STUDY IN the USA 🇺🇸
Why Study in the USA?
Universities with the highest rankings in the world
The United States of America has a well-established and high-quality post-secondary education system. According to the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the United States has seven of the top ten universities in the world.
Geographical, cultural, and institutional diversity
Nestled in the large expanse of the United States are a great number of educational institutions, and there is a perfect fit for every student. Small, intimate campuses that feel like a collection of close friends and large, sweeping campuses that feel like cities are all available.
Tropical islands, arid deserts, snowy plains, the Grand Canyon, California, and New York City are just a few of the places you can visit. There is truly something for every type of student in the United States.
Life on campus
the USA EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
American Educational System
How does it work?
- Community Colleges or Junior Colleges
- Schools for Vocational Training
- Universities or Colleges.
Community colleges or Junior Colleges
Vocational Colleges
Universities
In the United States, undergraduate education is centered on the Liberal Arts and The Sciences. Students can take classes in a range of areas in addition to their major field of study. After finishing a stipulated amount of credits in their major field of study, they can earn a bachelor’s degree.
The number of hours spent in a classroom each week is referred to as ‘credit hours.’ Students can ‘earn’ a minimum number of credits in each program, and each institution and program has its own specific requirements for the number of credits needed to graduate.
In the United States, there are two main types of universities:
- Public Universities: Most are ‘state’ universities. The state government established them and continues to run them.
- Private Universities – A mix of profit and not-for-profit; approximately 20% of students attend private universities.
Colleges for graduate students
In some countries, graduate schools are referred to as postgraduate schools. Graduate schools are frequently affiliated with a university that also offers bachelor’s degrees. These institutions provide Masters and Doctoral Programmes.
In the United States, graduate programmes are divided into two categories: Masters and Doctorate.
In the United States, Masters Degrees are accessible in a variety of fields, with two basic course types: Academic and Professional.
A Doctoral Degree is the highest level of education achievable in the United States. A PhD degree requires students to complete a unique piece of research. Doctoral candidates in the United States are still obliged to complete coursework and written exams in addition to their research.
Colleges for graduate students
The majority of universities and colleges are open from August to December and January to April, respectively. Between May and August, there are a number of summer school studies available.
Undergraduate degrees might take three or four years to finish, depending on the university. Masters programmes often last one to two years.
Doctoral degrees or PhD programmes in the United States take four to seven years longer than in other nations. Classes, Qualifying Tests, and Doctoral Candidacy, during which students work on their dissertation, are common steps of doctoral degrees.
Styles of teaching and learning
In the United States, Universities place a high value on diversity, therefore classrooms are made up of students of all ages, religions, and nations. This creates a rich and stimulating learning environment that promotes cross-cultural understanding and networking.
The American education system is a popular study location because it emphasises practical learning that stimulates creative, independent thought and debate.
Rather than teaching by rote (memorising through repetition), your teachers will strive to provide a comprehensive understanding of a topic. It is expected that you will expand your own thinking and share your ideas with the rest of the class. Learning and critical thinking abilities are prioritised just as much as grades and exam completion.
University classes consist of a mix of lectures and tutorials. Up to 200 students from various courses within the area could attend a lecture.
Tutorials are substantially smaller, with only approximately 30 students on average. In tutorials, you and the professor will discuss the topics covered in lectures. Professors are highly approachable, and students can speak with them in person or visit their offices to discuss any concerns they may have.
SCHOLARSHIP AND FEES
Scholarships and fees
The price of education in the USA is high.
Tuition rates for overseas students vary greatly between states and programmes. The most expensive part of your school expenses will be tuition. Tuition might cost anywhere from $10,000 to $55,000 per year.
- Monthly expenses for English language studies range from $700 to $2000.
- $6000 to $20,000 per year for community colleges
- Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate): $20,000 to $40,000 per year
- $20,000 to $30,000 per year for graduate programmes (An MBA degree can cost significantly more, as can professional programmes such as law, medicine, dentistry, some design programs, etc.)
- PhD degree: $28,000 to $55,000 per year (The majority of doctoral degrees are paid entirely by research/teaching assistantships, research aid, and bursaries.)
Before you begin your education, you must pay tuition costs. Additional expenditures, such as course materials and access to the institution’s facilities, may be incurred.
Scholarships
International students who obtain exceptional results may be eligible for scholarships and awards from certain American institutions and schools.
The amount and type of prize differs depending on the university or college. It’s crucial to understand that scholarship competition is competitive so speak to your studentbridge.co counselor and put your best foot forward.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visa requirements for the United States of America
Visa applications are frequently perceived as difficult, but our professional counsellors are specialists at guiding you through the procedure.
The type of visa you’ll require is determined by the type of study you’d like to pursue in the United States.
There are three categories of student visas available from the US government:
- F Student Visa: used to study at a US college or university or to learn English at a language institute in the United States.
- J Exchange Visa: for high school and university students participating in an exchange program.
- M Student Visa: for non-academic or vocational training or study in the United States.
You must first apply to and be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified US institution (SEVP). You will receive a Form I-20 from the institution’s international student office once you have been accepted, which is a paper record of your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database (SEVIS).
For your visa application, you will require the following documents:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
- Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20
- Application fee payment for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
- Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page
- One or two photographs in the requested format.
There may also be a need for further documentation such as:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and certificates (Academic Preparation Documents).
- Evidence proving you have enough money to cover your living expenses in the United States for the duration of your stay. This could include bank documents, a financial commitment from a sponsor to support your housing and living expenses, or a scholarship application.
- Evidence that you will leave the United States once your studies are completed. This usually takes the shape of a plane ticket from the United States to your native country.
- A personal interview at the US embassy or consulate may also be required.
On the US Government’s Department of State website, you may learn more about each form of visa, its requirements, and the correct fit for your intentions.
You must do the following when you arrive/ before you arrive in the United States:
- Do not arrive in the United States more than 30 days prior to the start of your study program.
- When you initially arrive in the United States, contact your authorized school official.
- Contact your designated school representative again, no later than the program start date listed on Form I-20.
- Check to see if your visa is still valid.
Once you’ve received your visa, there are a few things you need to do to keep it valid, including:
- Making some progress on the activities for which the Department of State issued the visa.
- Following the rules and regulations that pertain to that goal.
There are certain rules that must be followed when studying in the United States:
- All of your classes must be attended and passed. If you’re having trouble with your studies, speak with your designated school official (DSO) right away.
- If you believe you will not be able to finish your program by the deadline specified on your Form I-20, you must speak with your DSO about obtaining a program extension.
- Each term, you must complete a full course of study. If you are unable to study full-time, please notify your DSO as soon as possible.
- You cannot drop below a complete course load without consulting your DSO.
LIVING IN THE U.S.A
Accomodation
Finding a place to call home when you’re not at home
Depending on your needs – and your budget – there are a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing possibilities.
On-campus housing is available at most universities. However, you must apply for on-campus accommodation through your college in order to acquire a spot in residence. On-campus housing costs vary per college and are determined by whether or not you want a private room with meals included.
If you choose to live off campus, you can select between an apartment, a flat, or a house, depending on your budget and whether you want to live in a shared house. Off-campus housing is often less expensive, and most colleges may assist you in finding suitable accommodations.
If you’re renting a home privately, you’ll be required to sign a lease, which is a legal agreement that spells out all of your responsibilities as a renter.
Accommodation costs will vary depending on your personal preferences, university location, and whether you want to live on-campus or off-campus. You should anticipate paying between USD$1,000 and USD$1,500 per month for on-campus accommodation, but off-campus living costs vary greatly depending on the state or location you want to reside in. Additional monthly costs such as water, energy, phone and Internet usage, insurance, and other personal expenses may also need to be considered.
It’s critical to thoroughly investigate your alternatives to ensure that you choose the correct lodging for your budget and preferences.
An education in the United States of America is a great investment in yourself and your future. You will leave with a world class education and tremendous job prospects. Enjoy your time is this spectacular country.
Scholarships
International students who obtain exceptional results may be eligible for scholarships and awards from certain American institutions and schools.
The amount and type of prize differs depending on the university or college. It’s crucial to understand that scholarship competition is competitive so speak to your studentbridge.co counselor and put your best foot forward.