U.K. scholars find attending university in New York affordable and expedient;

Sept. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- In academic circles, it is widely-agreed that the American system of higher education puts college or university in reach of far more high school students than the equivalent system in the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe, Asia and South America.  Currently, more than 20 million students are enrolled in the nearly 4,500 colleges and universities in the United States.  These range from technical schools, where the emphasis is placed on specific skills of a trade, to public and private colleges or universities, somewhat interchangeable designations in the United States, where the course offerings and degree requirements are designed to provide a well-rounded education while also preparing graduates for gainful employment.    
   “With so many higher education institutions to choose from, earning a higher education degree in the United States can be more financially competitive with overseas counterparts than it is widely believed,” said Gersom Lopez, dean of admissions for Monroe College (www.monroecollege.edu), an exhibitor at USA College Day, September 28th and 29th at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton St., London.  The event is produced by the Fulbright Commission, a joint initiative of the U.S. and U.K. governments.      
   Monroe offers masters, bachelors and associate degrees.  The private institution has an enrollment of about 7,500 students attending classes at its main campus in New York City, its suburban New York residential campus in nearby New Rochelle, NY, and a small commuter satellite campus located in St. Lucia.  And because it offers three full academic semesters each calendar year, its students can earn two or four year degrees in 15 to 30 months, respectively.
   “The American educational system can be one of the best in the world, but only if you make sure you make the most out of it, and that begins by choosing the right institution to meet your educational and career goals,” added Lopez.  “The United States is the ultimate melting pot of different cultures, creeds and ethnicities.  Because of Monroe’s location in Metropolitan New York City, we are a magnet for students from around the world.  Anyone who is accepted for admission to Monroe is certain to be surrounded by classmates not just from the United States but also from the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.  Our multi-cultural enrollment adds to our students’ preparation for competing in a global economy.”  
   Currently, 12 British soccer players are enrolled in Monroe’s intense Soccer Academy which is modeled after soccer clubs in the U.K.  But in addition, Academy students are also enrolled in associate degree programs. The Academy is designed to not only allow international students with intense physical training while playing intramural soccer, but also to receive training in sports management and one of nearly twenty different academic majors offered by the 79-year-old private institution.  
   Sam Staniforth, 19, of Stirling, Scotland said he chose Monroe “for the opportunity to play more soccer and to play it in New York,” adding that New York City also offers tremendous access to enjoying other athletic and cultural events. “New York City is our ‘hands-on, off-campus academic lab’ where Monroe students can not only learn more about their profession and round out their liberal arts education, but also get access to a wide-range of internships and practicums,” noted Krystle Dookoo, a 2006 graduate of Monroe from Trinidad-Tobago.  Dookoo is an international admissions counselor for her alma mater and she will be representing Monroe at USA College Day.
   Being seen by more soccer team scouts was definitely an attraction for studying in the United States for Solomon Lowe, 19, of Bath.  Like most of his Soccer Academy teammates, Lowe had opportunities to study in California and Hawaii.  Another attraction about Monroe for Lowe was being able to academically qualify for its Honors Program.  Only students with a grade point average of 85% or higher or the equivalent of a B+ qualify to take Honors Program classes which are characterized by smaller enrollments  than the average Monroe class size of thirty students or less, more rigorous academic requirements, and a volunteer community service component.
   Basington native Mikaela Howell, 24, also a business management major, is a midfielder for Monroe’s  nationally-ranked women’s soccer team.   The British subject made All American last year thanks to her impressive personal record of 23 goals and 8 assists. This season, Howell is playing equally hard in the team’s first year entry in the Division 1 league.  Howell appreciates the attention paid all of Monroe’s athletes through its rigorous physical training and high-quality playing fields and facilities, in general, but she values most the academic support athletes receive in the classroom.  “Education, not sports, is put first here.  In the U.K., there is less opportunity to play football and go to school at the same time.  In the U.K. if a footballer does not succeed as a professional they don’t have many other options.  In the States, student athletes get more of a chance for a higher education and, as a result, the far many more opportunities that a degree from an American college or university offers.”
   A study reported in the American Economic Review concluded that even in terms of earnings, "What matters most is not which college you attend, but what you did while you were there.” This means choosing carefully a strong major and professors whose class sizes are small enough to get to know you, plus getting involved in campus leadership opportunities.”  
   Monroe College’s representative at USA College Day, Krystle Dookoo, can be reached while in the U.K. at kdookoo@monroecollege.edu or by phone, locally, at 20-7973-1000.
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