I don't feel like voting this election

[NWguy]

Aren't we #1 in college education? Not sure if that's worth bragging about, but I do believe US is the top choice for foreign students to further their education.

I lived in France briefly during the Bush years, and what was surprising to me was how tuned into American politics the people were there. And everywhere I traveled to - Spain, Italy, Germany, UK - I met many young people, who despite the problems/issues we have in America, desperately wanted to come here, some of them told me it was their dream to live in America.

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by NWguy

Aren't we #1 in college education? Not sure if that's worth bragging about, but I do believe US is the top choice for foreign students to further their education.

I think you may be missing the point...

[DubaiSis]

Yes, I think the point has been missed. But as far as college education, I would contend there is a gap between interest in and quality of education. Huge Big 10, Pac10, SEC type schools are definitely huge interest, but do you get a better education? Arguable. Going to school in England or Germany (or Iran) would not be nearly as fun, but the actual academics are there. And free. In Germany it's free even if you're a foreigner. I don't know the details like that in other countries. So yes, we KILL it on frat parties. Med school or business school training? maybe, maybe not.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by NWguy

Aren't we #1 in college education? Not sure if that's worth bragging about, but I do believe US is the top choice for foreign students to further their education.

Probably at the Ivy level, yes--at least in terms of prestige, who knows about actual educational attainment? Comparing U.S. educational attainment with other countries becomes very problematic very quickly.

Let's just start at accessibility. We have such a laissez-faire approach to education here. We've allowed the proliferation of fly-by-night for-profit colleges, our bachelors degrees have become watered down and costs to students have soared and access to lower-income students isn't improving.

The Sanders campaign has made some excellent points regarding education. I think we'd do well to join much of the developed world and fully funding higher education. Massive student loans cripple students upon graduation and delay or deny them the opportunity to start families, buy houses, nice cars, etc.--activities which grow the economy.

I think most international students come here for American language and cultural immersion--not necessarily because of the quality of our academics. Ivies and high-end schools excepted.

[TonyB06]

As someone said upthread, too many people fought and died for me not to vote, so I do.

As is also the case, there are no "virgins" in American politics -- those looking for ideological purity are always disappointed. Either vote for whom you like best or against whom you dislike most.

But if you sit at home and don't vote, the rest of us will decide.

[Springishere]

I came out of longtime lurkdom especially to respond to this. I am European (continental, not a native speaker so I hope I get my point across without insulting someone unintentionally) but studied in the US for a while and I found the course work to be very easy. Granted, I didn't go to an Ivy League school but it was a decent state school in the Midwest nontheless. So yes, for me studying in the US was all about the experience (which was fantastic and second to none!), not the intellectual challenge.

As for your pending elections... To quote Joseph de Maistre (I had to Google that): "Every nation gets the government it deserves." But following your elections from the other side of the pond, I think you deserve better than, well, one particular candidate. So choose wisely please. Having said that... We seem to have our fair share of embarrassing politicians in Europe these days as well.

[DubaiSis]

Or another favorite quote, I believe credited to Churchill, "Americans always do the right thing. After they've tried everything else."