We present this Five Easy Steps To Study In USA guide to help you make an informed decision in choosing, applying for and making the actual move to the United States of America as an International student.
Research;
Finding a college or university that best suits your needs requires doing research on your options before beginning your study abroad program in the United States. Instead of attempting to fit yourself to a school, look for a school that fits your priorities and long-term objectives.
Keep in mind that American colleges and universities don’t have an official ranking system. The college or university that best suits your academic, financial, and personal needs is the one you should attend.
You should start your research at least 12 to 18 months before the academic year you intend to enroll in a U.S. college or university. In this section, under each level of study, begin by answering these fundamental questions before looking at the more specific “define your priorities” pages:
- Why do you want to study in the United States?
- Where will you fit in best?
- Which colleges or universities will meet your needs?
- Will you need financial assistance?
- What are the application and financial aid deadlines?
- Where do you want to live in the United States?
Select your academic level (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) to find out more about exploring your options. Remember that the institutions to which you are applying must be approved by the Student Exchange Visitor Program. You can find a searchable list of certified schools on the Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the State’s website.
Invest in yourself! The cost of living and studying varies across the United States. With the right amount of planning and research, pursuing a U.S. higher education can be made affordable with high returns on your investment.
Finance Your Studies
As soon as you can, begin planning your finances. Significant financial aid is provided annually to international students for their academic endeavors. But there is fierce competition. Together with admissions applications, financial aid applications are required.
One of the first things you should do when considering studying in the US is assess your financial situation. You must assess your educational and professional goals, your financial situation, and the best course of action before making any investment.
Institutions in the United States provide a wide range of programs with a wide range of tuition and fees. Find out about the unique opportunities and financial aid policies that American higher education institutions offer to international students, such as waivers of application fees and deadlines, in-state tuition benefits, and similar policies.
The cost of living varies greatly from region to region within the United States due to its size.
You need to determine how much money you have available and how much you can spend on your education and living costs.
To learn more about your financing options, select your level of study (community college, undergraduate, graduate, short-term, English language).
Complete Your Application
You have now arrived at Step 3: Finish Your Application. The general application requirements for American colleges and universities are covered in this step.
Applying for study in the U.S. requires time and focus because each application is unique and includes gathering recommendations, writing essays, and sending the results of necessary standard exams. Make a plan to give this step the time it requires for a fruitful outcome.
To learn more about filling out your application, select your level of study.
Apply for Your Student Visa
You have now arrived at Step 4! requesting a student visa for the United States. The student visa types F, J, and M will be covered in the following step.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States both have information on visas and travel.
To find out more about applying for your student visa, select your level of study.
Prepare For Your Departure
You’ve reached Step 5 now. The last step in Your Five Steps to U.S. Study is getting ready to leave.
Making travel arrangements, participating in a pre-departure orientation at your local EducationUSA center or online, assembling pre-departure materials and documents for arrival, reporting to your school, and attending orientations are important parts of this final step.
Check the website of your new institution for more detailed pre-departure information, including details on housing options, local transportation options, average local temperatures throughout the year, and health insurance.
Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
Pre-departure orientations are held by EducationUSA advising centers for students who are about to travel to the US. You can get advice and resources from EducationUSA advisers and American alumni to help you get ready for new experiences and learn how to deal with challenges. Cultural differences, motivation, changes from your home environment, academic systems and expectations, housing, and adjusting to a new cultural environment are some of the subjects covered. To sign up for a pre-departure orientation, get in touch with the EducationUSA advising center that is nearest you.