Studying in the United States: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

Are you thinking about doing an exchange in the United States? You've come to the right article! Here, we tell you the most important things you need to know for your experience, including the best cities to study in, options and requirements for international students, what to do during your stay in the country, the different types of accommodation available and some of the best universities to apply to. Let's do this!

Popular Cities for students in the United States

There are so many popular destinations for an exchange in the North American country! New York, with its vibrant diversity and cultural life, is a favourite. Boston offers a unique academic environment, with its rich history and renowned universities. On the West Coast, San Francisco attracts mostly students interested in technology and innovation, while Los Angeles is sought after by those looking to explore the entertainment industry. Chicago, with its vibrant art scene and stunning architecture, and San Diego, with its beaches and nature, are other destinations of choice for young people. but there are many more! The following are some of the most chosen cities by students to do an exchange in the United States:

NEW YORK Many people think that New York only includes the island of Manhattan, but in reality, it is made up of five Boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. It is the city with the most population in the United States, located on the east coast of the country, and one of the most renowned in the world. In New York, international youth can de

SAN FRANCISCO This famous city on the west coast of the United States is one of the most important in the state of California and the country. It is a city known worldwide for being open to all the cultures of the world. San Francisco attracts students from all walks of life, but especially from arts and technology, as it is close to Silicon Valley. In this cosmopolitan c

BOSTON Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is full of history in every corner and modern attractions like art museums, parks, and beaches. Located in the northeast, Boston is part of the region called New England. This American city is a hotspot for international students, making it a multicultural and lively space. The student atmosphere in Bost

CHICAGO This city in the state of Illinois is one of the largest in the United States. It is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and is famous for its architecture, which includes both modern and ancient buildings. Being a large city, in Chicago young people have the opportunity to enjoy a varied cultural, artistic, and leisure offer. From museums and art galleri

Study in the United States: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in the United States

These are some of the basic requirements and procedures for any international student:

Process the student visa (it can be J-1 or F-1) for the duration of your stay, for which you’re going to need an acceptance letter from the university you’re going to.
Have health insurance. This is very important, as health care in the United States is very expensive. A simple study can cost thousands of dollars, without exaggeration. In some cases the university itself offers cheaper insurance plans.
Demonstrate financial solvency, with sufficient funds to be able to pay for your stay in the country. This can be through a bank account, a guarantor or even a scholarship.
If English is not your native language, you’ll probably need to present an English proficiency certificate. In that way they make sure you’re going to be able to follow the classes and be up to date.
When you arrive at the institution, it’s mandatory to do a Check-in at the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to have your immigration documents reviewed. Ask your university's international office, as this can sometimes be done through the myISS app.

Why study in the United States?

Undoubtedly, the first reason to choose an exchange in this North American country is the language. Here you’ll have the chance to improve your English, gaining fluency in a short time. Whether you are enrolled in university courses or having conversations with locals, you’ll have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice every day.

As far as universities are concerned, the United States has some of the most prestigious institutions in the world! You have surely heard of New York University, the University of California in Los Angeles, Texas A&M University or Purdue University. These are just some of the institutions that offer international exchanges, take advantage of the good quality of their teaching!

American society is incredibly diverse, providing a unique environment for cultural interaction. In large cities you’ll be able to enjoy a multicultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere, while in smaller cities you’ll be able to get more into the American way of life.

Another reason to study in the United States is to have the possibility to explore this great country to the fullest, visiting its cities, exploring its national parks and enjoying its beaches and natural spaces. We tell you more about this in the next section!

Best things to do in the United States as a student

Have you ever seen a movie set in this North American country and got anxious to visit it? You sure have! From exploring New York and its iconic monuments to crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the United States is such a big country that you're probably going to have to choose the things you want to visit the most and make a bucket list. It's impossible to take it all in during an exchange!

If you consider yourself a city lover, you have thousands of interesting and unique cities to visit, each one standing out for something. Surely you already know about the wonderful New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with all they have to offer. But you also have to give others a chance: Austin and Houston in Texas to experience the Southern way of life, Seattle and Portland surrounded by nature in the Pacific Northwest and even Miami and San Diego if you're in the mood for beaches.

If you are a foodie and want to try as many dishes as possible during your stay, you’re in luck! Firstly, because you’re going to be able to try gastronomies from different parts of the world in most of the country's cities, thanks to the coexistence of multiple cultures. Secondly, because you’ll have the opportunity to try several versions of the same dish in different areas of the country. For example, something as simple as a pizza has a particular way of being made depending on where you are. Some of the best-known are New York-style, Detroit-style, Chicago deep-dish (our favourite), St. Louis-style, California-style, and even the typical Neapolitan made by Italian immigrants.

For adventurers, the United States and its National Parks are a paradise. On the West Coast, names like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Mount Rainier, Zion and Grand Teton ring out. If you're going to be on the East Coast, you'll have easier access to national parks like Everglades, Shenandoah, Biscayne, Great Smoky Mountains, Congaree and Dry Tortugas. Go ahead and explore them!