<p>I recently graduated high school and am currently planning on enrolling at a top American university this fall (I've already been accepted etc.) </p>
<p>However I keep getting the feeling that maybe this isn't the best idea (maybe just buyer's remorse?). The thing is that I would be an international student in the U.S. Therefore things would be very difficult for me..(in terms of internships, employment, etc.) My parents have the funds to pay so the money isn't an issue. </p>
<p>Although I haven't been in Australia in a very very long time, I have Australian citizenship so it would be very cheap for me there. Also, because of my citizenship I would not be at a disadvantage when it comes to internships, employment, etc. </p>
<p>Either way, I do not know anybody there and this whole university thing will be a very challenging adventure for me. </p>
<p>In the U.S., I would double major in economics and mathematics. In Australia, I would do a combined degree in law and economics. My ultimate goal is to either practice international law or to go on to a top Ph.D. Economics program. </p>
<p>In your opinion, what would you say is the better decision?</p>
<p>If it’s a tippity top US university, the resources and experiences are very different to what you’d receive in Australia.</p>
<p>You can work 20 hours a week on an F1 visa at your home university during semester. You can work 40 hours a week during vacations. This means that you can take internships at your university. Another solution is to do internships abroad in Europe, Canada, Latin America or Asia.</p>
<p>I second 4kidsdad!
In addition, the American undergrad experience is really unique, whereas the graduate experience is more similar whether it is in Australia or in the US.
So, do well for your American undergrad degree, then apply to grad school in Australia (in any case, with your career plans, you’ll need to go to grad school)</p>
<p>"Although I haven’t been in Australia in a very very long time, I have Australian citizenship so it would be very cheap for me there. "</p>
<p>By this I take it that you have been living outside of Australia for most of your life. Going “home” for your undergraduate education can be an excellent plan. You would meet other people in your age group, many of whom also would have career goals similar to yours. Given that you were admitted to a “top” institution in the US, it is likely that you would be admissible at the “top” institutions in Australia where you would be with your academic peers. Your options for post-graduate studies would be equivalent, as would your options for semester or year-long academic exchanges elsewhere in the world. Without the work restrictions of a student visa, your employment and internship options would be much better than here. To be perfectly honest, I can’t see a down side to that plan.</p>
<p>If you are uncertain about starting in the US this fall, ask for deferred enrollment. Take a gap year to think about your goals, do an internship or get a paid job, visit Australia and check out the options there, etc. etc. If you do decide that Australia is better (and why not? It is a great place!) then pursue your undergrad studies there. If you decide that you were wrong about that idea, then enroll here in the fall of 2014.</p>