Study in Orlando, FL 2024

Education in Orlando and Florida will be enjoyed by active and sociable students. Warm climate, sunny weather, attracts participants of summer programs and seasonal camps: the cost of the courses includes not only studying English, but also fun leisure activities and exciting excursions. 

Education in Orlando is represented by prestigious language schools and private schools: you can choose the most suitable course for yourself, focusing on the description and price of the programs. Here you can study the general and academic English, business aspect of the language, prepare for international exams - a suitable programme will be available for the student with any requirements and any level of knowledge. Studying in Florida will not only significantly improve academic and language skills, but also give a lot of pleasant experiences!

SMAPSE specialists are always ready to help you make the right choice of school or programme. Due to the list of 9 best schools, colleges and universities in Orlando, Florida, you can find the most appropriate option. 

Svetlana Iakovleva

Director of International Enrollment Management

What is the best time to apply to American schools? What should students prepare for?

My daughter started from grade 11 and it was not easy to adjust for the first couple of months. The best option is to start from Grade 9 and to do all four years of a high school in the USA.

Nestled on a picturesque peninsula kissed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Orlando emerges as an ideal hub for international students seeking to broaden their horizons. Here are five key aspects that make Orlando stand out as a top-notch study destination.

 Prestigious Educational Institutions

Florida boasts a rich tapestry of educational excellence, with institutions that consistently rank high in teaching quality, study conditions, and program effectiveness. Orlando, in particular, shines as a hub of advanced learning, offering a diverse range of courses and an array of educational centers tailored to various specificities and budgets. Education in Orlando is synonymous with cutting-edge technology, flexible learning options, academic freedom, and a vibrant student community.

Ecological Splendor and Favorable Climate

For those who relish lush greenery and basking in the sun, Orlando is a dream come true. Florida's subtropical, tropical, and oceanic climate ensures pleasant, mild winters, making the city a year-round favorite. In fact, Orlando boasts the warmest winters on the North American continent, with January temperatures averaging +18-21 °C. The city's prestigious status as an eco-tourism haven owes much to its stunning flora, featuring an abundance of flowers, diverse orchids, shrub forests, and over a hundred palm tree species. The Everglades, a renowned national park teeming with unique wildlife and plants, adds to the allure of this natural paradise.

 Robust Infrastructure

Orlando caters to students with a thriving academic and entertainment infrastructure. Universities and schools are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring a conducive learning environment. Additionally, a wide array of leisure activities guarantees that students won't experience a dull moment during their free time.

Orlando, Florida, boasts a unique place in American educational history, with the first schools and colleges in the United States established here over two centuries ago. The modern American educational system features several distinctive aspects:

• Diverse Standards: In the United States, there is no uniform educational system, with individual states overseeing the quality and content of school programs within their territories. This results in variations in program specificity and quality from district to district.

• Three-Tiered System: Education in the U.S. involves elementary school, middle school, and high school, each typically located in separate buildings with their own staff and administration. In elementary school, a single teacher covers all subjects, including arithmetic, art, music, and work. High school, spanning grades 9 to 12, sees students receive specialized knowledge from subject-specific teachers (mathematics, English, computer science, history, and science) with elective subjects available. This system means that children in the U.S. study until the age of 18, only becoming eligible for university admission after completing high school.

• Annual Changes: Students experience yearly class reorganization based on academic performance, behavior, and other parameters.

• SAT Testing: In their final years of high school, students undergo two-stage testing, encompassing SAT I (verbal and mathematical sections) and the more challenging SAT II, designed to assess knowledge of optional subjects. While most colleges accept results from the SAT I test, top-tier institutions also consider SAT II scores.

Public vs. Private Schools: Orlando offers both public and private secondary education options. Public schools receive state funding but exhibit varying levels of education quality. Private schools in Orlando, favored by foreign students seeking prestige and high-quality education, require tuition fees, which contribute to improved boarding conditions, program quality, teacher professionalism, and overall educational experience. These institutions in the United States uphold traditions and create an environment conducive to in-depth subject study, offering a wide array of classes and sports equipment to support students' holistic development and education.

Diverse Study Opportunities

Education in Orlando extends beyond traditional long-term programs, providing diverse opportunities for students:

• Leadership Courses for Future Business Leaders: Students aged 16-18 can embark on a transformative journey by taking business courses in sunny Florida. These courses introduce participants to influential figures in the business world, covering various entrepreneurial activities, startup strategies, secrets of rapid career advancement, and more.

• Preparation for Studying Abroad: Academic English courses (11-17 years old) are tailored for students planning to pursue education abroad. These courses offer students the chance to adapt to the American educational system and enhance their language skills to meet the required standards.

• Enriching Summer Vacations: Orlando has developed comprehensive programs for foreign students that seamlessly blend active leisure with the study of diverse disciplines and language enhancement. Students studying in Orlando can look forward to improving their conversational English skills while enjoying a culturally rich and entertaining experience.

In essence, Orlando beckons international students with its exceptional blend of academic excellence, natural beauty, and cultural vibrancy. Whether you are drawn to its renowned educational heritage, the allure of its diverse flora and fauna, or the promise of a unique American education, Orlando offers an array of educational opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests and aspirations

Higher education in the United States is a realm of academic innovation that distinguishes it from other universities worldwide. Students who embark on their educational journey here often encounter groundbreaking approaches, such as comprehensive online systems that host vital information like timetables and assignments on student portals. This unique educational environment empowers students to make key decisions about their coursework and examination schedules. Beyond simply mastering the prescribed curriculum, students are encouraged to dedicate time to profound independent exploration of their chosen fields. Instructors place a premium on students' active engagement and independent perspectives, making initiative and analytical thinking essential attributes.

Benefits of Studying in Orlando for Foreign Students

1. Balancing Work and Study

American law extends the privilege of part-time employment to students, allowing them to earn extra income while pursuing their education. However, there are limitations—students can work up to 20 hours a week during regular periods and up to 40 hours per week during vacation breaks.

2. Exploring Internship Opportunities

Students in the United States under an F-1 visa have the option to participate in an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which provides a 12-month window for internships. Often, individuals begin their job search while engaged in an internship, with the potential for the employer to sponsor a three-year visa. Notably, students in mathematics, engineering, science, and technology fields can take advantage of extended internship durations, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 24 months to further develop their professional skills.

3. Financial Support and Scholarships

Prospective students seeking financial support have access to a multitude of scholarship programs and grants offered by universities, as well as commercial and non-commercial entities. Notable examples include the Fulbright program, Global Ugrad, and opportunities provided by institutions like Florida International University.

4. Robust University Infrastructure

The educational landscape in Florida is characterized by well-funded universities that boast state-of-the-art facilities. Modern laboratories, well-equipped classrooms, swimming pools, and sports fields are just a glimpse of the impressive infrastructure available to students pursuing their studies in Orlando. This commitment to top-tier amenities enriches the overall learning experience.

In conclusion, Orlando, Florida, stands as a vibrant destination for those seeking higher education that encourages innovation, independence, and active engagement. The educational landscape is further enhanced by opportunities for part-time employment, extensive internship programs, and a wide array of financial support options. With universities boasting cutting-edge infrastructure, students in Orlando can look forward to a dynamic and enriching academic journey that prepares them for a bright and successful future.