Choosing a University in the US: Rural vs. Urban?

The US offers an immense variety of options for international students who are hoping to attend an American University. Students may pick from small schools in rural areas, to larger schools in big cities, and everything in between. The location of a university has a huge impact on not only the educational experience that a student has, but also the social dynamic they will see, the people they will meet, and the post-graduate work environment that they will be exposed to. So, here is an analysis of the two, to help a student evaluate if a university in an urban environment or a rural environment would suit their needs better.

Urban: Urban universities are located in cities around the US. Attending this type of university, you can expect:

• Generally relatively large schools
• Schools that are known for programs in business, law, and international languages
• Convenient public transportation
• Extensive internship and job opportunities
• Big business locations
• Higher cost of living and housing
• Higher cost of tuition
• Large amount of majors to choose from
• Fast pace of life
• Importance of university sports teams and sporting events
• Many options for fun activities, entertainment, art, culture, and music
• Variety of spoken languages
• Larger class sizes
• Large amount of international people and students

Rural: Rural universities, on the other hand, are located in the more remote areas of the US. Attending this type of university, you can expect:

• Relatively small-sized schools
• Small towns where university students make up a significant amount of the population
• Schools that are known for programs in agriculture, sciences, and nature
• More calm pace of life
• Lower cost of living and housing
• Lower cost of tuition
• Close contact and accessibility of staff and other students
• More limited amount of majors to choose from
• Friendly, small town people
• More homogenous populations
• Small campuses with a community feel
• Individual attention to students
• Smaller class sizes
• Opportunities to explore nature and outdoor activities

Wherever you may end up, if you have motivation and a good attitude, you will also achieve success. Nonetheless, it is always important to consider where you will find yourself more comfortable in order to find this success!

SO MANY AMERICAN SITES TO SEE!

Coming to the United States as an exchange student is an incredible opportunity to see some of the amazing sites that the country has to offer. No matter where you may be going to studying in the US, there will be something in your neck of the woods or within traveling distance that you will not be able to pass up seeing! Here are a few of the good ones:

The Statue of Liberty: Colossal statue located in New York City, originally given to the US by France.



Times Square: Bustling part of New York City, flooded with stores, lights, billboards, and people from around the world.


Niagara Falls: Gorgeous waterfalls bordering Canada and the US.


The Grand Canyon: A geographically incredible region of Arizona shaped by beautiful canyons and scenery.


The Washington Memorial: Monument in Washington D.C. created to commemorate President Washington.


The Golden Gate Bridge: Scenic bridge full of bike riders, tourists, and San Franciscans alike.


Fisherman's Wharf: Well-known attraction in San Francisco bustling with people viewing shops, enjoying the waterfront, and filling up restaurants.


The Space Needle: Unique feature of the Seattle skyline with a view of the entire city, originally created for exposition in the World Fair.


Yosemite National Park: Awe-inspiring national park located in California.


The Plaza: Unique part of Kansas City, designed with architecture, tiles, and fountains to portray Seville, Spain.


Walt Disney World: Located in Orlando, Florida, a must see for any fun-going student.


Rocky Mountain National Park: Ideal location in Colorado for camping, hiking, and outdoor activity.

Quest Family Enjoys American Traditions!

Quest International is made up of a very special group of people from around the world. Among us, we represent language and culture from the United States, Asia, Scandinavia, Africa, Europe, and South America. While all of us have a passion for many traditions around the world different from our own, we also enjoy American customs and food as well! Recently, the Quest team spent an afternoon together roasting marshmallows, probably one of the most American pastimes you can find! The activity consists of gathering around a bonfire and skewering marshmallows on sticks to roast over a fire. Often, the marshmallows are put between graham crackers and chocolate bars to make what, in the US, we call "s'mores". If you haven't tried this tasty snack, ask an American friend to share this experience with you, because it is a fun part of American culture that you must try!

The Quest team! 

Viggo, our trusted office assistant.

Katie enjoying a marshmallow!

Rolo, second assistant, although he obviously does not work so hard... 

Perfecting our roasting skills.

Taking a little rest after a marshmallow coma.

"What's up...?"

A common thing that many foreigners in the United States are puzzled by is the phrase "What's up?" People from other countries may live in the US for years and not really understand what the proper answer to this question is because of the confusion of asking someone how they are doing without really wanting an answer, but that is how the phrase works! "What's up?" is a common greeting in the US used to say, "How are you?" or "What's going on?" The puzzling part is the answer. This phrase is used more as a hello than an inquiry as to how you are doing. When someone asks "What's up?" they usually are not looking for a detailed explanation of what's actually going on in your life. Someone would be pretty surprised if you told them everything that was up with you. You can respond by simply saying "What's up" in return, smiling, giving a little wave, or saying "Hey". While the phrase is stated as a question, it is not usually intended to have an answer, but merely as a way of saying "Hello".

KEEPING UP WITH QUEST STUDENTS: NAK JUNG SUN AT LINFIELD CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL...

Located in Temecula, California, Linfield Christian High School is an academically rigorous school where Quest student Nak Jun Sung, from Korea, is currently studying. Not only is he getting a great education here in the US, he has also become actively involved with the Linfield High School basketball team. For a glimpse into the busy (yet fun!) life of an exchange student, check out these great shots from his wonderful host parents, Tiffany and Broussard.

NAK JUN WITH HIS HOST FAMILY.

SCORING!

SUPPORTING TEAMMATES.

FUN WITH CLASSMATES AT SCHOOL.

GOING OUT FOR PIZZA WITH NEW FRIENDS!

ENJOYING SOME TIME IN HIS NEW HOME.

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS WEEKEND?

The employees at Quest are full of energy and exploration. When we are not busy at the office, we like to get out in the world to adventure just like you do! Here is our Tunisian marketing expert, Ty - he went on a flight excursion from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back in just a weekend!

TOP 10 AMERICAN FOODS

Coming to the US to study, you'll be exposed to new and unique foods that you will most likely only be able to find in America. Each region of the country has different things to offer - the Northwest is known for fresh seafood, the Midwest for barbecue, the South for soul and comfort food, the Northeast for lobster and crab, and the West coast for many Latin and Asian-inspired dishes. While you may not like everything you try, give these 10 very American things a shot and see for yourself the US really tastes like!

1. Barbecue
2. Fried chicken
3. Apple pie
4. Clam chowder
5. S'mores
6. Buffalo wings
7. Sourdough bread
8. Philly cheesesteak
9. Cheesecake
10. Cookie dough ice cream

APPLE PIE

BARBECUE

S'mores

QUEST FAMILY GROWS!

Quest is a company made up of personalities from around the world. In the office, we have speakers of English, Spanish, Chinese, Danish, Arabic, French, and Lithuanian. We recently welcomed our newest Quest family member, Eric. He brings an expertise of the Asian world, and we are all pleased to have him.