The American education system
Everything you need to know about studying in the USA
By going to study in the United States, you will be guaranteed to integrate into an educational system that is the complete opposite of the French system.
If you are looking for flexible courses, with a wide selection of courses and an emphasis on exchange and participation, all within an exceptional university campus, then the USA is for you!
What are the advantages of studying in the USA?
The flexibility of the curricula
In the US, it's possible to design a customized program that suits you perfectly. Through a system of majors (primary field of study), minors (secondary field of study), and electives (optional courses), you can build a personalized curriculum throughout your degree and combine several fields of study within the same program. This is a great opportunity for students who aren't yet entirely sure of their career path.
The American university system also offers two intakes per year: one in August (the main intake) and one in January. This is a considerable advantage for students who haven't had time to start their application in time for the main intake; studying in the USA remains possible without having to postpone their plans for a year!
A flexible workload
Unlike in France, where university degrees are divided into years (L1, L2, L3, etc.) and each year corresponds to a fixed number of ECTS credits to be earned, in the USA, degrees are divided into university credits. Each course/module is assigned a specific number of credits, and students must complete enough courses to obtain the required number of credits for their program. This system allows for great flexibility, as each student can choose the number of credits they wish to complete per year and thus adjust their workload according to their needs.
On average, a student takes 15 credits per semester (30 credits per year), but it is entirely possible to reduce or even increase this workload. The goal is for each student to progress at their own pace and ensure the success of their studies.
Teacher pedagogy and availability
The French public university system is often based on a transmission-based pedagogy (many lectures and little interaction within the classes). In the USA, a very different pedagogy is generally found, based on exchange and participation, where the student truly becomes an active participant in their learning. Teachers are also much more accessible thanks to the "office hours" system, where professors are available to answer students' questions or help them if they encounter difficulties.
Campus & Infrastructure
Living on an American campus is a unique experience. Everything is provided so that students can make the most of their studies.
The academic infrastructure is impressive; it is not uncommon to find financial trading rooms for business students, engineering labs where students can truly experiment and build their projects, artistic creation/media production rooms, etc., within the campuses.
University campuses also promise an unparalleled social experience. Each university boasts hundreds of student clubs where students can connect through shared passions and activities, not to mention the sporting events that punctuate university life. Studying in the USA guarantees a top-notch academic and social experience.
If you would like to learn more about the differences between the French and American education systems and get a glimpse of student life in the USA, feel free to browse the stories of our former students!
Which institutions should I join in the USA?
There are two main types of establishments in the USA:
1- Community Colleges
Community Colleges are higher education institutions that offer two-year undergraduate programs, comparable to the French BTS or DUT, known as Associate Degrees.
Community Colleges also play a major role: allowing students to complete the first two years of their Bachelor's degree within their institution and then transferring to the university of their choice through a credit transfer system.
2- Universities
American universities award different degrees at different levels:
Bachelor's degree : a 4-year program equivalent to a bachelor's degree
Master's degree : a one- to two-year program, equivalent to a master's degree
PhD : Doctoral program.
There are over 4,000 universities in the USA, an impressive array of options covering virtually every field of study. This often makes it difficult to navigate the options and make an informed choice. Study Experience works with a selection of institutions tailored to international students, including those offering university preparation programs. If you are considering studying in the United States, please don't hesitate to contact one of our advisors to discuss the best available options.
How to apply for jobs in the USA?
Depending on the universities/colleges targeted, the application procedure will be different; however, there are some recurring elements:
Transcripts : you generally need to provide the last 3 years of complete study; transcripts must be translated by a sworn translator.
Essays/Cover Letter : Depending on the institution you are applying to, you may be asked to either provide a reasoned response to a specific question (essay) or explain your project in a cover letter. With our support, you will have a dedicated proofreader who will assist you at every stage of the writing process.
Letter of recommendation : It is not uncommon for universities to require one or more letters of recommendation from your professors. These letters must be official (on letterhead, signed, and dated). They can be written in English or in French (in which case a certified translation will be required).
Standardized tests : Regardless of the type of institution you're applying to, a language test will always be required. The most well-known and widely recognized is the IELTS, which is accepted by all foreign institutions. Community colleges will require an intermediate level (5.5), while universities will have higher requirements (6.5). To achieve the best possible scores, it is recommended to prepare several months in advance.
