Diversity, Safety, and Well-Being: A Guide for Agents Promoting New Zealand
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The United States of America has long been hailed as the number one destination for international students and with good reason. Attracted by a world-renowned education system, as well as the job opportunities the country affords, the number of international students in the United States has shown near-consistent growth over the past half-century.
From the 26,000 international students recorded in 1949-50 to over 1.5 million in 2023, the United States attracts people from all around the world, with the number projected to reach around 2 million by 2034, even according to conservative estimates.
A vast country comprising fifty states spread over 9.8 million km2, the United States is the world’s third most populous country and home to nearly 346 million people. With population growth primarily driven by a high level of immigration, it is a diverse country, with 59% identifying as white, followed by Hispanic / Latino (19%), Black (13%), and Asian (6%).
Further adding to its appeal as a study destination, it is the world’s largest Anglophone country, with 78% of the population only speaking English and 95.5% speaking English to some level.
With over 4,000 higher education institutions alone, eight of which frequently rank in the top ten of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the global reputation of the United States as a prime study destination is assured. However, while the number of institutions and the level of diversity are appealing, agents play a crucial role in helping students navigate this competitive and complex landscape.
Given the size and diversity of the United States, it is no surprise that the country has been described as a “melting pot”, with almost every region in the world represented at some level. This has resulted in a flatter social structure than found across Western Europe, and students should be aware that, alongside wealth, occupation and education are strong predictors of social status, emphasising merit and individual effort.
The United States is well known for its cuisine which, thanks to its strong economy and powerful media, is recognised around the world. With its strong economy and powerful trade networks, the United States truly caters to every conceivable diet, with supermarkets, restaurants, and fast food chains offering dishes and ingredients to suit every budget.
Probably the most globally recognised aspect of American culture is its extensive contribution to the arts and media. From a TV and film industry which earns billions each year to Broadway shows and major musical acts, American culture is found all around the world via the likes of Disney, Universal, Paramount, MGM, and more.
Americans love to celebrate, and there are numerous key holidays across the year, including St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day (the first Monday in September), and Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November). These holidays, alongside many others, are often celebrated with elaborate meals and parades, and are an important aspect of the country’s diverse heritage.
The diversity of the United States is a key selling point. With so many cultures represented across the country, agents can support students in finding the right location, so that they do not feel isolated or out of place. Additionally, you can encourage students to seek out international student groups or cultural clubs to fully immerse themselves in the American experience.
The United States’ education system is broadly similar to that found in Western Europe, with compulsory education split into three distinct levels: elementary school, middle (junior high) school, and high school.
Post-secondary education takes place in both colleges – awarding first degrees and undergraduate programmes – and universities, which offer both undergraduate and postgraduate awards.
There is also a range of vocational schools teaching industry-specific skills, with some courses providing the option to transfer over to four-year university courses. Vocational schools vary in their approach from state to state, with average courses lasting anywhere from one to two-and-a-half years.
The United States’ higher education system is known for its quality, with a number of institutions (such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT) household names around the world. Students attending a US institution not only benefit from world-class facilities, but also a degree of time and flexibility in their choice of major.
This is because US undergraduate degrees typically take between four and six years, with the first years spent studying a range of subjects, providing the time and space necessary to explore a range of opportunities before deciding upon a major. This broad approach is in contrast to most European degrees, which are usually three years, and focus on one or two subjects throughout.
The US is particularly beneficial for international students wishing to enrol in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. With practical experience a major benefit when it comes to searching for a first job, international students can choose to add an optional practical extension (OPT) to their programme of study (usually for 12 months), with a further 24-month extension possible for graduates who have completed the initial OPT.
Additionally, with courses across all disciplines offering the possibility to connect with top employers through career fairs and internships, it is clear that the US education system is geared towards producing well-rounded individuals, with a focus on independence of thought and critical thinking skills, who are perfectly positioned to enter the world of work at the conclusion of their studies.
Studying in a US institution can be costly. Fees vary depending on institution, course, and location, but the average is around $14,000 annually, ranging from $5,000 per year to in excess of $50,000 for top institutions. However, with scholarships, grants, assistantships, and work-study schemes available, it is important to explore all available options with the aid of a well-qualified agent.
Additionally, students need to factor in the cost of study materials, with most undergraduates spending an average of $1,000 per semester on books and other resources.
Although prices vary considerably between states, the cost of living in the United States is substantially above the world average and, as of 2024, it ranked 7th out of 197 countries in this regard. Broadly, a single person requires approximately $2433 per month to cover all costs including rent. Student rent averages between $650 and $2,000 per month (see below), making it the highest single expense, with other costs to consider including private medical insurance ($500 – 2000 per year), utilities ($500 – 600 per month), transport ($20 – 60 per month), and food ($200 – 400 per month).
There is a wide range of student accommodation options to be found in the United States, which vary according to both institution and location. Most universities provide student residences, often in dormitory-style rooms. The cost of living in a residence varies significantly between about $5,000 and $8,300 per year, depending on a range of factors – although these typically include all utilities.
Another popular option is homestay, where a student can opt to live with a local family. Typically, a homestay student has their own private room, sharing communal spaces and taking meals with their appointed family. This can offer substantial cultural and linguistic benefits, while costs typically range between $900 and $5,000 per month.
Additionally, students can opt for off-campus options, including private rooms (typically between $650 – $8,000 per month); Shared rooms ($750 – $6,000 per month); studio apartments ($2,000 – $5,000 per month); and a full apartment or house ($3,000+ per month). Typically, the cost of renting accommodation in a major city is substantially more expensive than in smaller towns, with New York and Los Angeles proving to be the most expensive.
With its world class institutions, globally recognised qualifications, employment potential, and cultural opportunities, the United States has earned its reputation as the world’s premiere study destination. It is, however, a diverse country with a range of options that require careful guidance.
With agents serving as the gateway to the opportunities the United States affords, it is important to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in the education system. To deepen your understanding of the U.S. as a study destination and guide students towards opportunities that match their goals, consider enrolling in ICEF Academy’s U.S. Agent Training Course (USATC).
