Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Study in USA for international students offers vast opportunities, with over 4,000 higher education institutions, including five of the world's top ten universities. This advanced nation provides a unique education system with a wide array of choices.
Students benefit from experienced professors and can earn while learning. The vibrant campus life is enriched by diverse cultures. This guide offers an overview of the educational journey in the USA.
Are you planning to study in the USA? If so, appropriately preparing yourself is necessary. The following are the essential points to remember.
Around 3,600 universities are available in the USA. Not all of them offer the same programs and courses. Start researching early about your preferred universities and their offered courses.
You can go through various official websites and other helpful resources to find the best university to study in the USA for international students.
Understanding the prerequisites for studying in the USA for international students is vital for a successful application.
International students should be well-versed in the complete admission process, which includes studying and working in the USA.
You will need to submit all necessary documents, including academic transcript, standardized test scores, English proficiency test scores, essay, recommendation, and copy of your valid passport.
It is necessary to manage enough financial support during your studying period.
You will need around $8,000-$35,000 to study in state or public universities and $25,000 to $55,000 in private universities.
Besides, the USA also provides scholarships for international students. You can get Fulbright Scholarships to study master's and Ph.D. in the USA. Students must be eligible for that.
Obtaining a student visa requires completing an application, paying a fee, and attending an interview.
You must submit all necessary documents, such as a valid passport, photos, printed copies of payment confirmations, academic transcripts, official test scores, and bank statements.
Do you want to select the best courses to study in USA for international students? Here is how you should do it!
More than 100 universities in the USA ranked top in the world.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California, and Princeton University are some top universities to study in the USA.
When planning to study in America for international students, you can't overlook some important factors.
An education system, university reputation, and alumni network, public or private university, location, scholarships & funding, major and minor subjects, cost & fees, career opportunity and success, campus facilities & resources, etc. are the top points to note down.
Make sure to clearly and completely fill up the application form. This will help the authority to evaluate your qualifications.
Write a perfect personal statement for university application, including your life experiences, unique skills, or real-world experience.
Be honest and focus on your strengths. Take enough to write it correctly with perfect words and expressions—highlights, especially the admission requirements, to impress the authority.
You will need to submit your standardized test scores from SAT, ACT, TOEFL, etc.
An international student needs a minimum of 16 or 17 ACT scores. A minimum SAT score scale of 1200-1350 is required for regular universities and 1500-1600 for top universities.
International students also need to submit academic reference letters from their past teachers, lecturers, or professors.
The academic LOR must focus more on applicants' academic prowess, professional abilities, and accomplishments.
Make sure to submit the application on time. Track down the deadline. Start preparing early to give yourself plenty of time to complete the application process.
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International students can get two types of USA student visas: F-1 visa and M-1 visa.
If you are a vocational or technical student, you will need an M-1 visa. This type of visa is suitable for nonacademic or vocational studies.
However, academic students will need an F-1 visa as full-time students. Most international students apply for an F-1 visa for academic purposes.
Getting an F-1 student visa requires SEVP approval. Besides, you need to submit all the important documents mentioned while applying for a student visa.
Once you get the approval of SEVP, register with SEVIS and pay the necessary fees.
You will be called for a visa interview at your US embassy. Don’t forget to bring all the necessary documents as proof.
International students must have a clear understanding of F-1 visa rules and restrictions.
Complying with the student visa rules is mandatory. Otherwise, it will cause deportation, future visa ineligibility, etc.
Students have opportunities to work for up to 20 weeks per week. If your university authority approves, you can work outside the campus too.
Wondering how to study in USA for international students in terms of financial terms? Here is how you can manage your finances.
The average cost of studying in USA for international students, including living expenses, is around between $25,000 and $45,000 per year.
The living cost of studying in USA for international students ranges from $1000 to $1500 per month.
Housing or rent, gas, food & groceries, internet, electricity, rubbish disposal, water, heating, transportation, health insurance, etc. are common living expenses.
In the USA, students can access various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to support their education. These funding sources, tailored for different academic merits, needs, and special talents, significantly reduce the financial burden, opening doors to diverse educational opportunities in American institutions.
Many applicants often ask this question: Can international students study for free in USA? The answer is yes. International students have the opportunity to pursue their studies in the USA with financial assistance from fully-funded or partially-funded scholarships. The amount of funding received is contingent on factors like the student's academic level, selected program, and the educational institution they enroll in.
International students have to pay around $500 to $1,000 per year for the healthcare system and insurance.
It will cover the cost of routine, preventive, and emergency healthcare procedures from primary physicians, specialists, and other medical providers.
Create an effective budgeting plan to avoid unnecessary costs. Be smart with your money and utilize your student status to spend as little as possible.
Make sure to save as much as possible to use when any emergency or unwanted situation arises.
Keep all the necessary travel documents before arriving in the USA. After arriving in the USA, let your family and friends know you have reached safely.
Look for a safe, affordable transportation option to reach your new accommodation location. Get a new USA SIM card and open a bank account to manage your finances in the USA.
Students can choose various types of accommodation options, such as on-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments or shared housing, apartments, local homestays, etc.
The average cost of living on campus in shared rooms can be around $450 monthly.
But living outside campus can be anywhere between $600 to $3000+ depending on the location, apartment quality, room size, and additional facilities.
You are going to live for several years until your graduation is completed.
Understanding American culture, language, cultural norms & etiquette, social etiquette, and local laws & regulations is essential.
This will help you develop a strong bond with local Americans and increase your networking cycle.
You can join various community groups and volunteering activities as well as attend social events to meet like-minded individuals and make friends.
Plus, international students can utilize social media and online platforms to connect with people virtually.
USA universities provide various healthcare and support services. They have first-aid and treatment for non-complicated medical conditions.
Besides, they have multi-doctor primary care centers with teams of professionals who specialize in different areas.
Besides, you will get additional services such as counseling centers, academic resource centers, disability access offices, peer tutoring, etc.
The teaching method in US universities is student-focused, learner-centered, and interactive.
They follow various learning styles, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, writing/reading, sequential, global, etc.
International students can get various academic support services, such as academic advising, writing centers, tutoring services, etc.
Besides, you will have access to books, journals, online databases, and research materials from the university library and website/server.
International students can also participate in extracurricular activities and clubs to cultivate leadership opportunities and enhance teamwork experience.
However, balance academic responsibilities and your club involvement to ensure no compromise in academic success.
Be very serious about studying from the first semester. Utilize active learning techniques to understand and retain the topic for a long time.
Take help from your professors, teaching assistants, or classmates if you are not doing well in your studies. Seek suggestions from others who are doing well.
International students in the USA have a visa restriction to work outside the campus.
They can do off-campus jobs if their university authority allows them. But it must be relevant to relate to their major or program of study.
Students can do various types of part-time jobs inside and outside the universities.
You can get part-time jobs at your university, such as Library assistant, teaching assistant, Research study assistant, campus ambassador, etc.
Besides, off-campus jobs, such as barista, receptionist, food runner or catering assistant, sales assistant, dining room server, call center representative, etc, are also available.
If you are not experienced in getting a job, take training from career counseling.
Learn how to write an effective resume and cover letter to get a job in the USA market.
You can also practice Mock interviews to improve your interviewing skills.
You can join Optional Practical Training (OPT) and CPT programs to gain work experience relevant to your study.
This will help you find new high-paid potential jobs quickly in the future.
If you want to work and study in USA for international students, make sure to be highly conscious of your health and well-being.
Make sure to obtain healthcare insurance by paying a certain feed annually.
You will get check-ups, preventive care, and general healthcare services from them.
USA universities provide mental health counseling services to support various mental health concerns and stress management.
You can also visit community mental health centers if you are experiencing mental health challenges.
If you want to study and work in the USA, you know how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Follow a healthy and balanced diet and be physically active. Sleep at least 8 hours a day. Say no to junk and processed foods. Track your weight and calculate how many calories you eat daily.
Stay connected with loved ones and join in various local cultural events, festivals, and communities to overcome homesickness.
Meet new people from different backgrounds and cultures to learn how to adjust to various cultures easily.
What are the benefits of studying in USA for international students apart from academic purposes? Let’s discover it!
There are dozens of cities for international students to explore. The most popular cities are New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, and Las Vegas.
Choose cheap flight deals and book flights in advance. Carry your student ID card and inquire about taking advantage of student discounts. Use public transportation to save money.
Compare various transportation options, such as airplanes, car rentals, ridesharing services, buses, trains, and subways, to secure the best deal based on your budget.
You can visit the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, and Southwest regions. They will give you different cultural and traditional experiences.
Research the legal system of where you are going to stay. Make sure to stay updated on laws, regulations, and customs in the particular area.
Familiarize yourself with campus resources, attend safety orientations, and utilize safety escort services for added security inside or outside campus.
Note emergency contact information and familiarize yourself with the emergency evacuation procedures to address emergencies.
Stay informed about student rights, advocacy, or support. Respect the rights of other students in the university and support them if needed.
If you study in the USA for international students, you will have the scope to learn from diverse academic programs in a multicultural environment.
Enhance your academic and professional skills in this advanced educational system, stay connected with loved ones while proactively pursuing your studies, and expand your professional network through extracurriculars, internships, and networking events.
July 27 2024
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