Studying in the US vs. Studying Abroad
Studying in the US vs. Studying Abroad
Introduction
Investing in education has become an essential requirement for most individuals who would like to excel in their professional careers. However, the decision on where to pursue studies has always been a difficult one to make. In recent times, many students have been flying out of the country to pursue higher education. This most popular destination for these outbound American students is usually the United Kingdom. This paper compares high education in the US and that in the UK. This essay will specifically focus on cost and quality of education in comparing the two systems of education. While the US offers world class institution and attractive job opportunities, the UK offers students affordable and more flexible education.
Cost of Education
Tuition Fee and Direct expenses
One of the most essential considerations, when it comes to selecting an education destination, is cost. The current economic tough economic times have made it necessary for individuals to cut costs. One area in which cost can be reduced is finding education institution with low tuition fee. UK education institutions are relatively cheaper than those in the US (Verma, 2011). Tuition fee in the UK range between € 6500 and 13000 per annum while those in the US range from $15,000 to $40,000 per annum.
Cost of Living
The cost of living of an area also has a significant impact on the cost of acquiring education. The UK and the US have almost similar standards of living. However, a student will have to pay more while studying in the US as compared to the UK (Verma, 2011). The cost of living in the UK falls between the range of € 5,500 and €9,000 per year while those in the US range between $ 10,000 and $ 12,000 per annum.
Quality of Education
The US
The US has an edge over the UK in terms of offering world class learning facilities. The US has the highest number of higher learning institution (Learn Hub, 2012). These institutions offer a variety of programs which are recognized throughout the world. The availability of numerous education institutions in the US provide students with a broader choice when it comes to education. The world wide recognition of degrees offered in American institution also widens the students’ chances of finding employment after school. This is because the degree enables the student to seek employment anywhere in the world.
The US is also home to numerous business and industries (Learn Hub, 2012). The country has the largest private sector in the world. This presents an advantage to students as they find employment opportunities immediately after completing their education. Presence of a large business sector also supports education by provided practical training opportunities. Presence of a large private sector makes it easier for students to find internships and other training opportunities.
The UK
UK higher learning institutions have also earned worldwide recognition and thus, widening the students’ employment opportunity after education (Learn Hub, 2012). UK institutions adhere to rigorous standards that make their certification acceptable in most parts of the world. All students studying in the UK institution are expected to meet the same standards.
The US education system also offers greater flexibility that of the US. The education institution offers various program plans that make it convenient to students (Learn Hub, 2012). A student studying in the UK is capable of studying and working for up to 20 hours in a week. The US system is too rigid to enable a student to work for so many hours. The courses offered in the UK institution are also shorter than those offered in the UK. An undergraduate program in the UK last for duration of 3 years as compared to the 4 years it would take in the US.
Conclusion
Selecting an appropriate higher learning environment is essential to the success of an individual’s professional career. In recent years a large number of American students have been moving abroad, specifically the UK, in order to pursue high education. This paper compares the education system in the UK and that of the US in order to justify the decision to go and study abroad. This paper reveals that, in terms of cost of education, the UK offers a better deal to students than the US. This is in terms of tuition fee and cost of living. However, in terms of quality UK organization offer a wide variety of programs and has a vast private sector to support the education system.
References
Learn Hub (2012). “UK and US: Which is the Better Study Option?” October 16, 2012. http://undergraduate.learnhub.com/lesson/19876-uk-vs-usa-which-is-a-better-option-to-study-abroad
Verma M. (2011). Cost of Studying in UK vs. USA. October 16, 2012. http://studyplaces.com/articles/411294-cost-of-study-in-uk-vs-usa-find-which-country-suits-your-pocket
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