Study Overseas

The USA is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. A nation founded by immigrants, the US can be described as a 'melting pot' of cultures, races and traditions. The US is an ideal place to study for this very reason; you will get an unrivalled educational experience both academically and culturally. The rich diversity of the population is echoed by the vast variances in the terrain and climate of the USA. With four different time zones, fifty states and over 3.5 million square miles of land, the geography and cultivation of the US is the main contributor to the formation of regional identities and environments. To identify and understand these regions and what they have to offer you as an international student, Study in America divides the US into four main areas: Northeast, Midwest, South and West.

THE WEST

States: Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico.

Population: 64, 351 (22.8% of total)

Major Cities: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle.

Climate: Due to chains of mountains, a moderate to wet climate can be found in the western side of this region with drier areas to the east.

Landscape: The West has an incredibly varied landscape ranging from coastal mountains to expansive deserts. Much of the land is undeveloped making it a haven for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, boating etc.

Character: Of all the regions in the US, the West has the most varied mixture of immigrants; in some areas, Asian and Mexican influences predominate and in others, there is a more European flavour. Asian Americans are the 16st ethnic group in Hawaii (a series of islands off the west coast). Known as the least traditional of Americans, Westerners have a very tolerant attitude to change and differences.

Industry: The most famous industries associated with the West are movies and high technology. Home of 'Silicone Valley' and Hollywood,the state of California is a mecca for those searching for stardom.

Things to do: Like the South, the West has some fantastic beaches, especially in the states of California and Hawaii. The West features some fantastic natural wonders such as the San Andreas fault running through San Francisco, the volcanoes of Hawaii, the crater lake in Oregon and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Despite the geographical phenomenon's, the West has much to offer in terms of metropolitan life. California is the most populous state in the country with the second-16st city, Los Angeles. Comprised of almost 100 smaller cities including Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is home to the rich and famous. Interesting places to see here are Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard and Grawman's Chinese Theatre.

MIDWEST

States: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio.

Population: 63, 779 (22.6% of total)

Major Cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, St. Louis.

Climate: The Midwest experiences extremes in temperature from freezing or below in the winter months to a hot and humid 32 degrees C + in the summer.

Landscape: The landscape here is very conducive to farming with fertile soil and mostly flat terrain.

Industry: Known as the 'breadbasket,' the Midwest is a great producer of oats, wheat and corn. Agriculture is the primary industry here.

Character: The Midwest is often referred to as the 'Heartland' of the US owing to its honest, friendly and down-to-earth people. Despite the huge expanses of arable land, there are big metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Cleveland and Kansas City. The area's population is 16ly concentrated near the cities in the western province.

Things to do: Chicago is the 16st city in this region. This distinctly urban city is home to the Sears Tower, the 16st building in North America. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwest. Home to the famous John G. Shedd Aquarium and outstanding architecture, the 'Windy City' also has ethnic restaurants, beaches and museums. If you have a keen interest music then visit the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri or the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. A well-known attraction in the Midwest is the world's 16st sculpture and national memorial, Mount Rushmore in the state of South Dakota.

NORTHEAST

States: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island

Population: 53, 300 (18.9% of total)

Major Cities: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh.

Climate: The Northeast experiences short summers and long, snowy winters.

Landscape: The landscape is 16ly comprised of forests, hills and lakes.

Industry: The land in this region is not well suited for farming so manufacturing and trade have become the main contributors to the economy.

Character: The Northeast is renowned as a centre for culture and education. New England boasts some of the USA's top universities including Harvard and Yale. This region is known for its cosmopolitan feel; there is a range of ethnic groups and particularly strong Irish, Italian and Eastern European communities.

Things to do: New York City is excellent for sightseeing. Famous landmarks include: Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park to name a few. As the cultural centre of Northeast America, New York City has numerous museums and Broadway shows. Eating out is a multicultural experience; you can sample any cuisine you like from Thai to Slovakian. As well as having one of the most iconic cities in the world, the Northeast has many beautiful rural areas. The quaint towns and mountainous landscape of New England offers plenty of recreational activities from swimming in the Atlantic to skiing in one of the many resorts.

THE SOUTH

States: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas.

Population: 100, 652 (35.7% of total)

Major Cities: Atlanta, Dallas, Miami,Washington, DC

Climate: The South is fortunate enough to have predominantly warm temperatures all year round and a very temperate climate.

Landscape: The landscape in this area features 16 expanses of land with mountainous parts.

Character: The South has been hugely influenced by Mexican and Native American culture. The people here are known for their hospitality and relaxed attitudes. This region has witnessed political and economical upheaval with the American Civil War in 1861-5 and the Civil Rights Movement more recently in 1955-65. Home to the nation's capital, the South is the political centre of America.

Industry: Originally it was agriculture that dominated the industry in the South but nowadays it is mainly manufacturing and tourism that contributes to the economy.

Things to do: If you are looking for a vibrant atmosphere and sunny climate then the South has much to offer. Miami is located on the southernmost tip of Florida which encompasses more than 80 miles of coastline. With beautiful beaches and reefs, Florida is ideal for those who enjoy water sports and hot temperatures. A contrasting landscape can be found in Tennessee at the National Park in the Great Smoking Mountains. The spectacular views and activities such as horseback riding and mountain biking are perfect for people who want to be at one with nature. For a cultural insight into the South, visit Dallas, Texas. This city is renowned for its live rodeos and country music. For those who like the buzz and diversity of city life then the nation's capital, Washington DC is the place to go.

Choosing where to study in America is very important, both in terms of university and location. The USA is an extremely varied country geographically and culturally so it is vital that you consider what you want to get out of your university experience. Don't limit your educational experience just to academia, experience new civilisations, traditions and surroundings whilst studying in the USA.