Degree Programs in North America

North America is generally considered to encompass three countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Canada is the northernmost nation of the Americas and is also the second largest country on earth by landmass. As much of the upper territories remain unsettled, Canada actually has quite a small population in relation to its enormous size, just 35 million people call Canada their home. Some of the most popular cities within Canada where students can pursue a degree abroad in North America include Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

The United States is the major player in North America. With over 300 million citizens, the United States has the largest economy in the world and is also generally considered to boast the best university system. You do not need to gain admittance into Harvard or Yale to get a great education in the U.S.A; there are scores of high quality schools where you can earn a degree abroad in North America in virtually any subject.

Lastly, Mexico offers students a much different environment than the latter two. While Canada and the U.S. are two of the wealthiest nations in the world, Mexico remains a developing country, so its education system is not as prestigious as that of its northern neighbors. Don’t let this turn you away however. Mexico is a thriving Latin American country with a good measure of global influence, so it can be a very enriching place to earn your degree abroad in North America too.

It would be fruitless to attempt a survey of all the potential universities and degree programs in North America; there are thousands of paths to take, plain and simple. So instead of listing off the immensity of diverse options, here’s a general overview of the process:

Undergraduate degree programs in North America generally last for four years, while advanced graduate degrees can require anywhere from one to several years of additional study on top of this. Schools typically run on either semester or quarter systems, the academic year falling between August/September and May/June.

North American universities can be very competitive for admittance, but many also reserve a set amount of spots for international students, which increases your chances of admittance. Degree programs in North America can also help place you based on your academic desires and qualifications; if not at a full domestic university, than often at a smaller international school.

Some of the most popularly pursued degrees in North America include those in Economics, English, Political Science, and Psychology. You are by no means limited to these fields; there are hundreds of different majors and minors you can choose from at most North American universities. Many degree programs in North America are also built for specialized degree paths, such as Medicine or Law.

Earning a degree abroad in North America can be expensive. While Mexico is a more affordable country, the United States and Canada are both among the world’s wealthiest, so education can be quite an expense in either country. You can check out GoAbroad's Scholarship Directory to learn more about financial aid opportunities in North America.

Most university students in North America live in dormitories, which are a great way to fully immerse yourself in the student culture. Many students move off campus to live in nearby apartments after a couple years as well, although this is not a necessity. Living with roommates is usually the way to go if you are interested in living off campus.

Temporary visas are usually not too hard to obtain for those who want to earn a degree abroad in North America, as there is a very large international student body on the continent. Visa policies vary depending on what country you are from and where in North America you are studying, so you can check out GoAbroad's Embassy Directory for more information.

Melting Pot. One of the great things about North America is how diverse a continent it is. Many of its inhabitants are immigrants from elsewhere in the world, creating a very enriching cross-cultural dynamic.

Top of the Tops. Many universities in North America are considered to be the absolute best in the world, spearheading cutting edge research across a variety of academic fields and offering students an amazing education. Why wouldn’t you want to learn in this environment?

Globalization’s Home. A huge portion of today’s technological innovations and global popular culture is produced from North America, which fosters a spirit of ambition and creativity among its citizens. Earning a degree abroad in North America is the first step towards unlocking your personal potential in whatever field.