Students and United States of America (U.S)

In terms of quality education, extraordinary study curriculum, multiethnic environment as well as ample opportunities are some of the aims of international students which can be found at United States. U.S has best universities along with high academic standards. According to QS World Ranking 2019, among 100 of universities top 33 universities are from United States. American Universities and colleges offer uncountable courses and programs to choose. Majority of top ranked colleges, universities with best technological advancement, infrastructure are in U.S. Especially in the field of technology, the degrees of U.S are prestigious around the world. U.S. universities constantly conduct orientation programs, workshops, trainings for international students. Studying in this unique environment would definitely provide resilient personality traits, skills will be valuable in this competitive international market. Students can have benefit if they are interested in volunteering or student organizations. Earning credit is must in order to graduate. Therefore, international students are likely to enroll in full time-program during each term.

Intakes for U.S

American University offers three intakes (semester). Students can apply accordingly.

• Fall: This fall intake starts in month of August to December.
• Spring: Spring intake starts in month of January to April.
• Summer: This intake is available for limited programs that usually around May to August.

Types of Institution

Institution can be categorized into:

Colleges (basically provides undergraduate degree) that is usually affordable.

Universities: U.S university is divided into two different universities i.e. public universities and private universities.

Degrees available in United states

Well Colleges /Universities of United States offers diverse range of courses for bachelor’s degree, master’s degree (professional), master’s degree (academic), doctorate degree.

Bachelor’s Degree: is an undergraduate degree. The course duration for an undergraduate degree is 3 to 4 years.

Master’s Degree (Professional): is a professional degree for particular profession (1 -3 years depending upon their field of study).

Master’s Degree (Academic): is a two years’ degree that is awarded to research degree.

Doctorate Degree (PhD): is a degree that is to be completed under supervision of faculty mentor. The PhD degree is delivered upon successful completion of dissertation.

Types of Visa for United States

Below given are three different types of visas that United States government offers to international migrants.

(F-1) Student Visa: In this (F-1) Student visa international students can study in recognized college or university.

Process for student visa:

1. SEVIS Fee and I-20 form collection: once payment is made by the international student you are given I-20 form by the university that should be duly formed and bring along for student visa interview.
2. Visa Fee and form collection: students should pay visa fee according to their designated bank and collect the visa form. Again the form should be filled and bring along with other documents for interview.
3. Visa interview: Students should schedule a visa interview with U.S. embassy in their country. Interview depends on visa types of students. Once you successfully complete the interview you will receive visa in 120 days.

J Exchange Visa: Generally, universities or college of US organizes student exchange programs. So, in this visa international students can participate in exchange programs of college or university.

M Student Visa: This visa is for the vocational study or to take training in United States.

Checklist required to study in U.S

A very first step to get enrolled in U.S. is apply and get accepted by one of reputed School or University certified by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). One international students get accepted you will receive I-20 from the university international student office. This the paper based information in database SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

Here is the list of documents that are required while applying to the university:

• Valid Passport validate of 6 Months
• Online application form
• Interview appointment letter
• I-20 sent by university
• Conformation of visa fees payment
• Scholarship letter from university
• Evidence of sufficient funds: Bank statement (at least 3 years)/ Salary Slips (Loan approval letter from bank if bank loan)
• Original academic qualifications (Transcripts, diploma or degree certificates etc.)
• SAT/GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS score
• Relationship Certificates
• Police Report
• Sponsorship Letter/ Affidavit of Support

Requirement of English Proficiency

Students require English Language Proficiency Test in order to study abroad. English Language test is generally to prove that student are able to communicate and have correspondence skill. University of United States requires minimum 6.5 band score in (IELTS) International English Language Proficiency Test System.

Undergraduate degree should provide TOEFL/ SAT/IELTS for competitive entrance and scholarship while graduate programs such as Master’s degree or PhD students should provide strong GRE and the management students should provide GMAT scores depending upon their nature of program.

Cost of Studying in U.S

Tuition fees: Abroad study can be quite expensive for students. International students should consider living expenses i.e. accommodation, health coverage, food, tuition fees, travel fees. Tuition fees depend upon the type of qualification and university you choose. One most cover around $9000 to $55,000 (USD) for a year. If students choose to study among arts, humanities etc. are cheaper i.e. $35,000 for a year than MBA, engineering, medical science. Basically, Undergraduate degree cost $20,000 – $40,000 per year, graduate degree cost $20,000 – $45,000 per year, doctoral degree cost $28,000 – $55,000.

Many people believe that Studying in United States is expensive. But Universities of united states provide good scholarships to undergraduate students for example need- based and merit based. Likewise, for the graduate students few scholarships are available for international students for example tuition waiver, research assistantship for PhD students. When session is on progress students are permitted to work part time up to 20hrs/week and full time 40hrs/week during holidays.

Accommodation: International students can live in on-campus residence which is very affordable option. Students can also live off-campus on apartments where you can share your room with other international students. Cost of accommodation in US varies by region that may be in between $6000- $ 14000. If you choose to stay in an apartment, you have to pay internet, electricity, water, tenant insurance additionally.

Student Visa: Student visa costs approximately $160 as application fee.

Living Expenses: Living cost for student may cost $10,000 – $25,000 per year.

Health Support and Insurance: According to American College Health Association, cost for health insurance between $1,500 to 2,500 per year.

Tax: International students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic session and full time during holidays. If someone choose to work along with studies, the income earned may be taxable.

Opportunities for international students

• Internship: International students can apply for internship opportunities as they meet criteria for 9 months before applying.

• Post study work: The university provides placement opportunities to the students while most of the students are employed by most U.S. companies.