American dream. During decades of debate over this enigmatic concept, it has been coveted, criticized, and now largely abandoned. Gone are the days when the United States was seen as a center of exponentially growing economic, scientific, and digital innovation. Not only is the rest of the world catching up with technological advances, but America as we know it today is also in an economic crisis and deeply divided by politics, if not in all its glory. , some of that is being lost. Most importantly, of the approximately 750,000 international students including myself who wish to remain in the United States after completing their higher education, fewer than half are actually able to do so due to visa and loan issues. That means only. .
The number of international students in the United States appears to be returning to highs not seen since the coronavirus pandemic, and there is no indication that international student enrollment will decline in the future. At the University of Michigan, for example, the percentage of international students is at its highest in a decade. Despite all the factors that prevent international students from remaining in the United States after graduation, there appears to be little impact on their willingness to go abroad for undergraduate study. Are students just being patient and accepting that their stay in the US is only for their education? If so, the question arises: How valuable is a U.S. university education to international students?
Simply put, the United States admits the most qualified professionals to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. It is nearly impossible for other countries to compete with the wealth of resources and opportunities available at American universities. In addition to having access to all the latest technology, American universities continue to emphasize important practices such as experimentation, teamwork, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Educational institutions here also act as research hubs, giving students the opportunity to delve deeper into their areas of interest.
Nevertheless, the American education system goes far beyond that. In addition to having an excellent academic infrastructure, what sets American universities apart is their campus life. By being surrounded by diverse ideas, ambitious personalities, and different cultures and perspectives, every day on campus is a learning opportunity, both inside and outside of the classroom.
But with increasing uncertainty about life after college, consistently rising tuition costs, and heightened concerns about safety, international students may be left with no choice but to return home after graduation. may need to be accepted. So what then? What's the point of flying back and forth for four years (which is very expensive in itself) if the end goal is to be able to go home and get a degree anyway? Is all the effort and investment required for American education worth it, even if it yields only a small return?
Before I answer that question, I want to acknowledge that these are very personal experiences. It is impossible to answer such questions with a straight “yes” or “no.” That being said, I believe that what is unique about American universities is their ability to give students as much of a real-world atmosphere as possible. There are countless examples of this within universities themselves, from organizations like WolverineSoft that operate like real video game design studios, to club sports that compete across the country, to the Central Student Union. At the University of Michigan, opportunities to learn and grow are always there.
Do universities around the world have a system of clubs, student societies, etc. in place? Yes, but they tend to be individual endeavors, separated from the rest of university life. Here, club sports and his CSG lobby and negotiate with universities for funding and resources. WolverineSoft creates games for the world. Students in leadership positions here may be responsible for thousands of people at any given time. Such training is invaluable because these programs expose students to a full range of real-world problems. Attending an American university is like receiving an education and work experience at the same time, and when you think of it that way, it feels like it's worth it.
Indeed, that is an unacceptable reality. There's a lot of pressure to get a job straight out of college, which means she has to do more than just get a four-year education. While that may be a student's top priority, it's important to avoid spiraling when things don't go your way. At the end of the day, college is about making the most of the limited time you have, rather than worrying about extending your studies. It's not easy, and looking back as a senior, I can see that it took me a long time to come to terms with this problem. If you do this, you will find yourself in a happier place. You can fully enjoy your university experience.
Certain mitigating factors and the rise in quality education around the world may mean that American universities are not as attractive an option for international students as they once were. However, the upside potential is still very high and even just her four-year adventure is worth it. Consider the words of a student during the pandemic who will have only spent three years here before graduating. Still worth it.
Rushabh Shah is an opinion columnist from Mumbai, India who writes about storytelling, society, and community. If you appreciate his ability to sneak sports references into everything he writes, please contact him at rushabhk@umich.edu.