USA

Key Facts

1: Improve your English

Other languages are slowly catching on around the world but nothing can beat having a great grasp of the English language. Immerging yourself in an English speaking country, such as the United States, will definitely benefit you for the rest of your life regardless of what course of study you pursue.

2. Change of Perspective

As humans we tend to view things in terms of our own cultural understanding and references. Studying in a different country like the United States can give you a fresh new perspective on world topics.

3. Education Opportunities

The United States has wonderful education opportunities that expand across a variety of different disciplines. No matter what you are interested in studying, you will be able to find some kind of university or advanced degree program that offers the course of study you are interested in.

4. Well Respected Degrees

This goes along with Reason 3. A lot of programs in America are well respected within the discipline that they address. You can use reputable news sources, such as publications like Business Week, which rank degree programs from various universities against their competition. There is no shortage of programs that you can earn a well-respected degree from.

5. Diverse Population

It can be comforting for non-native students to know that most universities around the country have incredibly diverse populations. More than likely, you will be able to find an institution that values diversity. You will probably be able to locate other students from your home country that can help to keep you from getting too homesick.

6. Positive Exchange Rate

Currently, most European countries have exchange rates on their native currency that makes it cheaper to purchase items in the United States as opposed to their home country. In some instances it can be significantly cheaper to finance a quality education in the U.S. instead of at home.

7. Travel Opportunities

There is an endless amount of travel opportunities for students who study in the United States. Regardless of where you are studying, students can check out tourist destinations or other great vacation spots without too much difficulty.

8. Life Experience

Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for anyone to expand their life experience. Anyone who travels from their home country and spends an extended amount of time away can learn a lot about themselves in the process.

09. Networking Opportunities

Taking part in the global community at your education institution can make for great networking opportunities to give you a lot of options in the future. Being an international student means that you will be able to meet other individuals from around the world as well as native-born Americans in your field of study.

10. Career Opportunities

Studying in the United States can open you up to a ton of career opportunities. You will be able to find potential jobs in the United States as well as careers in your home country.

General Information:

• Full country name: United States of America (USA)

• Capital: Washington, D.C.

• Total Area: 9,630,000 sq km

• Official Language: Language: English (official), Spanish (other), Native American languages (other)

• Official Currency: US Dollar (US$)

• Population: 290,000,000

• Religion: Protestant (56%), Roman Catholic (28%), Jewish (2%), Muslim (1%)

• Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus one hour

• Country Dialing Code: +1

• Climate: The climate is temperate in most of the US. Generally, it gets hotter the further south you go and seasonally more extreme the further you are north and inland from the coasts. Winters in the northeast and upper Midwest can bring long periods below freezing even though it’s still warm enough to swim at the beaches in Florida and southern California.

• Spring – March to May

• Summer – June to Aug

• Fall- Sept to Nov

• Winter – Dec to Feb

• Major Cities: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, Washington DC, Houston, Seattle

• Popular States: Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Virginia

Fast Facts:

• 1st Study abroad destination for all over the world

• One year job search visa after graduation

• Straight Forward Visa Application

• Best Education in the World

• Excellent Academics

• English Speaking Country

• Flexibility in Course Curriculum

• Choices, Reputation, Relocation

• Knowledge, Skill and Professionalism career begins from here

Why Do International Students Choose to Study in the US:

Every student has their own reason and motivation for choosing the US to pursue their degree, and many are linked to the benefits international students can experience while living and studying in the US. 

Approximately half of the best global universities are located in the USA, according to U.S. News & World Report. From undergraduate studies to PhD-level programs, universities in the US offer top-ranked academic opportunities across all disciplines. In the US, you can choose from more than 5,000 higher education institutions. Every university is unique and has something special to offer, from first-class academics to international-friendly studies programs. 

Another strong advantage to US universities is flexibility around selecting your major, as it gives you the opportunity to explore your interests before fully committing to an academic degree program. Whether you want to enroll in a specific major at the start of your studies or begin as an undeclared major, US universities give you the time and space to make your choice. 

Additionally, US universities and college programs offer general education courses that allow you to take a wide variety of courses and gain exposure to different specializations. Many university programs also enable students to explore multiple academic subjects, while still earning credits, through electives.

Benefits of Studying in the US:

A US university degree covers outstanding academics, of course, but also personal and professional growth, too. International students in the US benefit from:  

• Real-world working experience — When you enroll at a US university or college, you may be able to work at one or more internships and connect with top employers. Many degree programs require an internship or co-op in order to graduate, which can build your network and provide future opportunities.

• Career prospects — US universities and colleges regularly hold career fairs and often host career workshops with guest speakers from prominent organizations. These events connect you with industry experts who can be valuable contacts in your professional network.

• Cutting-edge facilities — Many US universities and colleges have highly advanced research laboratories, manufacturing workshops, and more, which allow you to take part in groundbreaking research and create innovative new products.

• Multicultural experiences — The US is home to people from all over the world, each with their own unique cultures and traditions. While studying in the US, you have the chance to live, work, and learn with diverse groups of people, giving you valuable teamwork experience that employers value in an increasingly globalized world.

Studying at a US university or college gives you the chance to pursue a world-class degree in a flexible learning environment that helps you work toward your goals.

Study at Some of the World’s Best Universities:

Some of the highest-ranking universities in the world are located in the US, The programs at US institutions equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences you need to excel in your dream career.  

Thanks to a broad liberal acts curriculum, as well as skills-based programs geared toward employment, you can find a school in the US that fits your learning style and objectives. You can also find specialized programs of study in the US, such as Oceanography & Coastal Science at Lousiana State University, or Sport and Athletic Administration at Gonzaga University. You may even be able to create your own interdisciplinary major, like pre-med and international relations, to work toward a career in international public health. Your possibilities for study are limited only by your imagination!

Additionally, professors at US universities use flexible teaching styles to help every type of learner succeed in the classroom. Many classes at US universities are considered active learning environments — like the MakerSpace at Cleveland State University — and are taught by professors with years of experience working in their respective fields. 

US institutions also give you the chance to learn from industry experts. Your professors will often be active researchers or innovators in the field they teach, giving you a valuable source of first-hand expertise. Connecting with your professors expands your professional network and can help you find a long-term job. These lifelong connections are a strong motivation for why international students choose to study in the US.

Rich Cultural Diversity:

With so many different international students and residents, the US is one of the best destinations in the world to experience cultural diversity. This exposure to global cultures is one of the key reasons why international students choose to study in the US.

From the moment you arrive on campus, you will be surrounded by people from all walks of life, with unique traditions, cuisines, lifestyles, and fashion. You can try food from different cultures, learn a new language, or even share your culture with your friends.

International-friendly universities in the United States are committed to providing opportunities, outreach, and programs and services to all campus members. From the #youarewelcomehere campaign to departments focused on equality and inclusion, cultural diversity is a large part of life in the US.

MAKE FRIENDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

Many US cities hold annual cultural festivals celebrating international traditions, food, music, art, and more with the larger community. Join in the festivities or even volunteer to help as you connect with vibrant cultures and experience unique traditions. Cultural diversity is a great reason to choose the US for studies. 

If you are ever feeling homesick, you can join a student club! There are many types of student-run organizations and societies focusing on cultural communities. Many of these societies form clubs for students from different countries, which can connect you with other students just like you. Making friends in college is a great way to overcome culture shock while also adjusting to American college life.

By working together with your peers in class, during assignments, or meeting new people on campus, you can create a network of friends with people from all over the world. 

Wide Variety of Subjects to Major In:

No matter what you want to study or the career you want to pursue, you can find a US university or college that offers a program to gets you closer to your goals. 

With the liberal arts focus many institutions have, there are many types of different subjects to major in, and these can be more specific at each institution. You can find top-ranking programs for popular majors such as business, social sciences, and biology along with specialized majors such as video game development, artificial intelligence, petroleum engineering, and more. 

Vibrant Student Lifestyle:

University clubs and societies allow you to explore different aspects of student life in the US. 

If you are interested in further improving your studies, you can join studying societies, where students who want to enhance their learning experiences join together to share experiences, knowledge, and advice on how to perform better in class. Depending on the club’s activities, you may even participate in competitions with clubs from other universities!

Students interested in athletics can join clubs centered around their preferred sport, training and working together with like-minded students. Your club may also play matches with other universities, and you could join your university’s sports team and represent them on a national level.

There are all types of different clubs to explore and each university has its own selection to choose from, including pop culture appreciation, film, art, writing, and many more. If you are not able to find a club that matches your interests, you can always create your own club with your fellow students.

Experience American Culture Firsthand:

Having the freedom to try new experiences may be just one reason why you want to study in the US. As an international student on an American college campus, you can:

• Join study groups — Study groups can not only build lifelong friends, but also help you improve in class.

• Discover favorite activities, old and new — Discover all the sights and sounds of your new home by visiting local landmarks, restaurants, and more! Cheer for your university’s sports team with your friends, try out hobbies like hiking, rock climbing, or cooking, or participate in intramural sports competitions.

• Spend time with friends — At an internationally friendly campus in the US, your new friends will come from countries around the world. With your new campus community, you’ll truly feel like a global citizen. 

Enjoy Being Independent and Self Reliant:

As an international student in the US, you typically will live away from your family. While this can be challenging when you first arrive, it is a valuable experience that helps you become independent and gives you the room to grow as a self-reliant individual. 

You are responsible for maintaining your own schedule and activities throughout the day, including attending classes, keeping track of your assignments and coursework, and meeting deadlines. You’ll learn personal responsibility and accountability, and how to manage your workloads to make sure you complete your work on time. 

Your independence also gives you the freedom to live the life you choose! It is up to you to decide how to spend your free time and what you like to do, and this helps you grow as a person.

Engaging Professors and Faculty:

Professors at US universities use a wide range of teaching styles, depending on the professor, subject matter, and whether the course is graduate or undergraduate. 

Some professors prefer a more instructional approach focusing on lectures and in-class work. Other professors may take a more hands-on approach and teach you via examples, personal experiences, or class activities. 

Your professors are also ready to support you outside of the classroom, and you can speak to them during their office hours when you need to ask a question or want to learn more. Many professors also have teaching assistants (TAs) who you can also contact for support. TAs work closely with their professors and can often answer your question if your professor is busy. 

You may also find it helpful to form study groups with other students in your class. This helps you learn new approaches to your subjects, while offering your own experience and knowledge to help other students. It can also be a great opportunity to make new friends!

Inherit the Prestige of an American Degree:

The US is still the best choice for international students and this is largely because of the prestige of having a US-certified university degree. Higher study programs in the US are known for their exceptional standard of quality in terms of learning experiences, intellectual rigor, and innovative practices. 

With a US degree, you can stand out to employers as your degree represents the knowledge and experiences you have gained while studying. Your degree helps you access rewarding careers in the US or anywhere in the world.

PARTICIPATE IN GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH

US universities and colleges often have highly advanced research facilities for faculty, staff, visiting experts, and students. Some also have specially built laboratories dedicated for student course work. As a research student or researcher, you will work together with university faculty and can even work with national research organizations. For example, many Cleveland State University students are able to intern at the NASA Glenn Research Center every year. 

Conducting research is a strong focus at many US universities, and some even grant special scholarships or admission offers if you plan to pursue a career in research after graduation. Funded research topics can include neuroscience, climate change, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and much more.  

Exceptional Support System for International Students

International students can work on campus, get internships with businesses off campus, and hold research and training positions as graduate students. Internationally friendly studies programs — like Shorelight’s exclusive Career Accelerator — have career counselors experienced in helping study abroad students like you find your first internship and Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work experience positions. 

Additionally, many internationally friendly universities offer specialized courses to help international students like you adapt to college life and learn more about American culture. You will learn firsthand about American traditions, American cuisine, and maybe even get to take a field trip, attend sporting events, or visit historical sites. 

Counselors and support staff at the international student services office are experts at helping international students navigate university life. When you enroll at a Shorelight university, you get access to a suite of support services and additional programs. Our advisors help you understand the application process, handle visa questions, and find housing. After you’ve arrived on campus, they can guide you through orientation, class registration, and help you with tutoring services, culture shock, and other academic support. 

Launch a Successful Career After Graduating

With the skills and knowledge you gain from your program studying in the US, you will be ready to work toward your dream career anywhere in the world. The experience you have gained through your classes, internships, and diverse cultural connections give you a head start when applying for jobs and makes you stand out to employers. Additionally, the professional connections you have established through your program can allow you to access unique job opportunities in the US for your future career. 

Now that you know the top reasons to study in the US, it might be time to ask yourself: “Should I study in the US?” 

If you are ready to get started, speak to a Shorelight advisor! Your advisor provides international student services whether you are an incoming undergrad student or an experienced graduate student. They can help you find top universities, understand the application process, support you in choosing a major, and much more.

No matter your goals or ambition in life, pursuing your higher studies in the US allows you to work toward the career and life of your dreams. 

Living Expenses

The estimated living cost for the US is around $10000 to $18000 per year, which averages around $1000 to $1500 per month. This includes your accommodation costs, room, and board, food, travel, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment expenses as well.

Here is a range of costs that have been considered while estimating the living expenses-

1. Books and study material costs around $900 to $2000 per year
2. Travel costs within the US will be from $300 to $700
3. Accommodation will cost between $5000 and $7500 per year
4. For living off-campus, the cost of renting an apartment will be between $300 and $600 a month but could be higher depending on the location of the school. 
5. Meals should cost around $2500 a year if you do not eat out too many times
6. Shopping for clothes will cost more than $500 annually if you are in a cold country
7. Personal and variable expenses will be around $2000 per year

This table will give you an approximate monthly average expense idea:

International undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees vary considerably, starting at around £15,000 and going up to £30,000 or more for medical degrees. At all levels, humanities and social sciences degrees tend to cost the least, while laboratory and clinical degree programs are markedly more expensive.

Combine these fees with the average cost of living in the USA, around £15,000 and the total average cost of studying in the USA comes up to at least £25,000 per year. Studying in the capital city, meanwhile, is likely to be significantly more expensive.

Under the USA immigration rules, you are legally permitted to work with the following restrictions: a maximum of 20 hours paid or unpaid work per week during term time for degree students. Hence, you can easily take care of your living expenses.

On-campus hostel

Once you are enrolled in a U.S. school, the Admissions Department or International Student Office will most likely send you a "pre-departure orientation" packet. Options for where to live are generally included in this information.

Some American schools offer accommodations for international students on-campus, or near the school's classrooms, libraries and other facilities. "Dormitories" are buildings with many rooms for sleeping and living, often with two or three people (of the same gender) per room. Dormitory residents typically share large bathrooms which include showers and toilets. Many first-year students prefer to live in on-campus dormitories because they are convenient to both academic and social activities. Another advantage is that it is not likely that you will need a car to commute to campus.

On-campus accommodations also offer close proximity to the cafeteria and other eating establishments. U.S. colleges and universities offer very flexible meal-plan programs, where you can choose to pay in advance for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On most campuses, you may also deposit a certain amount of money at the beginning of the semester for food that you may buy from designated places. Each item’s cost is deducted from the balance in your account throughout the semester. Again, your pre-departure orientation packet will probably detail your eating options.

Moving into a dormitory setting is relatively simple: utilities such as electricity and telephone connections will most likely be ready to use. Each U.S. college or university has its individual policy on paying for long-distance telephone charges; learn those policies soon after you arrive on campus.

Off-campus Options

Some U.S. schools do not provide on-campus accommodations for international students. However, an off-campus housing office will assist you in finding an appropriate place to live. Often, the office coordinates activities to help students find a compatible roommate to share expenses; they also provide information about the local neighborhoods, including popular restaurants, shopping areas, parks and recreation, and public transportation.

Leasing an Apartment:

Ask new friends and other students if they have any suggestions for a good apartment. Check classified advertisements in the local newspaper (Sundays usually have more apartment listings than other days of the week). If all else fails, contact a real estate agent for assistance - though beware of unspecified fees for the service.

Before committing to a lease, or an agreement to rent an apartment, spend some time in the area to decide if it feels safe and convenient to places like school buildings and grocery stores. Read the lease carefully before signing. You will learn, for example, that the landlord is not responsible for your possessions if they are stolen or destroyed, so you may consider purchasing "renter’s insurance." If you do not understand any part of the lease agreement, ask the landlord, a friend, or someone from the international student office to explain it to you.

Utilities:

Once you do find off-campus housing, be aware that your rent may well not include utilities. You will need to request that the companies turn on the electricity and telephone service when you arrive. The landlord can provide you with the appropriate contact information

You have a choice of long-distance carriers for your telephone service. Be sure to ask the customer service representatives about special discount calling plans, particularly for international connections. The representative is usually eager to offer you a variety of extra services, most of which are not necessary. Soon after you register for telephone service, you should receive a free telephone directory. Within the directory, you will find the white pages (listing local residents alphabetically by name), the blue pages (government listings), and the yellow pages (business listings and advertisements).

Many U.S. households have telephone answering machines, which record messages from callers when no one answers the phone. You may purchase an answering machine for about $25. Another option is to request that the telephone company provide an electronic answering service, for which they charge a small monthly fee. Please visit the international student phone card center for more information on inexpensive phone cards that will allow you to keep in touch with loved ones back in your home country.

In most cases, the least expensive way to keep in touch with far-away friends and family is via e-mail. Again, each U.S. school has its own policies and procedures for accessing the Internet. If you choose to access your own e-mail off-campus, you can expect to pay about $20 per month to an Internet Service Provider.

Homestays:

Homestays are a viable option for students under the age of 18, especially those who are nervous about leaving home and living in a new country. In a homestay arrangement, you will be placed with an American family within 20 to 45 minutes from your campus. You will have your own room, and meals will be provided.

Living with an American family will allow you to fully immerse yourself in American culture as you adapt to the life of the family with whom you are living. You can benefit of the comforts of home and of a family life, even though you are far from home and in an entirely new country.

Job Hunting as an International Student

As an international student, job hunting will be a little more complicated for you than it might be for US students. Here are some tips to keep in mind through the process.

Start Early

This is good advice for all job seekers, but it especially valid for international students. It is going to take you longer to find employment with a company that will sponsor employees who need work visas, so the sooner you start, the better!

Research Your Situation

You are going to need to know the rules and regulations of your specific situation. Make sure you know which visas you need, including the different possibilities, deadlines, and potential costs. The more familiar you are with these things, the more confident you will feel when applying for jobs.

Take Advantage of Your School's Resources

Your school is sure to offer career services, and they are likely to have a good deal of experience helping international students to find jobs in the US following graduation. Take advantage of that experience, and set up a meeting with a career coach to discuss your specific situation and goals. You will also want to attend career fairs and talk to the recruiters, build relationships. And follow up with them for potential interviews.

Network

Around 70% of jobs are found through solid connections. Take advantage of your school’s community; talk to alumni groups who have gone through the same process you are. Build up relationships with your professors and even parents of your American friends.

Stay Positive and Be Persistent

Job hunting can be exhausting and demoralizing. You might feel that you are working yourself to the bone, with no noticeable results. The important thing now is to not give up. A positive attitude and confidence in your abilities will show in everything that you do, and will make employers want to invest in you.

Golden Rules of Job Hunting

As with all job searches, there are a few golden rules you should always follow:

1. Research the employer thoroughly, either via their website or calling their offices to get more information sent to you. Do searches on-line to see if you can find any articles or other information about the company. The more you research the company, the better chance you will have at an interview.
2. Understand your personal qualities, such as your strengths and weaknesses. If you can make a list of these qualities, you will be able to draw on them in an interview.
3. Wherever possible, mail your resume to the company unless it specifically asks for you to submit it via e-mail. This shows that you have put in more effort, and it allows you to be more professional and creative in terms of presentation.
4. Always follow up with companies when you have sent in your resume for a job. After 1 or 2 weeks, call to make sure that they have received your resume.
5. Before you go on an interview, always practice as much as possible. There are many good websites where you can practice mock questions.
6. If no written job description is given, always ask for one, as well as a company prospectus or profile.
7. At the interview, always wear a business suit, keep your general appearance neat and tidy, and remain confident with eye contact and strong, firm answers.

Scholarship for USA:

Going to a replacement country and running your own expenses for finding out is difficult if you are doing not have a powerful monetary backup. particularly in countries just like the USA, there's an oversized scope for value-based education, however the expense is huge. However, if you have got the capabilities and skills, your dream of studying in USA can return true any time.

At Career Path Overseas, we provide you thorough steerage in orienting you with a myriad of scholarships that the USA facilitates for international students. you'll opt for your most well-liked course, at the side of the required scholarship option, that completely aligns along with your career goals.

Range of scholarships that the USA boasts for international students

Career Path Overseas has close tie-ups with leading universities and schools within the USA. So, once you reach bent on us, we will assist you opt for the correct abroad scholarship theme that aligns well together with your skills, interests, and career goals through proper counselling and consultations to form your overseas education easier.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program: A government-funded US scholarship for international students.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: A non-degree scholarship program for experienced international professionals.

#YouAreWelcomeHereScholarship: Any participating US-based college and university offer this international scholarship in any subject for all overseas students.

Preply Scholarship: A $2000 scholarship for both domestic and international students.

Civil Society Leadership Awards: Fully-funded scholarship for students of Master’s level.

East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships: A scholarship for Asian students studying in selected institutions of the USA.

Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarship meant for only 11 exceptional Asian students studying at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

American University Scholarship: It is a scholarship worth $6000-$25000 per year for a limited number of international first-year UG students provided by AU.

Berea College Scholarships: 100% funding is offered to all enrolled international students in their first year of enrolment.

Amherst College Scholarships: A need-based financial aid program is offered to financially unstable international students.

Clark University Scholarship: A scholarship of $15000-$25000 per year with a guaranteed stipend of $2500 is given to international students studying overseas for the last 4 years.

Concordia College Scholarships: A scholarship for all enrolled international students based on academic ability and financial condition.

East Tennessee State University: A scholarship for new international students seeking a UG or PG degree in East Tennessee State University.

Emory College Scholarships: A financial award is given to selected international students based on merit.

The P.E.O International Peace Scholarship: A financial award for international women students pursuing a graduate degree from colleges or universities of the USA.Besides these, many other universities and colleges in the USA offer different scholarship schemes for international students based on their academic performance and financial needs.