Before coming to study in the U.S., I often heard the phrase, «A diploma from an American university will open the best international opportunities for you. Yet, after graduating from Stanford and gaining international work experience, I see how little this phrase tells you about the real benefits of studying in the U.S. Let us shift the focus from «a diploma» to other aspects of the American education that will boost your international career.
Stronger soft skills Two cultural aspects make America, especially its universities, the best place to enhance your soft skills. First, American culture puts less social pressure on students. You can look, speak, and act the way you like, and very few people will judge you for it. For me, an introvert who spent most of her life dealing with social anxiety, it created a safe environment to get out of the comfort zone with little consequences. There were also so many people to learn from, as my American group mates had incredible communication skills. Second, American culture is open. It is okay to reach out to people whom you never met, and this is another skill that will help you throughout your career. For instance, there was a film class I wanted but could not take at Stanford. So, I asked the class professor for a meeting over a cup of coffee. We had a great conversation, and he invited me to a closed Facebook group for professionals in the film industry. A few months later, I applied to a job posted in that group and got an internship in an international production company. It is only one example of many. A truly global network
- Register at the EducationUSA Russia website, fill out your profile and check off the activities you would like to attend;
- Start the self-paced online 120 Credits program for undergraduate students;
- Attend an individual consultation after seven days upon successful program completion with a designated adviser to develop a personal strategic plan to apply to U.S. colleges and universities.