Education System:
Compared to other countries, admission procedures in US universities are very competitive for international students. Universities and colleges have their own criteria in selection of the students. Most of them prefer the students to apply to them at least before one year.
Visa Requirements:
Before applying for the visa, the student needs to be accepted by the institution. After the institution accepts the candidate, they will provide the necessary approval documentation known as I 20 which is required to apply for the visa. Visa application requirements include:
• Have a residence abroad, with no immediate intention of abandoning that residence
• Possess sufficient funds to pursue the proposed course of study.
Housing options:
Accommodation is very important as it is significant for your successful studies in USA. In USA you are provided with two options- on campus and off campus housing. Universities provide dormitories with necessary facilities. Or else you can find a rented house off campus.
Cost of Education:
The tuition fee is not same for different universities. It varies widely with courses. A brief idea is as below:
Private Institutions has a fees starting from 15000 – 25000 USD and State Institutions Fees range from 10000-20000 USD per annum.
Working Rights:
Working while study is a popular option for students in the United States. Students are allowed to do part time jobs up to 20 hours per week as a full time student. During holidays this is extended to a full time job which means 40 hours per week.
Scholarships:
International students are provided with scholarships by the universities to support their education expenses. This range from a few hundred dollars to full fee waiver scholarships. Private scholarships are also available. They are the educational gifts given by various organizations or individuals, predominantly for academic merit.
Why study in USA:
Excellent Academics
The U.S. provides some of world’s finest higher education, especially in the field of technology. U.S. degrees are recognized all over the world and are considered to be one of the best in the world. The U.S. is the right choice for research professionals. There are many opportunities to do research in any field. The funding for most of the research projects are sponsored by the U.S. Government or by corporations. Also, many companies provide projects for the students in the neighboring universities to gain practical experience during their studies. Most of the research students receive waivers for their tuition fees and in some cases they are also provided with a stipend to help with their living expenses.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is normally provided to international students, because pursuing higher education in the U.S. is expensive. Most of the universities financially support the international students either in the form of providing teaching or research assistantships. These assistantships are based on academic merit, rather than financial need. Awarded students will receive stipends, or either partial or complete tuition waivers. U.S. education could turn out to be completely free if the student exhibits exceptional skills in his or her field of study. Students also have the opportunity to receive grants, loans, and scholarships from various organizations.
Work Programs
Most of the universities allow students to work on campus as either part-time or full-time employees. The students are paid minimum wage on an hourly rate, and their earnings help to cover their cost of living. Students are placed based on their financial need and personal skills.
Job Opportunities
Once students complete their degree, they are authorized to work for one year in a related field, in order to gain practical knowledge. Students are allowed to work full-time (40 hours per week) by applying for an Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization (OPT). Many talented students are hired as a permanent employee after their OPT, by getting an H1B work visa sponsorship from their employers. H1B is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Accounting, or Marketing.
Cultural Exchange
Apart from education, international students get to interact with students from various countries and diverse cultures. This shapes them to a large extent and enables the international students to become world-class professionals, once they complete their education
Value
The success of any student will be directly proportional to the amount of dedication and hard work he or she exercises. Undoubtedly, the U.S. offers a very high quality of education. The variety of skills and cross-culture environment can make the learning experience in U.S. universities a rich and unique one. With such diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, international students are better prepared for working with absolute ease anywhere in the world.
Students has to appear for Interview for visa