The Great Debate

• Requirements to study across disciplines: Most universities require that students take a number of courses outside of their major.  Why is this important?  Several reasons!  First, you may find an interest in something you didn’t realize prior and choose to take more courses in that area!  Second, you have the opportunity to learn from a wealth of people you may not have interacted with otherwise.  For example, if I am a political science major, you are studying biology, and our friend is an engineer, we may all end up in a philosophy course together.  Imagine the conversations that we would have coming from so many different backgrounds and worldviews!  Third, through taking these courses you will learn to write, present, work in teams, think critically, and problem solve in many different and unique situations.  These are soft skills that are invaluable for future employment as well as for the rest of life! 
• Opportunities to double major (and minor!): Are you interested in theatre and marketing?  Business and psychology?  Engineering and sculpture?  Chances are, you’ll be able to study both!  Double majoring can be hard work, but college is the time of life when you get to study exactly what you want.  No pain, no gain!
• Research:  Many universities have incredible opportunities for research at the undergraduate level.  Maybe you’ll experiment with Apple’s newest product, create a human soldier, or explore brain reconstruction.  Perhaps you’ll work in the graduate lab as an undergraduate or maybe even receive a grant to make a documentary researching the economic impact of the World Cup or to research the effects of waste on rivers…while floating down the Mississippi River in a handmade raft! 
• Practical Experience:  The pedagogy of most U.S. universities includes the idea that “hands-on” is one of the most beneficial ways to learn.  You won’t only learn theories in the classroom; you will be challenged to put what you learn into practice!  Whether this is by playing the New York Stock Exchange for your finance course or by working in a classroom with schoolchildren for your child development class, you will come away not only with knowledge but with experience.  Most universities now require their students to hold at least one internship during their degree program; this is a great way to experience the work field in your area of study and looks great on a resume for either grad school or a job!
• Student Life:  When it comes to university, a bulk of learning happens outside the classroom: Campus jobs.  Community service.  Spring break service programs.  Short-term travel courses.  Student senate.  Film Forums. Athletics.  Student clubs and organizations.  Living in residence halls.  And the list goes on.  You have freedom to start new things, to hold leadership positions, to explore new activities, and to travel.  Plus, your time in a U.S. university will be a diverse one – you will likely be a part of a community with students, faculty, and staff from all over the world.  Global citizenship is crucial in our world today, and participating in life at a U.S. university will nurture this in you!
• Holistic Development:  The education system in the U.S. universities is built to support your growth as human being, not just as a student.  Through mentorship, student activities, off-campus programs, on-campus employment, elective courses, and the community you surround yourself with, your time in a U.S. universities encourages you to discover yourself and to grow into the person you want to become. 

What other benefits are there to pursuing your undergraduate degree in the U.S.?