Dynamic World

Study in "USA"

The USA features a highly flexible education system, enabling students to specialize in their chosen fields. Decentralized institutions with independent standards allow smooth lateral movement. Renowned universities, academic adaptability, distinctive teaching methods, and a global outlook collectively establish the superiority of the American education system. A US degree not only improves career prospects but also hones English proficiency while nurturing confidence, maturity, independence, and self-reliance.

EDUCATION IN USA

Exploring Education in the USA?

Embarking on education in the USA offers a diverse range of study options and a chance for enriching experiences. Immerse yourself in a new culture, master a new language, and create lasting memories while forming global friendships. Before finalizing your plans for education in the USA, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary information to maximize your time in the country.

What to understand about the USA?

There are numerous reasons why nearly 100,000 international students opt for the USA as their study destination. The country boasts a top-notch university system, offering outstanding programs across various disciplines. With its vast landmass, the USA stands out as one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations globally.

  • Capital: Washington D.C.
  • Currency: American Dollar ($)
  • Population: 324 million
  • Area: 9.83 million km²
  • Students: 21 million (including 1 million international students)
  • Academic Year: August to May
  • Languages: American English
  • Call Code: +1
  • Time Zone: UTC−4 to −12, +10, +11

The term “college” typically denotes a four-year undergraduate institution where students obtain Bachelor’s degrees. Colleges may be part of a university, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Within these educational institutions, students can opt for three distinct study opportunities.

  1. Study Abroad: In this option, students take freestanding courses and study at a school for one or two semesters. Not all US universities offer this opportunity, so it’s advisable to contact the school for more information. At some universities, course applications are part of the initial school application, while at others, course selection occurs upon arrival.

  2. Undergraduate: This involves pursuing a complete education, usually lasting three to four years. Most undergraduate or Bachelor’s degrees in the US require the completion of 120 credits, with full-time students taking 15 credit hours each term. Graduating from an undergraduate program results in earning a Bachelor’s Degree.

  3. Postgraduate: Aimed at those with a Bachelor’s Degree, postgraduate education offers either a Master’s degree or PhD, allowing in-depth study of a specific topic. Completion of postgraduate education results in earning a Master’s Degree, typically taking three to four semesters.

Intake: August and January

The admission process for international students seeking enrollment in a US university or college can be lengthy and involves substantial paperwork and decision-making. It is advisable to initiate planning well in advance, at least a year before intending to study abroad in the USA.

Both tuition and living costs vary significantly among different universities, colleges, educational programs, and cities in the USA. Tuition typically ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 per year, while food and living expenses generally fall between $8,000 and $12,000 annually. Aside from tuition, additional funds are necessary for transportation, course materials, and personal expenses.

While these costs may seem daunting, there are various support systems available to provide financial assistance to students. Many students secure funding through grants and loans. Loans involve borrowed money that must be repaid with interest, usually at low rates for students. Grants, on the other hand, are monetary gifts that do not require repayment, though they may have conditions like maintaining a specific grade point average.

Scholarships, which can be earned through academic achievement, athletic prowess, or civic performance, are also available. However, it’s essential to be cautious of fraudulent scholarship agencies that may charge fees for information. International students can access financial aid, particularly at the graduate level.

We strongly advise conducting a personal cost calculation to ensure your budget covers all expenses before arriving in the USA. Early research into sources of financial aid is crucial. Numerous scholarships and funding programs are accessible to cover tuition fees, including:

  1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Facilitates graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the USA.
  2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Offers ten months of non-degree academic study and related professional experiences.
  3. The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship: Biannually awarded to passionate students seeking to study abroad.
  4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program: For outstanding postgraduate students from selected developing countries with no other means of financing their studies.
 
 

Numerous Indian students, along with international counterparts, aspire to pursue college-level education in American universities, given their global rankings. However, navigating the process of attending U.S. colleges involves more than academic acceptance; it encompasses legal and governmental aspects. As an Indian student planning to study in the U.S.A., obtaining a U.S.A. student visa from a nearby U.S. Embassy is crucial. The U.S. Embassies in India are situated in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.

While the visa application process may appear lengthy, adequate preparation and prompt document compilation expedite the commencement of your academic journey at a U.S.A. university. The type of visa granted depends on the purpose of your U.S. visit. For academic pursuits, students need an F-class U.S.A. student visa, applicable to full-time undergraduate or graduate degree programs.

Before the U.S. student visa interview, ensure completion of Form DS-160. Print the confirmation page with the barcode and pay the visa application fee at an approved HDFC bank, retaining the payment receipt. Additionally, secure the I-120 form, confirming enrollment from the U.S.A. college, and pay the I-901 fee online through the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, keeping the receipt.

To conclude the preparation, schedule a U.S.A. student visa interview via the VFS website, armed with your DS-160 barcode number and HDFC fee receipt. During the interview, adhere to the designated arrival time, not exceeding 15 minutes early, and bring the following essential documents.

In an official capacity, U.S. workers adhere to a traditional 9 am to 5 pm workday or a 40-hour week, although the reality often involves extended hours, particularly in professions like law or medicine, where occasional 12-hour days are not uncommon. Standard annual leave comprises two weeks, although some workers might settle for as few as nine paid holiday days a year, significantly below the UK average. Paid leave in the USA encompasses public holidays such as New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. It’s important to note that not all private businesses observe public holidays.

While the U.S. economy has exhibited robust recovery post the global recession and retains its status as an economic powerhouse, the job market remains competitive. Unemployment is on the decline, and several industries anticipate substantial growth in the coming years. International graduates must effectively showcase their qualifications and experience to stand out to employers.

Key industries in the country span aerospace, chemicals, consumer goods, electronics, food processing, healthcare, lumber, mining, motor vehicles, and petroleum. Additionally, the U.S. boasts one of the world’s most advanced media sectors, with global audiences for its film, TV, and music productions, along with a multitude of newspapers, radio stations, and news channels.

US university fees are widely known to be expensive, potentially reaching around US$60,000 per year when factoring in both tuition and living costs at top-tier institutions. This financial reality often leads international students, including many from India, to seek part-time employment to fund their education and living expenses. While working part-time can enhance a student’s resume and provide valuable experience, it’s crucial to approach it within the legal framework.

The US government takes unauthorized work seriously, and violations can jeopardize student status, potentially leading to deportation. Despite these considerations, working during study years is permissible, and understanding the basics of the work authorization process is essential.

For those with an F1 student visa, granted after enrollment in a US university, certain opportunities for employment exist. The F1 visa is designated for academic students enrolled in various educational institutions, such as universities, colleges, high schools, and language training programs.

International students on F1 visas typically have the option to work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week, with the flexibility to work full-time during school break periods, reaching up to 40 hours per week. On-campus employment involves work within the university or affiliated locations, such as bookstores or cafeterias.

To explore part-time work during study years, students should initiate a conversation with their designated school official (DSO). On-campus jobs require application up to 30 days before classes begin, and approval from the DSO is crucial. A letter of approval from the DSO is necessary to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).

Off-campus employment is more complex but possible through certain training programs, namely Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Both programs allow students to gain work experience related to their field of study, with CPT providing authorization for paid internships and OPT offering post-completion work permits. Eligibility and specific requirements for these programs should be discussed with the DSO.

In summary, while international students in the US have work opportunities, adherence to rules and open communication with the DSO are vital to ensure a smooth and legal process. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are additional avenues for gaining valuable work experience, each with its own set of regulations and benefits.

  1. Cleveland State University
  2. University of Dayton
  3. The University of Utah
  4. Adelphi University
  5. American University
  6. Florida International University
  7. Auburn University
  8. Louisiana State University
  9. University of Central Florida
  10. University of Kansas
  11. The University of Illinois Chicago
  12. University of Massachusetts
  13. University of Mississippi
  14. University of South Carolina
  15. University of the Pacific
  16. Gonzaga University
  17. Colorado State University
  18. Drew University
  19. George Mason University
  20. Oregon State University
  21. University of South Florida
  22. Saint Louis University
  23. Washington State University
  24. Illinois State University
  25. University of Alabama
  26. Suffolk University
  27. Hofstra University
  28. University of Arizona
  29. Arizona State University
  30. Pace University
  31. Northeastern University
  32. The University of Tulsa
  33. Simmons University
  34. University of Nebraska Lincoln
  35. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  36. Seattle Pacific University
  37. Duquesne University
  38. Stevens Institute of Technology
  39. Western Washington University
  40. DePaul University
  41. Hartford University
  42. Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi
  43. Lipscomb University
  44. Long Island University, Brooklyn
  45. Long Island University, Post
  46. James Madison University

And Many More.