Guide For International Students In The USA
The United States boasts the world’s largest foreign student population, with over 1,000,000 international students choosing to further their academic and life experiences in the United States. Over 5% of all students enrolled in higher education in the United States are international students, and the number is growing.
Since the mid-1950s, when international student enrollment was slightly over 35,000, international education in the United States has come a long way.
We’re pleased to work with students like you who are considering studying in the United States. We’ve accumulated relevant data on educational, social, cultural, and economic aspects of studying in the United States, so you may undertake the research to evaluate whether the United States is the best place for you to study.
The Following Highlighted Points Will Guide You Through All You Need To Know…
Table of Contents
Choosing the USA
Every year, more overseas students choose the United States as their destination for broadening their experiences and furthering their studies. Indeed, the United States has surpassed the United Kingdom as the most popular international student destination. Why do so many international students choose to study at American schools and universities?
These are some things you ought to learn before you pack your bags
Here’s an outline of what you stand to benefit from studying in the U.S
Academic Excellence
Variety of Educational Opportunities
Cutting-Edge Technology
Opportunity for Research
Flexibility
Support Services for International Students
Global Education and Long-Term Career Prospects
Campus Life Experience
Academic Excellence
The United States has one of the world’s greatest university systems, with outstanding programs in practically every field. Outstanding undergraduate degrees are accessible in both traditional and professional domains. Graduate students work directly with some of the world’s most brilliant minds, as well as take part in specific research and educational initiatives. They widely recognize American degrees as among the greatest in the world.
Variety of Educational Opportunities
The United States has thousands of schools and universities, at least ten times as many as any other country. As a result, the United States’ higher education system has something for everyone. Some American colleges and universities place a significant emphasis on broad educational ideals, while others focus on practical, job-related skills, and still, others specialize in the arts, social sciences, or technical topics. This implies that whatever you wish to study, you’ll be able to select from a wide variety of programs in your chosen field.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Universities in the United States pride themselves on being at the forefront of technology, research, and practices. Besides that, giving the best possible equipment and resources to its students. Even if your field isn’t directly related to science or engineering, you’ll be able to learn how to conduct research and get and analyze data using innovative technology. You’ll be able to communicate with researchers, professors, and experts in your field all across the world.
Opportunity for Research, Teaching and Training
If you are a graduate student, you may gain valuable experience while also helping to pay for your studies in the United States by teaching and/or performing research. Many graduate programs feature training and teaching opportunities that allow students to work as undergraduate teaching assistants and/or research assistants on specialized projects that investigate different aspects of their field of study.
International students are some of the most valued professors and researchers at American colleges because they bring new abilities and ideas to the classroom, library, and laboratory. This practical aspect of your education will aid you in your future career and may provide you with insights into your subject that you wouldn’t have gained otherwise.
Flexibility
Although many programs have specific coursework requirements, you should be able to choose a wide range of course selections to meet those criteria in most circumstances. For example, liberal arts coursework for an undergraduate program will include classes in languages and mathematics, but you will choose from a wide range of classes that fit those criteria, as well as the flexibility to choose the subjects that best suit your interests.
As you move through your degree, or if you are pursuing a graduate degree, you will tailor your curriculum to meet your unique academic goals, needs, and interests. When choosing themes for independent study for a graduate thesis or dissertation, you might emphasize issues that are important to you, your field, and your country.
Services for International Students
While studying in the United States is a rewarding experience, dealing with day-to-day issues can be challenging. Many international students feel that the international student office at their college or institution is a great resource for transitioning to a culturally and academically different setting. The goal of the international student office is to help students like you, and they routinely provide a variety of services.
The university’s international student office can help you with questions about your visa status, financial situation, housing, employment opportunities, health concerns, and more throughout your time in the United States; they can assist you with questions about your visa status, financial situation, housing, employment opportunities, health concerns, and more. This office can assist you with resumes and job applications as graduation approaches if you choose to complete your degree in the United States. While adjusting to academic and cultural life in the United States, the international student office will be an essential source of information and help.
Global Education and Long-Term Career Prospects
Working experience in a global setting is a valued commodity. Many companies respect the range of knowledge, adaptability, and experience earned by international students while studying in the United States. Businesses in the United States are increasingly striving to have a global presence. They usually look for people who can not only speak, bargain, and do business across cultures but also who can assist them in doing so.
For hiring, the United States isn’t the only country on the lookout for qualified candidates; international students are in high demand all around the globe. For recruiting from the pool of good international student graduates, worldwide firms have become much more proactive in recent years. Your experiences can help you develop self-confidence, independence, and cross-cultural talents, all of which are highly valued by businesses around the world.
Campus Life Experience
When you decide to pursue your study in the United States, you are broadening not only your scholastic opportunities but also your cultural horizons. Whether you attend a small, private college in a small town or a large university in the heart of a big metropolis, most colleges and universities provide a wide selection of student clubs and organizations to cater to their students’ different interests. You may immerse yourself in American culture while meeting new individuals and making new friends through various organizations and groups.
International students typically use the international student office, as well as the campus student center, as a starting point for university offerings. Taking part in the social and cultural environment around you can enhance your study abroad experience, and you’ll likely find that American institutions offer a vast range of academic, cultural, and athletic activities that will enrich your life.
United States Guides
The United States is a large and complicated country made up of 50 states and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., each having its own distinct regional identity. Our USA State Guide can help you prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you’re an international student planning to study in the United States.
The United States, with a population of over 310 million people, offers international students a unique experience. This ranges from bustling, densely populated cities to unpopulated broad expanses and pure natural beauty. If you’re curious about what your state offers, check out our USA State Guide, which contains information on all 50 states.1
International students sometimes underestimate the time to apply for admission to a US college or university. To prevent making this mistake, create a schedule for yourself that starts far before the time you plan to study.
Application Process
When making your schedule, keep in mind that getting started early is the greatest way to go. You should set aside enough time to explore the institution and/or program properly that will best meet your academic and professional objectives. Then you must meet the university’s application deadlines, which can be up to 10 months before the start of the school year.
Particularly for universities with tough admissions, the application process causes a significant amount of time and effort. You’ll need to write personal statements and seek references from teachers or people who know you well. You should start your application process as soon as possible, even if you are applying online through the Common Application.
Although university and other academic Internet sites may provide quick and easy access to required application forms, you will still need time to research your options, contact teachers and institutions for recommendations and transcripts, and register for required entrance exams to meet application deadlines.
Application Timeline
This application timeline will detail the steps you’ll need to take and when you’ll need to do them so you can plan your approach to studying in the United States. Start planning 18 months before you want to study, so get started right immediately! If you don’t have so much time, you may still take part and catch up – the earlier you arrive, the better!
Standardized Tests
Most schools and universities in the United States need you to take one or more standardized admissions tests in order to be admitted to their programs. With the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, TOEFL, and IELTS, it’s like alphabet soup! We can provide you with more information about the various exams, as well as how to prepare for, register for, and perform well on the appropriate standardized tests.
We provide test preparation tips for students preparing to apply to colleges. These tips will help you prepare for any standardized examinations they may require you to take.
Credential Evaluators
Each country’s school curriculum is distinct not only in terms of language but also in terms of content. Many overseas schools require verification of your school’s official status and the validity of your documents. Credential evaluators can help with this. Your school may need you to submit transcripts to a credential examiner, who will verify your qualifications and translate them into the curriculum of your host nation.
Student visas are a problem that international students must deal with that US students do not. Learn more about the many sorts of visas you’ll need to apply for on our Student Visa page.
Financing Your Education
Planning is both important and prudent. You’ll need to prove to the institution, the consular officer (who provides visa stamps at the US Consulate), and maybe US Customs and Border Protection that you have enough money to cover your living expenses (housing, food, clothing, and so on) as well as the university’s tuition and fees.
So, how much cash will you require? You can get a general notion of pricing by searching through catalogs or the university’s application information. Keep in mind, however, that tuition costs vary.
Private universities are frequently less expensive than state (public) universities, however, this is not always the case. Some private colleges and universities may offer scholarships that public schools cannot. Bachelor’s and graduate-level colleges and universities are usually more expensive than two-year or community colleges.
The cost of living in the United States varies. It is often more expensive to live in or near a large city than it is to live in smaller towns or rural locations. Renting an apartment in a big city can cost twice as much as it would in a small town because of the high demand for property in large U.S. cities.
Similarly, food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be more expensive in a metropolis. Similarly, food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be more expensive in a metropolis.
Creating a Budget
Budgeting is a never-ending process. Working on a “big picture” budget that covers tuition, room and board, transportation, and living expenses is an excellent idea.
After you’ve accounted for all the additional costs of relocating and settling in, you’ll be able to be more specific. Health insurance is an important part of the “big picture” budget, which can cost as low as $1,000 for an individual or $5,000 for a family every year.
Sources of Financial Aid
Finding financial aid for international students might be tricky, but we’ve compiled a list of the most common and widely available sources of international financial aid into one easy-to-read web page.
International Students Loan
International students who desire to study in the United States are eligible for loans provided they plan to enroll in a recognized institution and have a US citizen or permanent resident who can co-sign the loan if necessary.
International Scholarships
Hundreds of websites offer scholarships or access to scholarship search engines, but not all of them are legitimate, and some mislead students. Learn how to spot a scholarship scam and where to go for reliable information.
Preparation For Your Stay
To make your vacation overseas a success, you’ll need to plan your time. You’ll need to get started early and stick to a schedule with so much to plan. Help a list of everything you’ll need to make your stay abroad go more smoothly, much like you did when applying to schools.
Before you do leave your country for another, you may need to plan for:
Student Visa
For your studies in the United States, you’ll need a student visa. The type of visa you receive will affect your ability to work in the United States while attending school, among other factors.
Health Care
Our healthcare resource section will provide you with information on how to navigate the United States’ modern and complex healthcare system.
Communications
Keep in touch and stay connected with friends and family all around the world so you don’t feel cut off – learn how to communicate with people all over the world.
Travel Arrangements
When you first arrive in the United States, be sure you have a temporary place to stay and plan.
The USA “Way Of Life”
If you plan to live, learn, and grow in the United States, you already possess a well-known American trait: a sense of adventure. It will expose you to a wide range of fresh and exciting experiences as an international student. We hope this section may assist you in anticipating some challenges that come with living in the United States.
Discussing what “Living in the United States” means to diverse people is difficult, if not impossible. The beliefs and belief systems of individuals from all over the world have enriched American culture. From the perspective of an international student, this diversity is really beneficial.
If you choose to live in a completely alien environment, you may find comfort in the analogies; however, if you choose to live in a part of the United States that resembles your home nation in certain ways, you may find comfort in those comparisons.
Learning more about yourself is maybe the most important component of your decision to visit the United States. Once you’ve decided what you want to do, you may look for the finest place to study, live, and grow in the United States.
Culture Shock
You undoubtedly expect things to be different in the US than they are in your own country; however, are you prepared to deal with those differences?
American Culture
Independence is, as you may know, one of the defining characteristics of American culture. Here’s some advice from students who aren’t from the United States, just like you!
Social Life
Your social life—your interactions with other people—is an important component of your stay in the United States.
Accommodation
For determining where you will live while studying in the United States, you have a variety of possibilities.
Transportation
You have various transportation alternatives for traveling around in the United States, whether you live on or off-campus, in a metropolis or a suburb.
Safety Issues
Because the United States spans such a wide territory, safety in the United States is difficult to define, as it is with most concerns.
Money Matters
This section delves into financial issues that you may face daily throughout your time in the United States.
Working in the United States
When considering working in the United States, it is critical that you are aware of all visa requirements and limits.
After Graduation
Congratulations on receiving your diploma! Now that you have completed your undergraduate degree program in the United States, you have a variety of alternatives and paths to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing the best option will require extensive research and will ultimately come down to preference – but we hope that the material in our graduate studies guide will assist you and point you in the right direction as you consider the next step in your international education journey.
School for Graduate Students
For most students, the allure of attending a graduate school in the United States and earning a master’s or doctorate is too intense to ignore. The United States offers some of the top graduate institutions in the world, but attending them can be expensive, difficult to find a place to study, and require a lot of hard work.
Visa Options
You ensure that you comply with your student visa now that you have graduated. Our visa choices page for recently graduated students has further information on your visa alternatives as well as how to stay in compliance.
Job Hunting
Employers are frequently hesitant to deal with visa and immigration difficulties, thus most overseas students may have a difficult time finding work. There are ways to get around this, and we can help you locate firms that will hire overseas students.
Returning Home
Many students will wish to return to their home country and apply what they have learned in the United States to improve their own country.
Moving back to your home country after a four-year degree can be a shock for some students, so our coming home section will give you helpful advice and tips to help you adjust.
Religious Education in the United States
For many international students coming to the United States, religion is a major consideration. According to the United States Department of Education, over 7,000 schools and universities in the United States report a religious affiliation, with over 50 different religious affiliations to select from.
If you’re an overseas student looking for religious schools in the United States, we can help you sort through the maze of colleges and universities. They based many of the first schools on religious grounds, and you can currently find top-rated religious institutions in the United States that give both mental and spiritual education.
To mention a few, there are schools in the United States built on Roman Catholic, Jesuit, Presbyterian, Jewish, and Episcopal traditions. Read our growing collection of articles to learn more about each of these religious schools in the United States and to choose a school that offers a high-quality education combined with faith.
US Catholic Schools
International students seeking a unique religious experience may find US Catholic Schools to be the ideal place to complete their education. They have long known Catholic schools for academic achievement and spiritual and cultural diversity on their campuses.
US Jewish Colleges and Universities
International students interested in pursuing a college or graduate degree can do so at a Jewish college or university. Learn more about what to expect and what a Jewish institution or university offers you if you want a top-notch education paired with your Judaic beliefs.
US Jesuit Colleges and Universities
You can find here more information for international students interested in combining their higher education with Jesuit teaching. International students can choose from 28 Jesuit colleges and universities around the United States to further their education and religion.
US Presbyterian Schools
International students know Presbyterian colleges and universities for producing some of the highest-achieving graduates. International students will flourish academically and beyond because of small class sizes, low tuition, and a strong religious foundation.
US Islamic Colleges and Universities
Islamic colleges and universities will benefit from the opportunity to learn more about both the Quran and Muslim traditions. If you want to integrate your education with your beliefs, an Islamic school in the United States can be the right fit for you.
US Baptist Colleges and Universities
International students seeking a high-quality religious education may find a home at a Baptist institution. Small classes, highly prepared teachers, a focus on spiritual growth and development, and academic brilliance are all features of these schools.
US Methodist Colleges and Universities
Students looking for Methodist schools in the United States may find a wide range of options, including research universities, seminaries, historically Black colleges and universities (including a medical school), and two-year colleges. You can find Methodist schools in rural, suburban, and urban settings across the United States.
Online Degree Programs
For international students seeking to further their education, online degrees are becoming increasingly popular. A variety of universities offer online degrees across the United States, the United Kingdom, and the rest of the world, and cover a wide range of educational subjects.
Whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, online learning provides advantages and opportunities.
What Are The Benefits Of An Online Degree?
Earning an online degree has advantages over traditional lecture-style classroom courses. The ability for a student to do classwork on their own schedule is the most beneficial of these advantages. They provide courses at specific times in a classroom format, and they require students to attend. If a student has a scheduling issue, this can be a problem.
A missed class can often result in a student falling behind in their studies. International students can complete their coursework on their own time with an online degree.
They normally assign weekly readings and assignments each week and students must complete them by the end of that week. This provides the students one entire week to go through their work whenever they choose, whether it’s after work, at night, or on weekends.
Another significant advantage of online degrees is the ease with which they deliver class notes, readings, and assignments. In lecture classes, students must take notes while also attempting to listen to the professor during class time. This frequently results in pupils missing portions of the lecture and having to rely on classmates to fill in any gaps in their notes.
In online classes, several programs include weekly class notes. Students get complete access to all course materials and can access them. Students in the classroom have a predetermined amount of time to listen to a lecture and cannot go back to study the material.
Again, students who learn online have access to video lectures they can see many times in order to comprehend the topic properly. In distant learning courses, they also offer exams and assignments online.
Students take examinations and do homework assignments in the same way they would in a traditional classroom setting, but they have access to their course materials and textbooks.
Students who choose to stay in their home country might still benefit from online degrees. Because of immigration regulations, economics, and duties at home, it might be difficult for some international students to leave their home country. Students can earn a degree from another country, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, or Australia, without ever leaving their native country. This allows pupils to attend any university or institution they want while still living at home.
A widespread misperception regarding online courses is that the professor and the student are separated. This is far from the case. Many online students believe they have a relationship with their professor since they can ask questions via email or phone rather than having to wait until after class or plan an appointment during the professor’s office hours. Online teachers are usually quick to respond to queries, and some colleges require them to respond within 24 hours.
While studying, doing homework, or taking a test, online students have complete access to the internet. When online students come across something intriguing or have a query about a certain scenario or information, they can use the internet to conduct their own research. This allows online students to go deeper into the subject and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the material.
Earning an Undergraduate Degree
Online undergraduate degrees in a variety of topics are available from schools across the United States. Traditional students, working professionals, and overseas students are all welcome to apply for these online undergraduate degrees. Undergraduate degrees earned online follow the same curriculum as those earned in a traditional classroom setting.
Undergraduate degrees earned online are just as regarded as traditional degrees. Online undergraduate degrees prepare students for future professions in their industry by providing them with high-quality education on their own time. Students who want to advance their careers or even change careers can benefit from online degrees.
Earning a Graduate Degree
Many professionals want to further their education, but often struggle to find the time and flexibility they need to manage their professional lives while taking graduate classes.
Graduate schools frequently only provide classes during the day, when working professionals cannot attend. Working professionals and traditional students who want to further their education can both benefit from online graduate programs.
Aside from flexibility, time, and the ability to study from home, one of the most appealing aspects of online graduate degrees is that they provide the same level of education as on-campus programs.
Online graduate programs provide a curriculum tailored to the student’s interests and career goals, as well as management and strategic thinking skills that are in demand in the business and professional worlds.
When looking for online programs, students can locate any type of degree program at any level. Students can choose from thousands of online programs offered by institutions all around the world, making it ideal for anybody wishing to further their education or advance their profession.
Online degree programs are just as good as traditional classroom programs, with the added benefit of being able to fit around a student’s schedule.
Guide to Getting into a US College or University
If you’ve opted to study in the United States, the following step is the most difficult: getting admitted. Getting into a US school is not an easy or quick process, but with the advice, they may make it much easier. Therefore, we’ve put together a Guide on getting into a US College or University.
When you combine this advice with your own hard work and devotion, you may make your aspirations of studying in the United States a reality. Whether you’re just starting your application to study in the United States or you’re ready to have an acceptance interview, now is the time to read our advice!
Before You Apply to a US College or University
Applying to schools in the United States is a time-consuming procedure that requires you to plan months before the application deadline. Learn about what you’ll need to do in the early phases of your application to study in the United States, including personal elements to consider, financial considerations, and narrowing down your college list.
The US College Application Process
You’ll want to study our tips and tricks once you’ve been preparing for months and feel ready to work on your application. The college application process in the United States is confusing and often tough; but knowing what to expect, how to make the process easier, and how to put your best foot forward can ease some of the stress and help you get accepted into a US school.
Community Colleges In The USA
In recent years, international students have increasingly chosen to study at a community college before transferring to a larger university. International students discover that starting at a community college has various advantages, including cost savings, smaller class sizes, and one-on-one help.
Furthermore, attending a community college does not limit your options; students can study topics as diverse as radiology and geographic information systems; the learning opportunities available at a community college are nearly endless, and they pave the way for you to continue your education at a four-year institution if desired.
Continue reading if you’re thinking about going to a community college to discover more about how it can help you as an international student. Specifically, you’ll find answers to queries like what is a community college, why you should attend one, and how to pick the right community college.
What is a Community College?
Discover the differences between a two-year community college and a four-year university while learning about the community college system’s mission and importance to both local and international students. You’ll also learn more about critical subjects to consider as you explore attending a community college, such as transferring credits, general education, and housing and student activities.
Why Study at a Community College?
Are you interested in the advantages of attending a community college? We will discuss only a few in this section, including the affordable tuition and fees connected with a community college degree. You’ll also learn about the differences between applying to a university vs a community college, as well as information on typical class sizes, student resources, and activities at community colleges.
Finding a Community College
After you’ve decided to attend a community college in the United States. You’ll need to begin your search; all this part will explain how to locate a community college that best meets your interests. Community colleges share many academic aspects and policies across the country, but each one is distinct in its own way.
Similarly, each student is unique, so what works for one student may not work for another. Learn more about academic fields, what to think about or look for while choosing a community college, and how to pay for tuition and fees.
After you’ve gained all the information, you’ll need to determine whether attending a community college in the United States is suitable for you, use our US School Search to locate a community college that meets your geographical and field of study requirements.
How to study in America for free
To study in the USA for free, you need to attend tuition-free universities or colleges or apply for fully funded scholarship opportunities.
International Students In The USA Requirements
Completed application form proof of secondary school completion (usually 12 years of schooling)
Certification of English language proficiency (usually a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL])
Evidence of financial support (required for the I-20 form -)
How can you get a scholarship to study in the USA?
Personal or family funds.
Private scholarships.
Governmental funding.
College scholarships or assistantships.
Conclusion
For students interested in studying in the United States of America, the International Student Guide to the United States of America is a print and online reference. It’s critical to pay close attention to the guidance in order to stay on top of what’s expected of international students.
References
Guide For International Students In The USA