United States of America

The history of this young country is an epic in itself, from its discovery in 1492 by the Italian Christopher Columbus to the legendary Declaration of Independence of 1776. Throughout time, the United States has attracted young Europeans desirous of changing their lifestyles and living “American Dream”. But do not worry, there is enough for everyone!

With an education system that is extremely well thought out, the United States is one of the most popular destinations for international students. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, for the 2007-2008 academic year, more than 620,000 international students were registered in American higher education establishments (the equivalent to 27 percent of the entire French student population over the same period)! Business, administration, arts, theater, political science, international relations, communication, marketing, engineering… Whatever the education you wish to pursue, you will find it in one of the 4,000 universities in Ben Franklin’s country.

With the help of Study Experience, you will be able to join the ranks of the higher education “expats” and benefit from the internationally recognized diplomas offered by the colleges and other grad schools… As with the other countries we represent, we will assist you in all your needs, from your orientation to your integration on-site.

Take your first steps towards the Land of the Free and a truly international experience…

Geography

The United States is divided into 50 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Its capital is Washington, DC (or District of Columbia).

“Sandwiched” between Canada and Mexico, the United States has, as does Australia, a remarkable number of very different climates. This is the case in part because of the large expanse of the country, covering more than 9,000,000 square kilometers. You can find a tropical climate in Florida or Hawaii and, on the other extreme, a cold alpine climate in the Rockies. You can also experience a desert climate in the southwest of the country and a Mediterranean or oceanic climate in the West and Northwest.

Moreover, this great diversity of climates gives place to important variations in flora and fauna: coniferous forests in Washington versus palm trees in Florida, it is up to you to choose!

Climate may have some importance in terms of deciding which institutions are best for you. Do not hesitate to consult with us during your orientation.

Culture

American society is the shining example of the Melting Pot. The country’s motto “E Pluribus Unum” (“From Many One”) is a case in point. To simplify, before being Italian, Irish, German or even Dutch (New York was for a long time New Amsterdam), US citizens are first and foremost A-me-ri-cans! The European, Asian or African cultures that make up the country have mixed and diluted into one. Although each state has its own identity, you will find relative homogeneity throughout the country as to the main values shared by all: liberty, family, religion (court witnesses, and the President, swear on the Bible and the phrase “in God we trust” appears on all the bank bills).

Regarding culture, regardless of where you are, you will soon understand one thing: the United States is a country where size matters. The buildings, tall and taller still… or your plate when you eat at a restaurant are proof of this. Be careful not to order too much food when you go out to eat: portions are generally very copious. As to gastronomy, you will have a wide choice. Beyond the traditional hamburgers and hotdogs, you will experience over-sized pizzas and, especially in the larger cities, all types of specialties from all corners of the globe. Let yourself be tempted by gumbo in Louisiana or fried chicken in many cities in the South, for example. Those who are wine amateurs will be surprised by the quality of some US vineyards. As to beer amateurs, prefer yourself to step into a country that has literally reinvented the small brewery concept…

Regarding quality of life, follow the “small is beautiful” maxim. The larger agglomerations are certainly attractive because of the large number of activities they offer (the almost mythical stature of some cities, like New York or Los Angeles for example), but the smaller and medium cities are certainly more affordable. Contrary to what you would expect, you will probably not be overcome with boredom: even if their names are less familiar, you will find your happiness (movie theaters, shopping, bars, discotheques, etc). Do not forget that you are only of legal age for Uncle Sam once you turn 21. Moreover, as true pioneers in telecommunications (Morse was American), the United States offers a quality telephone and internet network. Thanks to the hypercompetitive nature of the telecommunications sector, it will not prove difficult to find a plan at an affordable price.

Due to their understanding of customer service, Americans are usually good-natured, accessible and open to foreign visitors. Beware: there is always the exception that confirms the rule, most notably in the larger cities. Proud of their country and their culture, most Americans will probably introduce you to the most popular sports: basketball, American football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse… it is up to you to choose!

Key Facts and Figures

History of the United States

• The American continent was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

• The first British colony was established in American territory at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

• The oldest American city is Santa Fe, founded in 1610.

• The United States of America declared its independence from the United Kingdom on July 4, 1776, sanctioning the Declaration of Independence.  Having proclaimed that all men are born free and equal in rights and have the same inalienable rights, it inspired many other written constitutions.

• The first iced tea was served in 1904 at the Universal Exposition in St. Louis.

American Society

• The capital of the United States is Washington, DC.

• The political regime of the country is a federal republic.

• The population of the United States stands at 309,473,000 in 2010.

• The national anthem of the United States is “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

• English is the official language of the United States, although Spanish has gained considerable ground and is predominant in some regions.

• According to WHO figures, life expectancy in the United States is 80 years for women and 75 years for men.

The United States at Natural Size

• The United States disputes the third largest country in the world status with China. The country has a surface of 9,826,675km².

• The highest summit in the United States is Mount McKinley. Situated in Alaska, it rises to 6,194 meters above sea level.

• Death Valley (a desert expanse in California) is the lowest point in the United States at 282 meters below sea level. Several scenes of the first Star Wars trilogy were filmed there.

• The United States has 19,924 kilometers of coastline.

• The country shares 8,893 km of border with Canada (of which 2,477 correspond to Alaska) and 3,141 km with Mexico.

• Almost 2% of the economically active population works in agriculture.

• The rail network of the United States totals 226,427km.

• The largest city is Juneau, Alaska (8,430km²).

• Twelve natural sites in the United States are classed as World Heritage Sites, and another 8 are inscribed in the cultural heritage list.

Trade and Technology in Australia

• The currency of the United States is the Dollar US.

• The telephone country code for the United States is +1 (or 001).

• In 2008, 751/1000 inhabitants used the internet.

• In 2008, 488/1000 inhabitants had a fixed phone line, against 878/1000 inhabitants.

• In 2003, for every 1000 inhabitants, 938 had a television.

• The United States represented 8.59% of world exports in 2006. The main country of destination for these exports was Canada.

• More than 50,000,000 foreign tourists visited the country in 2006!