US or not US ?

[qisum]

Hello all,

 

as an international student, I applied this year to US colleges because I couldn't find any decent environmental / ecology degree in my country. I started a geography degree, which has some parts of ecology, and if I wait for three years I'll be able to take decent-but-not-more environmental courses. I honestly don't know if I can make a career out of it but I'm planning to apply to all jobs I can learn from while studying if I keep on this track.

 

Meanwhile, I got accepted in some good schools in the US (which was nicely surprising with my school files)

 

My first question is, if you have an opinion about it, should I go ? US studies are really bounding and expensive and I want to make sure I make the right decision if I come for 4 years of studies.

 

Besides, if I decide to go, I still have to choose between my top choices. I got into SUNY-ESF, which is only focused on environment, and I know from having been there myself that its student are a really nice community, courses seem great, and its really affordable.

I also got into Boston University and (maybe) NYU, which seem to give a very good education and a lot of opportunities of exchanges between majors, "field" studies (hope it's the right word) and study abroad opportunities. Plus NYC and Boston. I'm pretty sure I would get a clear idea of what I can do there. But it's very expensive, and not only focused on environment of course.

 

If I go, should I choose ESF or BU/NYU ? Americans sell very well their schools, and I want to get neutral opinions from people who know US schooling system better than me...

 

Thank you !

[swansont]

If expense is at an an issue, Syracuse is bound to be a cheaper place to live than NY or Boston.

 

In the university system, there isn't a tremendous difference between the education you will get if you work hard. There is a large difference in the education you get if you try and "coast". There is also a prestige advantage (and also networking) with big-name schools.

 

My two cents of advice is focus on what will make the overall college experience better for you and worry less about small differences between the programs.

[qisum]

Well this sounds like a good advice, thank you. I can't figure out if it is really worth leaving my actual life behind for 4 years in the US though

Edited November 26, 2013 by qisum

[Ophiolite]

You won't be leaving your actual life behind. You will be transforming your life experience in major ways. Properly experienced and appreciated this will be as valuable to you as the qualification you get at the end of it.

[qisum]

I know it won't sound right from a 20 years old student but I actually had too much of life experience (to quote you) those past years and it wouldn't hurt me to stay for a while around my home to study... This is why my main concern is to know if the education I'll get there is worth it, since ecology doesn't seem to be really a big deal in Europe's education programs.

But you are certainly right

thanks for answering

 

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