University preparation in Miami, Florida 2024

Preparing for Universities in Miami. Guide for foreign students

Miami's best universities are renowned for their high academic standards and their commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Graduates of American boarding schools often find themselves on a path to the world's top universities, promising successful careers and fulfilling lives.

However, for foreign students, entering an American university is not as straightforward as presenting a high school diploma. The requirements for admission to U.S. universities are more demanding than what secondary education in foreign schools typically offers. The American higher education system also differs significantly from that of other countries. Moreover, foreign students may not possess the English language proficiency required for admission.

In response to these challenges, preparatory programs, such as the Foundation Program, have become increasingly popular. These programs are offered by top universities in Miami and serve as a bridge to higher education in the United States.

Type of Preparing Program for Universities in Miami:

The Foundation program in Miami's best universities is not a one-size-fits-all preparation. These programs come with specializations that students must choose before embarking on their studies. Once a student selects a specific specialization, it becomes their academic focus, and transitioning to a different field at the bachelor's degree level is typically not possible.

Key specialization areas in the Foundation program at universities in Miami include:

• Business

• Engineering

• Humanities and Social Sciences

• Natural Sciences

• Exact Sciences

Specialized programs also exist for aspiring lawyers and doctors. Regardless of the chosen field, Foundation programs maintain a rigorous academic standard. Classes are taught by university professors, and students engage in projects, research, discussions, and thematic excursions.

The duration of the Foundation program in Miami's foreign universities typically depends on a student's initial English language proficiency. The program can last anywhere from one to three semesters.

The curriculum of the Foundation program in the USA encompasses three main areas:

• Academic English

• Study Skills (including essay writing and presentation creation)

• Profile Subjects (usually 2-3 disciplines)

The first semester often focuses primarily on academic English, allowing students to rapidly improve their language skills through intensive study. For those with a strong grasp of English, a one-semester Foundation program can concentrate entirely on profile subjects and the essential study skills needed for success. These skills encompass essay writing, information gathering, and analysis, among others.

For international students, the Foundation program at Miami's top universities serves as a highly accessible path to an American university education. Successful completion of the Foundation program and the accompanying exams ensures students a place in an undergraduate program, effectively guaranteeing their entry into the desired degree program.

Preparing for the Future at Florida Central University

Florida Central University offers a one-year Foundation Program with enrollment occurring in May, August, and January. This program allows students to choose one of three modules of study, aligning with their intended field:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

• Business and Finance

• General Studies

Upon completing the Foundation program, international students are directly admitted to the second year of the University of Central Florida in one of over 90 undergraduate programs. The program features small group instruction tailored to students' knowledge levels, as well as an element introducing them to Florida's social and cultural life.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What advice do you have for applicants who plan to enter US universities? Let's say they have 3-4 years to prepare.

Learn, learn and learn again! Almost the most important is good grades (usually from the last 3 years in secondary school). Of course, high school must be completed. Even at school, I advise you to determine which subjects and directions interest you more than others, in which you are especially good and talented. This will answer the question of which career is right for you.

Do not forget about extracurricular activities, just do not overwork yourself, do not load too much on your shoulders, otherwise you will get tired beyond measure.

Of course, work on your English: it should be as fluent as possible.

Remember that the education system in the United States is very flexible: in many colleges and institutes, you can choose a specialization not immediately, but by the end of the second year.

Florida International University provides two options for Foundation programs: a three-semester program (2020 cost: $24,400) and a two-semester program (2020 cost: $22,400). Additionally, they offer an English Language Institute (ELI) intensive English program priced at $7,500.

Enrollment for these programs takes place three times a year: in January, May, and August. The G1Y autumn program (semesters 2 and 3) begins on August (application deadline: July). Meanwhile, ELI language courses commence on September (application deadline: August 7).

These programs enable international students planning to attend Florida International University to rapidly improve their English language skills, gain academic preparation in their chosen undergraduate subjects, and acquire foundational knowledge of American culture, history, and traditions.