Maine

Maine has been called "One of the great natural playgrounds of the world" by visitors and residents alike. With over 5,000 miles of coastland, rugged mountains, and breathtaking ocean views, Maine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Along with natural beauty, Maine is also known for placing a high value on education, and the higher education system is one of the best in America.

Life in Maine

Maine (population 1.3 million) is located in the area of the United States known as New England. It is bordered by Canada and the Atlantic Ocean. The landscape is mostly jagged, rocky coastline, rolling mountains, and heavily forested inlands. Ninety percent of the land in Maine is forested. Beautiful scenery and untouched beauty draw thousands of visitors to Maine every year.

Recreational activities in Maine are nearly endless. Water activities such as boating and fishing are popular. Maine enjoys warm summers and snowy winters, and each season provides recreation activities, such as skiing in the winter and touring historic lighthouses in the summer. A major highway system, along with water transportation, make getting around Maine very easy.

For quality of life, it is difficult to find a state with a better reputation. Maine has a low population, and is considered to have an affordable cost of living. Maine boasts the lowest rate of crime in the United States, and the city of Portland is ranked 6 on Relocate America's "Top 10 Places to Live".

Graduate Education in Maine

All state public universities in Maine except for the Maine Maritime Academy are consolidated into the University of Maine System. Maine consists of 15 public and 15 private universities. The public universities in Maine are generally large and usually very cost effective. Maine has many smaller, private colleges that have historically sterling reputations. Public or private, Maine higher education has been recognized for excellence, such as a ranking on Princeton Review's Best 361 Colleges and a ranking on "Best of the Northeast." Students of the Maine education system enjoy the focus on academics, along with close proximity to large cities like Boston, and the nationally recognized great quality of life.

International Graduate Students

International students looking to study in the United States need look no further than Maine. Maine's beautiful coastline, endless forests, and unique scenery are all situated close to major cities and ready entertainment. A day's drive to the mountains could end with dinner in one of the ever-popular dining establishments located in large cities like Portland or Augusta.

Maine universities are recognized for having some of the latest advances in business and technology in the country. Incoming students will have no problem learning the skills they will need to succeed in the world. International students are recognized for their innovative new ideas and valuable insights. Universities readily welcome international students and faculty onto their staffs, and do their very best to make newcomers feel welcome. Twenty percent of enrolled graduate students in the University of Maine System are international students. Various organizations and clubs make it easy for new graduate students to feel right at home in Maine.

Financing Your Graduate Education

Official state of Maine website:
www.maine.gov
Maine Higher Education website: www.maine.gov/education/
highered/
Information on Maine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Most international students will not be able to receive financial aid from the United States government. However, there are still many options available for international students at the graduate level. Interested students can apply for teaching fellowships, grants, and scholarships through their individual colleges. Education in the United States is generally seen to be more expensive than in other areas of the world, but with the sterling reputation of the US higher education system and the numerous help available, international graduate students will be investing in their future while also benefiting by learning about the world around them.

Why Maine?

If the outstanding quality of life, beauty, and excellent educational programs of Maine aren't enough to attract you to this state, perhaps the endless entertainment and attractions will change your mind. Maine is home to beautiful beaches and coastal towns that showcase its rich history of maritime activity. Shopping in boutiques along Portland's "Old Port" is an ever-popular activity, as is touring lighthouses, going on scenic boat tours, and experiencing the exciting nightlife of the major cities that are only a drive away. Come to Maine and you will see that you can have it all—quality education and quality of life.