Which Country is Better to Study: USA or U​K

The world university’s rankings by the Times Higher Education depict that more than 50% of the world’s top universities are located in the UK and the USA. A rich tradition of imparting the finest quality higher education, a culture that encourages intellectualism and academic opportunities, and world-class research facilities are some of the benefits of studying in these countries. While there is certainly an ideal learning environment available in both countries, there are also many differences between the structure of the programs as well as students’ life in Britain and the United States. Let us explore in the article, how pursuing higher education in the UK varies from studying in the USA. 

Period of Terms

In the USA, most universities begin the semesters in mid or late August, some liberal colleges may start in September. The break starts from around mid-December and the second semester starts around 15th to 20th January. Universities that have a trimester or quarter based structure go on a winter break after Thanksgiving in late November. The duration of the academic term in the UK varies from the USA’s cycle. Many universities used the trimester and quarter based system. Hence, terms start in September or October and end usually in May end or June. They have a slightly longer academic year. The academic term duration is barely standardized in the UK than in the US. Most universities use different term systems and calendars.  

                                                 B​​​​​​​​ook A free Counseling​​

Duration of the programs:

The time period it takes to complete the studies in the USA is quite different than in the UK. You are likely to finish the same degree at different times in these countries. In Scotland, the Bachelor’s degree lasts for 4 years, but in the rest of the UK, it might finish in 3 years. In the USA, you usually take 4 years to complete an undergraduate degree. In both countries, you can directly study Ph.D. after completing an undergraduate degree program, without pursuing a Master’s degree, However, in the UK it is more common to study a Master’s degree before going on for a Doctorate program. In the UK, the duration of the studies is shorter as the course structure is concentrated and more focused. 

University structure and organization:

In the UK, colleges dedicated to a particular subject and specialization make up a university, Even though the colleges enjoy good autonomy from the university and other colleges, they are still are governed by the university only. Students live in the college for the whole duration of their studies; they even apply to the college of their subject directly and not to the university admissions department unlike in the USA. For the undergraduate studies in the UK, students apply to the central admissions department which allows them to apply to the several colleges it is made up of. This is named the UCAS, (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). In the UK, it is expected that students know what they want to study before they apply. In the USA students apply to the main university for the first year of their studies or more. They take classes for a variety of subjects and only choose a major at the end of the first year or during the second year. US universities have departments and schools like for Arts and Science. When the student declares a major at the university, he is still expected to learn other subjects known as the electives. Because of this system, we can say that the education system in the USA emphasized learning outside the major subject and gain knowledge about other related fields and in the UK the system is more in-depth. 

Finding accommodation:

In both countries, the UK and the US, students are provided with residence halls. They are available in the same number. Sharing a room with at least 1 person is more common in the US than in the UK. In the US, students usually find more options for accommodation after the first year like off-campus or private housing. It is very common in the UK for dormitories to be self-catered and in the US students will be provided with more dining options. Also, maid service is available in the UK for the residence halls in the UK, however, it is chargeable. In the US, maid service is not observed thought.

Assignments and grading system:

As the education system is more broadened, students are expected to finish weekly or bi-weekly assignments like mini-projects, research papers, and class-room presentations through-out the year. In the UK, it is more of a lecture-based pattern and occasional assignments and home-work. Through-out the semester lectures will be conducted and students will be expected to focus on the lectures and attend them regularly. Sometimes the grading will be completely dependent on the final exam score. In the United States, students earn marks based on their performance in projects and take-home tests; the final exam marks will contribute only a small percentage to these scores.  

Cost of education:

In both countries, educational expense is not cheap. Foreign students should be ready to spend a hefty amount to get a degree from any of these countries unless they receive high-level grants or scholarships which may reduce their expenses significantly. However, in comparison, the US is usually more expensive than universities in the UK. The duration of the courses is one of the factors responsible for this. A recent study showed that British universities charge approx. £11,000 ($13527) per year and much higher for international students. The Universities in the UK set the maximum tuition fees that can be charged and the colleges then decide their own fees within that range. The government in the USA has almost no control over the fee structure of the universities. Sports scholarships are not usually available in the UK. 

There is a differentiation made by the US government between private and public universities and also between out-of-state tuition fees and in-state tuition expenses. These distinctions set out the tuition fees. The average fee for public universities for a 2 years program is around $3500/ year and for private institutions is approx. $31000/ year for 4 years program. A few elite institutions may charge up to $50000 or more / year for a 4 years course. Loans are available in both countries to help students with their finances. Educational loans are more easily available in the UK, similarly, in the USA, students can try for scholarships. Athletic scholarships are available in the USA

Institutions in the UK and the USA have always been at the top of the global educational market. They are leading study abroad destinations and students from all countries try to obtain an admit from the renowned colleges in the UK or the USA. While considering to pursue higher studies in any of these countries, you should take into consideration the factors listed in this article for better planning and a successful outcome. 

Whizstorm’s experts will guide you through the perfect study abroad plan according to the best suitable choices for your profile.