THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE IN THE U.S.
By Pablo
Buckelew, Santa Barbara City College
 After thirty years of working
with American students studying abroad and international students studying
in the U.S., I realize how important it is for students to do a little
research before choosing the school that best meets their needs and interests.
Some time and effort spent in choosing the school can ensure a successful
experience. This research should include the following:
1.
Quality of instruction
Courses must be of high
quality with excellent teachers. A broad variety of classes with modern
facilities such as computer labs and libraries to support the classes is
equally important. Does the program offer the courses and programmes you
want to study? Look at the school's catalogue and website for course and
degree information. Check the reputation of the programme by talking to
students who have attended the program (ask for a list of former students
from your country). Most American public and private colleges are accredited
by governmental agencies and this accreditation provides a certain guarantee
of quality. Some American universities, however, offer a special programme
in English, but the international students are not really part of the university
and cannot take university classes, only the special ESL classes. Sometimes
these English programs are not even offered on the university campus. The
word "Extension" sometimes means that the program is not part of the regular
university and students are not regular university students and will not
have contact with American students.
2.
Location
Exactly where is the school
located? Be careful about advertising. Some schools imply that they are
in locations that they are not in. Be careful with the words "close to".
"Close to" may be 50 miles away! Investigate the city where the school
is located. Is it a place where you would want to live for the time you
are abroad? Does it offer cultural or sports activities? What is the weather
like? Do you want to live in a large urban city, a rural area or a middle
sized city? Will transportation to the school be easy or will you have
to buy a car? Is the city a university city where you would meet a lot
of other students? Are there areas of interest where you would want to
visit nearby? If the school is a language school, will you only be with
other international students? Will you be on a college campus?
3.
Student Services
A good programme for international
students will have an International Student Program Director, help with
housing, an orientation to the school, city and American education system,
and academic advising services all designed for international students.
In other words, help is always there when you need it. A good program will
also provide opportunities to meet American students and will offer social
events and an opportunity to get involved in student activities.
4.
Meet Your Needs
It is important to decide
your goal in studying abroad and to be sure that the school you choose
can meet your needs.
For example, if you want
a 4 year university degree but need to take English first, you may want
to enroll in a community college that offers ESL and degree courses so
that when your English is finished you can automatically take courses toward
your degree without changing schools. Many community colleges also have
excellent transfer programs to high prestige universities where you can
earn a B.A. degree. Does the school offer the types of degrees you might
be interested in? You may change your mind about what you want to study
so having a variety of programs and degrees is important.
5.
Cost
Is the cost reasonable for
the program you will receive? Some private colleges are very expensive,
but you receive excellent service. Some community colleges are inexpensive
and you receive excellent service there as well. Many American and international
students who want a university degree attend the first two years at a community
college with lower costs and easier admission policies and then transfer
for their last two years at a four year university. Compare costs to be
sure you are getting value for your money.
© Pablo Buckelew.
Studying Abroad. A Dominion Press Publication - Vol. 5 No. 4
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