dietary restrictions (i.e.: halal, kosher)?
Answering these questions can help determine where you’ll thrive.
Also, look at on-campus culture. If you don’t enjoy crowds and prefer small classes where you can participate in discussions, you might be a match for one of the US’s excellent liberal arts colleges or universities. Equally, if the words ‘school spirit’ spark joy, and attending events like college football’s Rose Bowl is part of why you’d like to study in the US, consider the Big Ten universities. These institutions balance academic and athletic excellence—and have student bodies of more than 30,000.
Try attending a virtual college or university fair to learn about your target schools’ culture. Wondering what to ask? We’ve got you covered with this list.
Community Size
A community’s size impacts its cost of living. Yearly living expenses for international students can range from US$10,000 to over US$20,000. Students in New York, California’s Bay Area, Seattle, and Boston pay even higher tuition and daily expenses. That said, enrolling in a specific program or access to exclusive work experience opportunities can make the extra cost worth it.
As you consider options, think about your ties to your first language and the culture in your home country. If attending religious or cultural services is important, consider studying in larger communities, where you’re more likely to find services. If you choose a larger city, you’re also more likely to find other international students from your country, expat communities, or restaurants with meals that remind you of home! Equally, if you’d like to immerse yourself in American culture, many smaller communities are very welcoming.
Some international students may find their match in “college towns.” USA Today describes these communities as “American cities whose economy and culture are widely impacted by the local universities and colleges, and are considered by many to be idyllic places to live. They tend to be affordable, culturally vibrant communities, with healthy economies and a young, well-educated population.”
From Boulder, Colorado to Ann Arbor, Michigan, these mid-sized cities offer students the best of both worlds.
Choosing where to live and study abroad can feel intimidating. If you keep the three Cs (climate, culture, and community size) in mind, you’ll be able to choose a college or university in a city that fits your needs.
Search for study abroad opportunities in the US on ApplyBoard!
