The Whole Person

A great strength of the American system is attention to the whole person. Once a student is admitted, the school is committed to that student’s success. Prestigious American colleges and universities see themselves as playing a crucial role in forming a young person’s values, and preparing their students to assume leadership roles in their professional, political and social communities. To this end, many such schools stress the importance of community service, and provide students with opportunities to undertake interesting and useful volunteer work.

Guidance

Students at the best American colleges and universities benefit from an extensive system of academic advising. There is much closer contact between professors and students than one would expect at a European university.

A faculty advisor meets with each student to plan academic coursework and the student’s future career. Support services such as writing clinics, are usually available free of charge. Professors keep office hours, during which students to discuss their coursework. Career services help students choose professional training or careers.

Lifelong Community and Support

Students understandably think of their college experience as a four-year event. Upon graduation, however, they join a strong and vibrant community of alumni: all those who have graduated before them.

A powerful network of alumni offers many benefits. Often, alumni return to campus for "Career Days," to present their experience to current students, and to give tips for success. Many schools maintain a vibrant network of alumni contacts to help recent graduates get off to a good start in their chosen careers.

Graduates of American colleges enjoy a lifelong community of professional associates and friends. Such contacts are often maintained through service to one’s alma mater—another hallmark of American education. Through such service, we express our commitment to the support and education of coming generations.