There are many factors that make earning a degree in the United States an attractive option for thousands of international students—career placement, the opportunity to master English, and the variety of program offerings are just a few. But perhaps the biggest benefit of attending a U.S. college or university is the quality education you'll receive from top-notch professors who hail from every point of the globe. Take a look at just a few of the characteristics that make American higher education professionals some of the best in the world:

Diversity
Nicknamed the world's "melting pot," the United States is known for welcoming diverse individuals. U.S. colleges and universities also embrace this notion, maintaining some of the world's most stringent and selective hiring practices. Such efforts help to ensure that students are led by instructors whose philosophies and skill sets mirror the larger global community.

Recognition
When American college instructors hold the highest degree possible within their field of expertise, it reflects well on the school; therefore, it comes as no surprise that the credentials of aspiring U.S. professors are weighed heavily. It is not uncommon for a U.S. school's faculty to consist of 80-90 percent PhD holders. Additionally, many college instructors are granted awards and recognition by their peers for superior achievement in their chosen discipline, beyond their work in the classroom.

Ongoing Education
College instructors in the United States never stop learning. In fact, ongoing training is required as a condition for employment at many institutions, particularly those with an emphasis on science or technology. As lifelong scholars, instructors welcome the opportunity to expand their knowledge base, continually applying what they've learned to their own teaching methods and looking for new ways to convey cutting-edge information and ideas. This often results in an experiential, "out-of-the-box" learning environment for students.

Mentors and Colleagues
Another factor that places U.S. instructors in the world's elite is the comfortable nature of student-teacher relationships. While professors in the United States enjoy esteem from both their students and fellow colleagues, they are typically highly approachable and eager to help students succeed. The majority of instructors maintain an "open-door" policy, encouraging students to come to them with both academic questions as well as personal concerns.

The American classroom setting is generally a casual one, where students are invited to voice individual opinions—some of them vastly divergent—within a nurturing, respectful, and safe environment.

This laid-back approach to mentoring often proves extremely helpful to students seeking experience within their field of study or employment after graduation. Many instructors hold full-time careers in addition to their teaching responsibilities, and can offer great resources for internships, hands-on experience, and professional referrals.