SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE USA

The most distinctive feature of the system of higher education in the USA is its diversity. Department of Education does not control curricula. It concentrates on providing training opportunities for both academic and high school teachers. It also certifies accreditation agencies together with the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. There are about 600 of the fields of study for prospective students to choose from. The quality of education is confirmed by regional or professional accreditation. There is a group of Ivy League schools but accredited and strong schools can be found in all states of the USA. All institutions of higher education can be divided from the point of view of financing into public or state and private or independent ones. Private schools have their endowments  that are main source of their financial abilities sustaining their budget. Public schools are receiving their money from the state tax payer's money. Higher education in the United States is also paid for by the students. While private schools charge equal tuition fee from all students not withstanding where they come from, public schools’ tuition fee is much lower for the inhabitants and residents of the state where school is located.

Undergraduate Education.

First four years of studies are called Undergraduate Studies and the students receive Bachelor's Degree in arts or sciences on their completion. There are about 3,500 schools offering this type of education. The names of schools may differ from college, university college, university or institute to two year community colleges. Most often the schools that offer undergraduate education are called 'colleges'.

Students can begin their higher education also in two-year community colleges and on receiving Associate Degree after two years of learning they can transfer to four year college or university and get Bachelor's Degree after completing 3rd and 4th year of their studies there. Studies in two-year colleges are much cheaper what opens the door to higher education to the less well off students. About 40% of the US citizens begin their studies in community colleges and about 35% of students from Poland follow their example. There is opinion that studies at community colleges provide easier adaptation and less stressing passage from high school to college education. Another distinctive feature of the US system of higher education is the so called Liberal Arts Philosophy. In accordance with this approach the first two years of studies concentrate on both arts and humanities as well as on sciences. Concentration on the major begins from the 3rd year of study.

Each student has to gain from 120 to 126 credit hours. At the end of study period they write papers, or have special practical training that ends with examination. Some colleges offer programs that combine theory with practice the so called 'cooperative programs'. Most often the schools offer practical training on completion of studies.

American schools concentrate on intercultural aspect of higher education. International student centers organize special programs during which international students present their culture, language and customs, kitchen. Very often all student community joins in dancing and learn cooking exotic meals, play national games and before all they talk about cultural differences and look for uniting elements in them. These integration activities are most beneficial to all students' community.

The vast sport and fitness facilities enable all students to stay fit and healthy and participate in the life of local community while being a student in the United States.

Students can join cultural and academic associations and corporations according to their preferences. When they join corporation they can stay in residence halls with their colleagues of similar interests. Alumni talk about their studies in US colleges/universities as the most awarding life experience. Very often alumni are staying in touch with their schools and student fellows on completing their studies. They attend reunions thanks to their alumni association.

On leaving the school international students who do not continue learning can count on practical training and then come back home.

Graduate Education.

The studies are organized in the Graduate Schools that are integral part of universities. Candidates must have at least Bachelor's degree. Polish applicants should have Magister's Diploma. Some Graduate schools accept 3 year Bachelor's degree candidates conditionally. They have to go through a year long 'bridge program' and get missing credit points. Graduate students can pursue Master's and PhD programs in about 1,500 Graduate schools. Master's programs last from one to two years and at the students are required to write thesis or take examination after internship programs respectively.

Doctoral studies usually last for three years, sometimes longer, especially in experimental sciences. At the end of the program the student has to write doctoral thesis and defend it before faculty council. Each academic year of Graduate student must gain from 9 to 12 credit hours depending on a discipline. The offer of US Graduate Education is very rich and it provides multiple choice opportunities. When looking for appropriate program student should contact professor whose faculty research is similar to his interests. Looking through faculty research on the school's web site can be very helpful.

It is worth mentioning here that financial aid offered to international graduate students is much bigger than for undergraduate ones.

Graduate students usually live out of the campus or at residential halls for assistants and researchers. They never stay in dorms that are usually more expensive than private apartments and are obligatory for freshman only.