Understanding the U.S. Education System: Key Differences for International Students

Let's face it, being an international student is not easy! A few of the challenges we face can range from language barrier to culture shock, from home sickness to discrimination. You name it.

One of the many reasons International Students tend to under-perform is because of their inadequacy in awareness of the U.S education system and grading system? 

Selam! (That's how we say greet in Ethiopia). It's Brooke here. In today's blog I am going to dive into discussion of the US education curriculum and grading system. Although this maybe obvious to some, I am confident many of you with find this useful. 

As an international student, it is important to understand the U.S. education system and how it differs from the education system you've thus far gone through.

Today's blog aims to empower current and new international students with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate the U.S. education system successfully and make the most of their academic experience in the United States. 

In order to fully understand the U.S. education system it's important to keep the following points in mind: 

• Curriculum and course selection
  
• Grading and evaluation
  
• Education structure
• Classroom dynamics 
• Campus life and support services 
• Cultural adjustment 

CURRICULUM AND COURSE SELECTION 

This shows the flexibility and variety of academic programs in the U.S. It covers topics such as major selection, general education requirements, and the opportunity for interdisciplinary studies. It may also explain the credit system and how students can choose based on their interest and academic goal. 

You may find that most U.S. schools provide a liberal arts education where students have the opportunity to take classes outside of their major which ultimately helps them to become a holistic/well rounded student by the time they finish school. In fact, several companies prefer students that have received a liberal arts education.

GRADING AND EVALUATION 

Different curriculum have different ways of grading and evaluating students and this can impact the way you study and eventually determine your chances of getting opportunities. The U.S predominantly use letter grades and grade point average (GPA). Although it depends on the professor, these evaluations are based on class participation, assignments, exams and research papers. In fact most professors would label how much each grade component is. Knowing this can help you plan strategically. 

There will be part 2 of this blog. I hope today's blog has given you insight into the US education system and how you can best take advantage of it. Comment below what education curriculum and grading system you're used to?