With the US among the leaders of technology and research, it is a popular global ed destination for students seeking STEM related programs. As per the 2019 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, 51.6 per cent of international students in the United States were pursuing STEM fields. The most popular STEM courses opted by international students in the US are:
- Engineering
- Maths
- Computer Science
- Business and Management
Most universities in the US have internships programs and career services to give you the practical experience to go along with theoretical knowledge gained in the program. This hands-on experience prepares the student for the real job. In some cases, the internship opportunities can span into a career opportunity pots graduation.
Part-time jobs are also permitted for international students in the US where they are eligible to work on campus and/or off-campus after the first year of the study. Students are permitted to work 20 hours a week during session and 40 hours a week during off-session.
The US remains an attractive global ed destination for those seeking job opportunities after graduation. Under the Optional Practical Training (OPT), international students are allowed to work for 12 months after graduation. For STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) students, however, they can opt for the STEM OPT extension which is up to 24 months, i.e. a total of 36 months.
With all the above details, you can make an informed choice about making the US your global ed destination.