Six Reasons Why International Students Love Studying in the USA

1) Gain Exposure to Academic Excellence.

The United States is known for its world-class colleges and universities, offering strong academics, innovative research, and supportive faculty. One example is St. John’s University, which is currently ranked 152 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of Best Colleges among national universities. It offers more than 100 majors and programs, many featuring real-world experiences such as internships, research projects, and hands-on learning.

Academic excellence in practice 

Discover how a St. John’s professor creates real-world opportunities for students in the Game Development and Emerging Media program. 

Read the full story.   

2) Gain Access to a Global Alumni Network.

One of the most significant benefits of studying in the US is building a strong global network through alumni connections. For international students, this means connecting with successful professionals and forming relationships with people who understand the unique experience of studying abroad. St. John’s University’s 200K+ alumni network supports students and recent graduates with mentoring, career advice, and job opportunities. Many alumni are leaders in their fields, giving international students valuable connections to potential employers.

To learn more about the value of a global network, we spoke with Uday Kumar, a St. John’s international student earning a Master of Science (M.S.) in Enterprise Risk Management, who shares why he chose St. John’s: 

“I applied to more than 16 universities and was admitted to 15, including prestigious institutions like New York University, Rice University, and the University of California. Ultimately, I chose St. John’s University for its unparalleled alumni network. For instance, typing any company name on LinkedIn often shows several St. John’s alumni working there, reflecting the University’s strong professional connections.” 

3) Unlock a Wider Net of Scholarships.

Attending college in the US opens a world of scholarships that can lead to exciting internships, career prospects, and invaluable global connections. Many colleges and universities provide their own internal scholarships, including those designed for international students. St. John’s University stands out with numerous scholarship opportunities, some of which also offer personal and professional development resources to help students thrive.

Scholarship success in practice

Jamaica native Tashna-Loy Drummond earned an academic achievement scholarship through St. John’s University, where she currently attends. Now, in her senior year, she has gained tangible skills outside the classroom while attending college, including being the Vice President of the Caribbean Student Association.

Read her full story.  

4) Experience Unmatched Cultural Diversity. 

The United States is often called a “melting pot,” where people from all cultures and backgrounds come together. This is especially true in its colleges and universities, which bring students from across the globe into one shared learning environment. For instance, at St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, nearly 45 percent of students represent diverse backgrounds, including Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or two or more races.

For international students, this diversity offers incredible opportunities to

• Exchange Cultures: Share your traditions and discover those of your peers worldwide.
• Build Global Connections: Make friendships and professional networks that reach across continents.
• Grow Personally: Broaden your perspective, which is an asset for your personal life and career.

5) Utilize Strong Student Support Resources.

US colleges and universities recognize international students’ unique challenges and provide extensive resources to help them thrive academically, socially, and personally. At St. John’s University, specialized programs and support systems create a welcoming environment where international students can succeed. 

Here are a few examples of some of the support resources available:

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

The ISSS office serves as a one-stop resource for St. John’s international students, offering

• Visa and Immigration Support: Expert guidance for F-1 and J-1 visa processes, as well as help with work authorizations like Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training.
• Workshops and Events: Covering key topics such as employment, tax filing, and cultural adaptation to ensure students are well-prepared for life in the US. 

Project AIM Mentoring Program 

Project AIM pairs international St. John’s University students with faculty and peer mentors for personalized academic, cultural, and professional development support. Through one-on-one guidance and meaningful connections, students gain the tools and confidence to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Global Ambassadors Program

This peer mentorship program connects St. John’s University’s international students with experienced peers who help them adjust to campus life, embrace cultural differences, and build community. Global ambassadors serve as guides and friends, ensuring students feel supported and at home.

To learn more about how having support services can lead to a student’s success, we hear from current St. John’s undergraduate student Samit Alam, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Quantitative Risk and Insurance: 

“When I first arrived in the US, I felt completely lost—no family, no friends, just me in a brand-new world. The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) welcomed me and introduced me to Project AIM, where I found guidance and a sense of belonging. Through this mentorship program, I met incredible people, including a resident assistant who inspired me to become one myself.”

6) Explore Career Development and Job Opportunities.  

Earning a degree in the US unlocks excellent career prospects globally. Here’s how studying in the US provides international students with a unique advantage:

Cultural Perspectives in the American Job Market 

US companies increasingly value diverse perspectives, especially as they expand globally. International students bring unique insights, multilingual skills, and cultural knowledge that many organizations actively seek. Roles in business development and market research, particularly those focused on a student’s home region or requiring cross-cultural expertise, are in high demand. This gives international students a competitive advantage when pursuing future career opportunities.

On-Campus Career Resources

Navigating the job market in a new country can be challenging, but US colleges and universities offer robust support to help international students succeed. At St. John’s University, for example, international students benefit from the collaboration between Career Services, the International Students and Scholar Services Office, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Resources like the Global Language and Culture Center help students strengthen their language skills, essential assets for job applications in the US. In addition, students can access various career resources through the Center for Student Success and University Career Services, ensuring they are well-prepared for professional success.

Additional International Work Opportunities during and after Graduation 

International students in the US have access to several work programs that can enhance their career prospects:

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Through the OPT program, students on F-1 visas can work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation (or up to 36 months for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees).

On-Campus Jobs and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Many universities offer on-campus employment and internships through CPT, allowing students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their degrees.

H-1B Visa Opportunities

International students can apply for an H-1B work visa after graduation. Industries like technology, engineering, and health care are primarily known for sponsoring international employees for this visa, creating a pathway to long-term employment in the US.