Studying in Pennsylvania is uniquely attractive, especially if you’ve already decided to study in the U.S. The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League school and ranked 6th in the world, and there are also many other colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and its historic cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburg to consider.
Studying abroad is an enriching cultural experience and a great way to make your personal statement, your CV/resume or a future college or university application stand out among your peers.
So why study abroad in Pennsylvania? Let’s discover why this well-positioned U.S. state is a great place to develop academically and personally, and a perfect base to visit several U.S. and Canadian cities.
1. Study in the U.S
You might be considering studying in Pennsylvania because you know you want to study in the U.S., and why not? At U.S. colleges and universities, there’s something for everyone.
Of course, the U.S. boasts its prestigious Ivy League college collective. Undergraduate programmes in the US are usually four years consisting of multiple study topics (minors) in the first two years and a specialisation in the last two years (major). Extracurricular activities are also a big attraction to studying in the U.S. which is known for its sororities and fraternities, clubs, and sports teams, all a key part of U.S. student social life.
2. You can find top universities in Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn or Penn State) is this state’s only Ivy League institution and is ranked in the world’s top 20 by QS World University Rankings, but studying in Pennsylvania isn’t limited to Penn State. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg has also been rated in the top 25 universities. Then there’s Villanova University, Lehigh University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Pittsburgh. If your passion is arts and humanities, then top universities in PA include the Curtis Institute of Music, the Academy of Music, and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Kimmel Center.
It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Pennsylvania is around average for the U.S., but tuition fees can be high. Collegecalc.com puts UPenn as 71% more costly than the U.S. average. There are also restrictions on working for international students, which should be considered. Some institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, may offer types of scholarships and grant programmes.
3. Immerse in history, culture, and food
Pennsylvania hosts over 48,000 international students every year; many are attracted to its big cities, the surrounding natural wonders and the unique history of the state. America’s Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776, and the University of Pennsylvania was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1730.
The state’s historic and diverse culture extends to music, arts, and food, with restaurants and flavours from all over the world. A staple cuisine since the industrious 1930s is the traditional “Philly cheesesteak,” but the city of Philadelphia has also evolved into a hub for vegan foods. A vegan cheesesteak made with a combination of rutabaga and Cheez-Whiz is a delight as an alternative.
4. Combine city life and the great outdoors
As well as two major university cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania has smaller cities like Chambersburg, where the liberal arts college, Wilson College, is located. The state has 120 state parks and 18 national parks including the Cherry Springs State Park, which is incredibly popular with star gazers and one of the best places to see the Milky Way.
Outdoor loves can choose from mountain biking, hiking, and camping in the great outdoors. The state sees all four seasons in full effect, so in winter it’s possible to go ice skating or snowboarding. The Appalachian mountains run through the centre of this U.S. state, linking it to Newfoundland in Canada. If you’re thinking about why study abroad in Pennsylvania, it could be a chance to experience a brand new and varied climate.
5. It’s a base to explore
Whilst studying in Pennsylvania, it’s easy to explore state attractions like the chocolate lover’s Hershey Company theme park Hersheypark or forest and mountain regions like the Poconos region and the Allegheny National Forest. Or, you can venture further afield to nearby Lake Erie or over the border to Canada. Pennsylvania is also close to New York and Washington and borders New York state, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio. From Philadelphia International Airport, you can fly across the U.S. or to Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
6. Explore local attractions in Philadelphia
In the iconic city of Philadelphia, sometimes known as the “Birthplace of America,” you can find the historic University of Pennsylvania, the urban college Temple University, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, and others. The city is known for innovation in health, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and insurance, as well as for its law schools including the Earle Mack School of Law, Beasley School of Law, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Its economic centre is Delaware Valley, and it has the fifth highest city population in the U.S.. It even has a neighbourhood called University City!
If you’re thinking of studying in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia will be on the list of locations to consider. Students can find free admissions at some of its amazing museums and art galleries and the city has been part of the Mural Arts Program for over 30 years. What’s more, it’s just a few hours by car or train for a trip to New York City or Washington D.C.
Looking for an international learning experience? Discover our range of summer schools held in a number of different locations around the world.
Resources:
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/everything-you-need-know-about-studying-us
http://www.collegecalc.org/colleges/pennsylvania/university-of-pennsylvania/
https://www.eduopinions.com/blog/where-to-study/the-pros-and-cons-of-studying-in-philadelphia/
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/philadelphia
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/everything-you-need-know-about-studying-us
https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/state_guides/pennsylvania
https://www.eduopinions.com/blog/where-to-study/the-pros-and-cons-of-studying-in-pennsylvania/
https://www.quora.com/Why-did-you-choose-to-study-at-University-of-Pennsylvania
https://blog.internationalstudent.com/2017/08/11/study-in-pennsylvania/
https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/media/features/AirPollutionResearch.html
