Study in USA
Table of Contents
USA is the home to diverse ethnicities, highest number of top ranked universities, and picturesque landscapes, The USA lives up to its promise of purple mountain majesties and beautiful, spacious skies, most of all in its prized national parks, the USA is truly a land of opportunities. Choosing to study in the USA offers you the wonderful avenue of growing academically, culturally and socially. The United States of America came into being around the Age of Enlightenment (1685 to 1815), an era in Western philosophy in which writers and thinkers, rejecting the perceived superstitions of the past, instead chose to emphasize the intellectual, scientific and cultural life, centered upon the 18th century, in which reason was advocated as the primary source for legitimacy and authority. Enlightenment philosophers envisioned a “republic of science,” where ideas would be exchanged freely and useful knowledge would improve the lot of all citizens.
Studying in USA
One of the most attractive features of the U.S. higher education system is the flexibility it provides through the number and diversity of institution types it encompasses.
This diversity offers students options to specialize in a variety of academic disciplines and even gain employment training.
More than 4,500 accredited institutions make up U.S. higher education in the United States. Unlike many countries, U.S. higher education institutions are not centrally organized or managed, but are accredited on a national or regional level by independent accrediting bodies.
Reasons to study in USA
Academic Excellence The United States has one of the world’s finest university systems, with outstanding programs in virtually all fields. At the undergraduate level, excellent programs exist in traditional disciplines, as well as in professional fields. At the graduate level, students have the opportunity to work directly with some of the finest minds in their field of study, with the chance to become involved with exclusive research and educational opportunities. U.S. degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence.
Variety of Educational Opportunities The United States is home to several thousand colleges and universities, boasting at least ten times as many campuses as in any other country. As a result, the higher education system in the U.S. has something for everyone. Some U.S. colleges and universities stress broad educational principles; others emphasize practical, employment-related skills; and still others specialize in the arts, social sciences or technical fields. This means that no matter what you plan on studying, you will have a wide variety of programs in your particular field from which to choose.
Opportunity for Research, Teaching and Training You may be able to gain valuable experience through teaching and/or research while you help to finance your education in the U.S., particularly if you are a graduate student. Many graduate programs offer training and teaching opportunities that enable students to become teaching assistants to undergraduates and/or research assistants on special projects exploring different aspects of your field of study.
International students are some of the most valued teachers and researchers in U.S. universities because they bring new skills and ideas to the classroom and library or laboratory. This practical component of your education will prove useful in your future career, and may give you insights into your field that would not be possible through course study alone.
General Requirments To Study In USA
1- Graduation certificate/diploma.
2- A completed application form
3- Resume
4-meet the English language requirements ( TOFEL)
5- Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your study programme in USA
6- Two letters of academic reference that attest the preparation for Master/PhD studies (including letters from employers)
7- Clear criminal record
8- some Universites are asking for GRE exam
Documents required for a US student visa
When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:
A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country specific agreements)
Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
Application fee payment for the SEVIS
Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
Your photograph in the requested format, and number
Some additional documents that might be required include:
Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the US. This may include:
Bank statementsFinancial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs
Accommodation
1- On-campus Dormitories Once you are enrolled in a U.S. school, the Admissions Department or International Student Office will most likely send you a “pre-departure orientation” packet. Options for where to live are generally included in this information.
Some American schools offer accommodations for international students on-campus, or near the school’s classrooms, libraries and other facilities. “Dormitories” are buildings with many rooms for sleeping and living, often with two or three people (of the same gender) per room.
Dormitory residents typically share large bathrooms which include showers and toilets. Many first-year students prefer to live in on-campus dormitories because they are convenient to both academic and social activities. Another advantage is that it is not likely that you will need a car to commute to campus.
On-campus accommodations also offer close proximity to the cafeteria and other eating establishments. U.S. colleges and universities offer very flexible meal-plan programs, where you can choose to pay in advance for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On most campuses, you may also deposit a certain amount of money at the beginning of the semester for food that you may buy from designated places.
2- Off-campus Options Some U.S. schools do not provide on-campus accommodations for international students. However, an off-campus housing office will assist you in finding an appropriate place to live. Often, the office coordinates activities to help students find a compatible roommate to share expenses; they also provide information about the local neighborhoods, including popular restaurants, shopping areas, parks and recreation, and public transportation.
3- Leasing an Apartment Ask new friends and other students if they have any suggestions for a good apartment. Check classified advertisements in the local newspaper (Sundays usually have more apartment listings than other days of the week). If all else fails, contact a real estate agent for assistance – though beware of unspecified fees for the service. Before committing to a lease, or an agreement to rent an apartment, spend some time in the area to decide if it feels safe and convenient to places like school buildings and grocery stores. Read the lease carefully before signing. You will learn, for example, that the landlord is not responsible for your possessions if they are stolen or destroyed, so you may consider purchasing “renter’s insurance.” If you do not understand any part of the lease agreement, ask the landlord, a friend, or someone from the international student office to explain it to you.
4-Homestays are a viable option for students under the age of 18, especially those who are nervous about leaving home and living in a new country. In a homestay arrangement, you will be placed with an American family within 20 to 45 minutes from your campus. You will have your own room, and meals will be provided.
Transportation
America is a large place, and getting around the country may seem like a challenge, especially for international students. Whether you are living on or off campus, in a city or suburb, you are going to need to be able to get around easily and efficiently. You will probably not want to buy a car just for your time in the States, so you’ll want to learn about the many public transportation options available to you for getting around in your new country.
Depending on where you attend school, you may find a variety of public transportation systems. These options include: 1- Bicycles 2- Buses 3- Taxies 4-Trains and Subways
1-Bicycles
A bicycle can be a great way to get around your campus and your local area. Whether your campus is based in the middle of a city or in the suburbs, a bike is relatively inexpensive, and it’s a good way to get some exercise. Whenever riding your bike, always take care to observe the law of the road, and always wear a helmet. It is now a law in some states that helmets must be worn. As with any personal property, take care to lock your bike up when you are not using it. Most college campuses provide a bike rack for that purpose outside of many buildings on campus. A good lock does not usually cost very much, and it’s a small price to pay for the security of your bike.
2- Buses
If you are living in a city, the bus system will likely be pretty extensive, as with most of the public transportation systems in large urban areas. However, if you live in the suburbs, buses will not run as often and you may have to find alternative methods to get around. On longer routes, Greyhound runs an extensive bus system across the USA which is an inexpensive way to travel, but it can take a long time to get from one place to another. Most city bus systems now offer smartphone apps that allow you to keep track of when your next bus is coming, which can be extremely useful.
3- Taxis
Taxis can be extremely expensive for students, and are good for longer journeys that are either too far for walking or by bicycle, or there is no bus or subway system where you want to go. Always remember to check your driver has a valid ID card which should be displayed (if not ask to see it) and make sure the meter is running. Never enter a taxi where the driver has asked for a set fee! A less expensive alternative to taxis is ridesharing services such as Uber. With these services, you can enter your location and your destination in an app on your phone, and a driver will pick you up and deliver you to your destination for a much lower fee than a taxi would require.
4-Trains and Subways
Subways will be found in most major cities in the USA, such as New York, Boston, and Chicago, and they are a cheap way to travel around. When moving to a big city, you will want to familiarize yourself with the subway system, as it is likely to be your most common way of getting around. Trains, on the other hand, are good for traveling throughout the USA. They are slightly more expensive than traveling by bus, but it is much quicker. If you are planning on going on a long trip, you might consider looking into train tickets. However, they are generally not the best way of travelling short distances.
5- Car Rentals
At least once during your time in the US, you will probably want to travel. If you and your friends are planning a road trip during vacation, you might be surprised by reasonable vehicle rentals can be. Many car rental companies are happy to rent vehicles to international students; all you need is an appropriate driver’s license. If you’re planning a long drive, it is probably a good idea to make sure that you have more than one qualified driver in the car, and that you have invested in proper insurance.
Work during studying
international students can work in the USA while studying but there are some restrictions. International students who have an F-1 and M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. Students are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. On-campus jobs are student oriented such as working in the library, cafeteria, or student center.
Students can gain employment off-campus after completing their first academic year through programs specifically for international students seeking employment such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension, and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students in the United States to work temporarily up to 12 months. OPT can be completed both before or after completing your studies, but it’s important to remember that you are only allowed to work 12 months total including pre-completion of degree and post-completion of degree
International students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are eligible to apply for 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a program that temporarily allows international students to gain work experience directly related to their major through employment, paid or unpaid internships, or cooperative (co-op) education.
While you are studying in the United States you will be allowed to work with some minimal restrictions. Most colleges and universities can assist international students with finding employment on-campus and off-campus.
Life After Graduation
If you think that you want to stay and work in the United States after completing your undergraduate degree, make sure that you know your visa requirements and restrictions. Navigating the American immigration process is often stressful and confusing because there are as many visas as there are letters in the alphabet. The eligibility requirements and legal rulings are constantly changing, which does not make the process any easier.
Here are a few of the most common options applicable to graduates. For a full list of all non-immigrant and immigrant visas, visit VisasToUSA.com where you can view other types of visas that may be applicable to you. You will also be able to have your immigration questions answered for free via email by an immigration attorney.