United States

U.S. colleges are known worldwide for the quality of their facilities, resources, and faculty and accreditation systems always ensure that institutions continue to maintain these standards. Furthermore, universities and colleges in the U.S. offer flexibility in choice of courses, with the option of transferring from institution to another. Completing the first two years of a degree at one institution, usually a community college, and then moving to another, is very common.

The US offers international students the most exciting, rewarding and comprehensive array of study options in the world.

Overview

The United States of America is a constitutional federal republic nation on North America continent consisting of fifty states and a federal district. In the United States, multiculturalism is the fundamental obsession expressing that people from different culture, ethics and races are equal and they can keep their identities, can take pride in their heritage and have a sense of belonging. The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with nearly 600,000 students choosing to broaden their life experience and continue their education, making the U.S. the top choice over any other country in the world.

Here are some advantages the U.S. has to offer international students;

• Academic excellence
• Variety of educational opportunities
• Cutting-edge technology
• Flexibility
• Support services for international students
• Opportunity for research
• Global education and long-term career prospects
• Campus life experience
• Cultural diversity

International Recognition

The colleges and university institutions in the United States are recognized and accredited with different organizations and professional bodies. The institutes in the Americas require maintaining course standards, and infrastructure to earn accreditation. Having a degree from a US institution makes you recognized everywhere.

Work While You Study

There are two types of visas issued to students accepted to study in the U.S. They are commonly known as the F and M visas.

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. And the school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programmes, other than language training.

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. However after the first academic year, there are various programmes available for F-1 students to seek off-campus employment. F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment. These three types of employment are:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. Like F-1 student they can also work part-time at an on-campus job.

For more information regarding your employment situation during your studies, please visit http://www.uscis.gov

Competitive Costs and Fees

A U.S. degree offers excellent value for the money. A wide range of tuition fees and living costs, plus the possibility of some financial help from colleges, makes studying in the United States affordable for hundreds of thousands of international students each year.

Estimated Tuition Fees

The tuition costs vary from university to university. They also largely vary with your choice of major. Certain programmes like Fine Art, Photography and Film are extremely expensive majors to pursue in comparison to a Computer Science or Business major.

The cost of education could range between USD 10,000- USD 50,000 per year, depending on the institute level, program and location you choose.

This table should be used only as a general guide and the actual tuition fees and study costs will be mentioned in the official offer letter which will be issued by the relevant education provider.

Accommodation

Almost all U.S. colleges and universities provide their students with the option to live in residence halls or dormitories ("dorms"). These are usually for single students, not for married couples or families, and are situated on or close to the campus.

Some universities operate apartment houses on campus. Apartments are usually given to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students and to students who are married.

Fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women) are close-knit social organizations of undergraduate men and women who live in a house operated by the organization. Fraternity and sorority houses may be either on- or off-campus.

There are other types of housing off-campus. The types of accommodation include furnished and unfurnished apartments and houses, privately operated dormitories, cooperative residence halls, and rented rooms in private homes. Other options include the local YMCA or YWCA, youth hostels, and international houses.

Living expenditure on average is from $8,000 to $10,000 per year, according to the student’s lifestyle, type of accommodation and location.

For further assistance and advice on suitable accommodation please contact us

Cost of Health Insurance

Because the cost of healthcare in the US is very high, many institutes require international students to purchase medical insurance. It is a very advisable to buy insurance even if your school does not require it to protect yourself from extremely high medical bills should you become ill or have an accident. A comprehensive insurance policy (which covers medication, doctor’s visits, hospitalization, and surgery) will cost between $500 and $1,000 for one person.