By Laura Thompson
University of Arkansas, Little Rock

Do you want to study in the United States? Do you want an American education? Is that your dream? Your family's dream? A lot of planning and preparation is necessary before that dream can become a reality. You must learn all you can about the American educational system before making the important decisions about where and what you will study.

You will be expected to use English 24 hours a day, at school, at home, and in the community. Is your English fluent? Really fluent? TOEFL 550 English will not be enough to get you through 24 hours a day of life in the US The American classroom style demands participation and class discussion. Upper level classes usually require oral presentations and panel discussions. Part of your grade may be how well you can communicate. If you think your English need more practice, choose a school with an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Improving your English in an intensive ESL program after you get to the US is an efficient and effective way to prepare for university classes with native speakers. The last levels of these classes are frequently for academic credit and taken while beginning the academic program. Take the time to prepare your English skills!

In the United States there are many, many varieties of educational institutions for an undergraduate to choose from. This variety can be confusing to the international student and his parents who want to make wise choices. Here are some of the most common varieties or categories of higher education schools that you will choose from. The first kind is the university. A university may be either private or supported by the state where it is located. A university is always a combination of liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. It will have both undergraduate and graduate programs and may specialize in doctoral programs and research. The next category is the college. A college is a 4 year school specializing in undergraduate education, usually in the liberal arts. Most are not state supported and are private. A third very popular category is the community college. A student takes the first two years of undergraduate education in the community college and transfers to a four year school for the last two years. Community colleges also provide technical and vocational training. They are generally state supported and cost less than other options.

Basically, undergraduate education in the United States is general and broad in the course work required. Every student takes two years of general education requirements, a combination of science and math, social sciences, and the fine arts. At the beginning of the final two years, he declares a "major" and a "minor". The major is the primary area of study or specialization and the minors are secondary areas of specialty. During the last two years, he takes the classes in the major and minor to complete the requirements for graduation with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art degree .

An optional degree is the Associate of Arts. It is a two year degree with some hours of general education and some hours of specialization. This two year academic degree can be transferred to a four year institution where the student would study and complete a bachelor's degree.

The requirements for the number of courses and credits at each stage of the student's education are determined by the institution . For example, there will be about 60 credit hours of general education, followed by 64 credit hours of upper level classes at most four year schools. (A single classes is usually 3-4 credit hours). The student will have an academic advisor who will guide him into the required classes for the major and minor.
In the 124 credit hour total required for graduation there will be several free choice classes called electives. These are enrichment classes or special interest classes and are chosen to enhance the major and minors. Additionally, the length of the academic term may vary. A semester and a trimester both give semester credit hours. The semester is 15 to 18 weeks with a fall semester, a spring semester and two short summer sessions. A trimester is shorter than a semester but the number of weeks varies by institution. There are generally 3 trimesters in a year. The quarter system measures credit by quarters, not semesters. Quarters also are shorter than a semester.

Take the time to understand how the American education system is organized. Ask questions from the advising office of the Foundation for Scholarly Exchange in your city. Extensive advance planning will enhance your educational experience in the United States.