The USA has never ceased to be the best country for international studies due to its diverse education sector. For years 2019 to 2020 alone, the country has welcomed over a million international students according to the report coming from IIE (Institute of International Education) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
It’s not hard to comprehend the grounds why the US remains to be the best option for foreign studies, however, there are more compelling reasons why USA holds a promising future for higher international education from this year onwards.
1. The Biden-Harris administration announced its plans to strengthen the ability to attract global STEM talent.
There are 22 new fields being added to the STEM Option Practical Training program. This means more courses, particularly those under the STEM domains that will allow F-1 students to stay in the US for 3 years more. This is prominent for students taking up bachelor's, master's, and doctorates.
The new areas are labeled by the government as the “emerging fields” that are likely to support economic growth. According to Yeti Academy, it was long believed that STEM occupations are projected to grow 8.8% by 2028. This figure alone tells us that STEM jobs are the future of the US economy.
Another reason why STEM innovation is seen to solve the rising complex challenges is that STEM education is designed to encourage students to use their critical thinking skills, thereby shaping them to be the next generation of innovators.
2. The O-1A nonimmigrant policy is currently being improved.
In an O-1A nonimmigrant visa, foreign professionals or entrepreneurs with advanced degrees or “extraordinary ability” in STEM fields are given the chance to come to the U.S. under the O-1A visa. As for the development to this status, the evidentiary criteria is being updated in order to clarify the use of national interest waiver.
Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, are being exempted from the job offer requirement by the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) as long as the work is involved in line with the national interest.
3. Additional academic training of up to 3 years is being pushed for STEM undergrads and postgrads under the J-1 visa.
One of the reasons why USA holds a promising future for higher international education is the academic training extension.
Academic training provides an important opportunity for students to gain employment experience that complements the student’s studies in the US. Because of the government’s interest to promote more STEM opportunities for international students, the extensions will allow students to improve their skills so they may contribute more to the power of innovation.
4. The USA is home to advanced technological and scientific research.
Some of the top schools with leading research labs are located in the US. For instance, UCLA has over 350 labs while Yale has 1,200 science and engineering labs. Most students have incorporated research in their studies since this offers great funding, especially to international doctorate students.
Participating in research programs offers a stepping stone for talented students so they could create a promising career while being associated with US research and development. This way, foreign learners can mold their profession while contributing to the economy, society, and global leadership.
5. Due to the boost of STEM jobs, graduates are guaranteed a successful career after graduation.
As said earlier, the 8% growth of STEM jobs is forecasted up to 2028. Fields in Computing, Engineering, and Advanced Manufacturing are expected to lead. As for the job outlook, a career in Software Development is seen to climb to 22%.
One particular proof is the recent events that showed how valuable technology skills are today. The strong STEM foundation of innovators allowed everyone to take advantage of the availability of digital tools and systems.
Given that STEM careers are generally foreseen to be in high demand from this year onwards, finishing a degree from a STEM field will definitely secure your future!
I believe there are more reasons why USA holds a promising future for higher international education, however, the ones stated here are the toughest and the latest in today’s news on higher education and immigration in the US.
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