U.S. colleges and universities highly value international students as college
and university researchers and teachers because international students bring
new skills and ideas to the classroom and laboratory. As a graduate student,
you may be able to gain valuable experience in research or teaching while
you help to finance your education.
Flexibility
Most U.S. programs allow students to take elective courses
across numerous academic fields. Most graduate programs are highly
structured; however, at the advanced stages of a degree, students can
opt to take independent study for a graduate thesis or dissertation.
These opportunities allow international students to emphasize ideas
that are personally important to their field and country.
You are not alone!
At most institutions, services from the international
student office help students to live and learn in their new U.S. environment.
Orientation programs usually are held immediately before classes begin.
During orientation, students meet their classmates and professors,
and become familiarized with their new environment. Many institutions
will mail orientation information to students ahead of time to give
them an idea of what to expect when they arrive on campus.
Job Marketability
Most students who study in the United States recognize
the role of the United States as a global leader, and as such, international
students who study in the United States may have an edge over others
who don’t.
Why Learn American
English?
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Important
Links to Remember
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For centuries, British English was revered as the "more proper," or "correct" version
of the English language while American English was frowned upon as somehow
inferior. However, as the world has gained more exposure to American English,
British English is not necessarily considered to be the “best”form
of the language today.
American English proves to be gaining enormous popularity worldwide;
in fact, many countries have adopted American English as the standard wherever
English is taught in schools. Also, many non-U.S. students express a far
greater desire to learn American English over other varieties.
When studying in the United States, an international student must keep
in mind that variations do exist between varieties of English. Accent is
not the only difference between British and American English. Even within
the United States itself, a student will encounter different American English
accents and dialects.
In short, if students studying in the United States wish to integrate
into and better understand American life and culture, they will find speaking
American English to be an advantage. In addition, if a student studying
in the United States one day hopes to work and live successfully on U.S.
soil, then he or she will no doubt find an American accent a useful and
helpful asset to posses. With the increasing global role the United States
plays, being able to communicate in American English will no doubt aide
a student not only in the job market but also when communicating with other
international citizens.
Advice for Parents
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Important
Links to Remember
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You may want to take a similar role in the selection of your student's
study abroad program as you did with your son or daughter's schooling thus
far. Whether your son or daughter is looking to be a part of a short term,
a language, or an undergraduate or graduate program, we understand that
you expect the best. Fortunately, the United States has one of the world's
best university systems with outstanding programs in virtually all fields
at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To begin, we recommend that students
read and fill-out this Study Abroad Handbook independently. This
can be the first step that helps him/her take charge of his/her own study
abroad experience. However, accomplishing the many tasks involved with
planning study abroad in the United States can be difficult. Your son or
daughter will most likely need your assistance.
Using This Website
The content on this website is divided up into four sections: Choosing
a Program, Practical Information, Health and Safety, and Coming Home. We
suggest that you read through the Safety
Handbook content, and then make sure your son or daughter has answered
the Questions and responded
to the items in the Checklist.
Many of the items will require feedback from a study abroad program provider,
although the Resources section
will help you as well. Make sure to have a copy of the Emergency
Card that your son or daughter also should carry in his/her wallet.
After
your son or daughter has thoroughly reviewed the Handbook independently,
and done some research, we encourage you to talk about his/her findings.
At this time, we ideally hope that you would sit down with your son or
daughter and go through the Handbook with him/her. You may be able to help
him/her answer any questions he/she was not able to answer on his/her own.
We
understand that your child’s health and safety is important to you. We
also know that your concerns for your child’s health and safety increase
with distance; the further away your child travels from home, the more
important it is for him/her to have support services. In this time of an
increased international focus on safety and security, you may feel strongly
concerned about your child’s wishes to study and travel abroad in the United
States. We hope that by reading this Handbook your concerns will be addressed.
You will be able to better assist your son or daughter with choosing a
quality program, and with being prepared for health and safety challenges
abroad in the United States. Study abroad could possibly be one of the
best, most positive and rewarding experiences for your child.
As a special resource just for parents, we encourage you
to read the following article entitled "Advice
for Parents: Frequently Asked Questions" by William Hoffa.
Finding a Quality Program
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Important
Links to Remember
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With over 3,000 universities and programs to choose from, selecting just
one may be a difficult process! In this section, you will get some helpful
tools and advice on how to select the best program for you. You have a
variety of options to choose from in the United States; they include: language
academies, 2-year colleges, traditional universities and colleges, trade
and technical schools, cultural tours and study tours. Prior to participating,
you and your parents should take time to look at the different programs
available for your U.S. study.
It will be helpful to your search if you understand the structure of the US
Educational system, which may be very different from that of your
home country. Admission to undergraduate and graduate programs
in particular will require you to have completed a particular level of
education at the time of admission. It is important that you realize
that not all U.S. programs are the same. Some programs are extremely
demanding and the workload can even be difficult for American students.
Other programs are more relaxed and focus on connecting students in cross-cultural
learning. Before making a decision, it is important that you know how
challenging your program will be.
The Time Factor: 
Don't miss the opportunity to study in the US by not beginning the process
on time! The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance
you will have to fulfill all the admission requirements and submit your
application on time. One of the simplest ways to find an appropriate study
abroad program in the United States is to ask professors at local universities
which U.S. programs or colleges they recommend. Chances are that some of
your current or old teachers may have studied abroad themselves. You also
need to take the time to ask yourself why you want to study abroad. What
are you goals? Which U.S degrees does your home country’s government
recognize? And, which fields of study may lead you to a good job after
you graduate? As an overseas applicant, you face a special challenge because
you may have never visited the United States or any of the schools to which
you may want to apply. This means that you must make the time to find out
about school locations, size, and social life.
Some Tools for Finding a Program:
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Study Abroad Office/Resource Center: It would
be worth your time to try to meet with a trained advising counselor.
Most advising centers are usually sponsored by (1) the U.S. government,
(2) a joint partnership between the U.S. government and a local university,
or (3) by a non-profit international educational organization. Advising
centers are a great resource because most have libraries with recent
catalogs and video from U.S. universities. The advisors that work at
these centers usually know the U.S. educational system well and should
be able to help you answer questions about the admission process, including
admissions tests. Chances are that your school has such an advisor,
or may be able to refer you to someone else. You could also locate
a private counselor who lives in your local city.
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Reference Books: The following are comprehensive
U.S. reference books which are updated each year: Peterson’s Colleges
and Universities in the USA: The Complete Guide for International Students;
Peterson’s also has an annual publication titled Applying
to Colleges and Universities in the United States: A Handbook for International
Students; IES’s The Foreign Students’Guide to American
Schools, Colleges and Universities. Other publications that may
be useful include, US News and World Report’s Best Graduate
Schools; The Journal for International Higher Education;
and Studying in America, a magazine for international students
wishing to study in the United States.
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Asking the Right Questions:
The following is a list of questions to ask when looking for an appropriate
study abroad program in the United States. Along with speaking with program
administrators at your campus, it is suggested that you ask to speak to
students who participated in the program in the past. If possible, speak
directly with one of the program administrators in the United States to
find out the strengths and weaknesses of the program.
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Courses
Available: What courses can be taken in the United States? Will
they be taught by U.S. home campus professors, or foreign university
faculty, or local nationals? What credentials do they have? Have
they taught international students before? Is the set-up in a traditional
classroom?
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Transfer Credit: Will courses taken in the United
States count towards your degree program (major, minor, language, general
education, etc.)?
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Housing: Is housing provided as part of the program?
Is it in a university dorm? With a family/homestay? In an apartment?
What part of the city? How far from where the courses are offered?
Near public transportation?
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Cost: What are the costs of the program, including
tuition, fees for processing you application, room and board, international
travel, in-country travel and excursions, extra costs, etc.?
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Location: Where in the city are the program office/courses
located? Is it in a modern city, a rural location, or a developing
area with limited resources?
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Duration: Is the program available for a year,
semester, quarter, summer, short-term? How will the season and schedule
compare to those at your home campus?
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Language: Do you want to study in a language other
than English? How much prior language training is required? What type
of language training is offered?
-
Support Services: Does your home campus provide
academic advisement and counseling to students through program orientations
(some campuses require that all students take a semester-long course
before studying abroad)? What types of support services and administrative
offices are in place in the United States?
-
Safety: Is there someone in The United States
who is specifically responsible for students' health and safety? What
policies and procedures do they have in place? Do they have an emergency/evacuation
plan?
-
Program Evaluations: Can you see program evaluations
from other students who participated in the past? What did prior participants
have to say about the program?
-
Application Deadline Dates: What are the deadline
dates to apply for the program? If you miss a deadline, can you apply
late?
-
Deposits: Do you need to make any payments in
order to guarantee you a place in the program, etc.?
In addition to the above, there may be other, personal matters and questions
you wish to discuss with program administrators before making any final
decisions. Make sure to look through the rest of the Handbook for more
health and safety information on studying abroad in the United States.
Selecting the Right Program
for You
| |
Important
Links to Remember
|
In this section, you will learn how to go a step beyond finding a quality
program. You will begin to research quality programs that reflect your
individual needs. You will be better able to find a program that matches
academic and personal objectives. The following things are some personal
factors that can affect a student’s program decision:
Affordability and Finances
Cost: Finding
a quality program that’s inexpensive is possible. Depending on you
or your family’s financial situation, program cost may or may not
be an issue for you. No one wants to compromise quality for cost. However,
many students need to find programs that fit their personal budget. Costs
for study abroad programs don’t end with a basic fee; rather, additional
costs can add up for insurance, housing, meals, activities, travel, medical
needs and purchases.
Spending and Saving: Careful spending is key both before you arrive
in the United States, and while you are here. Make a budget for yourself
and use it. Before you arrive, you may want to budget your spending by
giving up things that aren’t necessities. You may have to eat out
less and go out less often with your friends.
Size Does Matter
Group Size: Some study abroad programs have very high limits for
enrollment, while others are very selective about the number of students
they allow to participate. You should determine in which situation you
might feel more comfortable.
It is important to ask your study abroad program coordinator what the
ratio is between staff and students—a small program staff in charge
of a large group may not be the best when you are trying to find someone
to assist you. Of course, if you plan to do independent study, you may
very well be the only international student at the institution you’ve
chosen. This would probably give you the highest level of involvement,
but you would have added responsibilities that another student studying
in a program group may not have.
Class Size: Depending on how you learn best as a student, you will
want to choose a program with smaller or larger class size. As a student,
you may enjoy smaller class sizes because of the personal attention you
receive. Also, if you are a beginning foreign language learner, you may
appreciate the extra help that smaller classes can provide. On the other
hand, you may be comfortable and familiar with larger classes in which
you have more independent study time. You may enjoy a larger class setting
where you may come in contact with more students. Ask your study abroad
program coordinator what the average class size tends to be for the subjects
you will take at the institution you have chosen in the United States.
Level of Immersion
Class
Diversity: Ask yourself whether or not you prefer sitting next to
Americans or other international students in your classes. The answer
to this question will help you decide whether or not you would like to
be in classes with only U.S. students, a mix of U.S. and international
students, or a class where the majority of the students are from abroad.
Although usually not at the beginning English level, some programs offer
courses where a student can be involved in the U.S. education system
by attending classes with regular students at a university/institution.
Other programs separate students by designing special courses for program
participants. Ask which types of classes you are able to take as part
of your program. Also ask whether or not your teachers will be from the
United States, if this matters to you.
Language Instruction: Even if you have little or no previous foreign
language experience with English, you can still find a program to fit your
personal needs. Ask if your program offers English for all levels, including
beginner level instruction. If not, you may be able to take some classes
in your native language. However, you may prefer to take all of your classes
in English—after all, it is the official language of the United States.
The more classes you take in English, the more your English will improve
and the more immersed in U.S. culture and society you will feel. Ask if
your program provides classes in English or other languages.
Your Objectives
Goals: Everyone chooses to study abroad for different reasons.
You may want to learn or improve your English. You may want to do independent
research. You may want to get a degree, or you may just want to travel
and try something new. Before choosing a program, see if it fits the personal
goals and objectives you have. Ask yourself if the program you choose will
allow you to complete your goals.
Finding the Right U.S. College
After you identify what’s important to you, do a university
search. You can use the following university
search tool to search for the U.S. university that best suits your
needs.
It is important that you remember that in the United States, students
begin collegiate studies after completing 12 years of primary and secondary
school. Students can study at two-year colleges, known as community or
junior colleges, four-year colleges, universities, vocational and technical
schools, and professional schools such as law and medical schools. Size
varies too. At some universities the student body is as small as 1,000
students. Large universities may enroll 50,000 or more students.
Undergraduate Education
Most students complete a bachelor's degree in four years. At most institutions
those years are known as the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years
of undergraduate study. Some students attend a junior or community college
for two years and earn an associate’s degree. Some opt to transfer
to a four-year college or university to complete two more years of coursework
to earn a bachelor's degree.
Typically students have the opportunity to study in various fields such
as social sciences, humanities, and natural or physical sciences. By the
end of the second year, students at many institutions are asked to choose
a specific field of study, known as a “major.”Generally, students
focus on their major during the last two years of their undergraduate program.
Graduate Education
Master's degrees are the most frequently awarded graduate degrees. Typically,
students spend one to three years completing a Master’s program.
The most common graduate degrees include the master's of arts (MA), sciences
(MS), business administration (MBA), fine arts (MFA), law (LLM), social
work (MSW), and specialist in education (EdS). Some students also pursue
doctorates (PhD).
Doctorate students usually complete their program in five to seven years
of study following receipt of the bachelor's degree. Research is a focal
point of most U.S. graduate programs. Most doctorate programs require students
to write a dissertation involving original research. The dissertation may
involve a year or more of research and usually a year of writing.
Find an ESL Program or University
If your English skills are very limited, you may need to attend an English
language institute before beginning your degree program. Alternatively,
you can also select a university that offers an English-as-a-second-language (ESL)
program.
It is very important to know a university's policies on English-language
testing and classes. When you are admitted to a university, you should
carefully examine the documents in your admission packet to determine whether
you will be required to enroll in ESL courses.
If you are an international graduate student and are interested in applying
for a graduate teaching or laboratory job, you will need to pay particular
attention to any special English-language or other preparation programs
that may be required for such assistantships.
Who Runs Your Program?
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Important
Links to Remember
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In this section, you will learn how to better understand who runs your
program, and whether it is closely connected with your home university.
Before deciding on a study abroad program in the United States, it’s
important to identify what kind of relationship your university has with
your study abroad program; essentially, you want to know who is “in
charge,”and who will help you if you need assistance.
There are five general types of study abroad program sponsors, which can
be classified by the kind of relationship your home institution's staff
has with a program's international staff. This can help you determine how
much communication goes on between U.S. staff and abroad staff; does each
party know what the other party is doing?
Five Types of Program Sponsors:
1. Home University Owned and Operated:
 |
Your university usually operates facilities and programs abroad as
if they were a part of its campus. It employs some or all of a program's
staff abroad and owns, leases, controls or operates some or all of
the program facilities and operations abroad. Staff and facilities
abroad vary greatly from a one person office to a full campus. |
2. Home University Partnerships:
 |
The study abroad program is a result of a cooperative arrangement
or agreement between your university and one or more educational institutions
or organizations abroad. This allows your university to send its students
on programs owned and operated by an American or a foreign college,
university or independent program provider. |
3. Independent Student:
 |
Students find and enroll in programs independent of their university.
In some cases, students will remain enrolled in their home campus,
using their financial aid. In other cases, students will be required
to take a leave of absence. Upon return, students may or may not receive
credit for study completed abroad. |
4. Individual Faculty/Staff Travel Study Program:
 |
Many short term/summer programs are led by an individual faculty
or staff member accompanying the group, with no permanent office abroad. |
5. Hybrid Programs:
 |
Many study abroad programs are mixtures of the four previously mentioned
types of programs. For example, your home university may have an administrative
office abroad, while courses and housing may be offered by a foreign
university, and activities may be arranged by an independent program
provider. |
Four Types of On-Site Program Providers:
The program sponsors listed above, may provide on-site program administration
through four types of program providers:
-
Foreign University Programs: Students directly
enroll in the courses offered by the foreign university. Foreign universities
offer varying levels of services and support.
-
U.S. University Abroad: Students can enroll in
other home universities' programs abroad with which their home university
has a formal agreement.
-
Independent Program Providers: Many study abroad
providers are neither colleges nor universities, but are only in the
business of providing study abroad programs. Programs vary from well-staffed
organization with offices in the U.S. and abroad to a one person office
anywhere in the world.
-
Hybrid Program Providers: Many study abroad program
providers are mixtures of the three previously mentioned types of program
providers. For instance, your university may have an administrative
office abroad, while courses and housing may be offered by a foreign
university, and excursions may be arranged by an independent program
provider.
After you understand who runs your study abroad program in the United
States and whether it is closely connected with your home university, the
next step should involve a review of whether the level of support services
both in your country and in the United States will meet your needs. Remember
that there is no U.S. organization that regulates the quality and certifies
any minimum standard for study abroad programs. For this reason, it would
be wise to take an active role in evaluating a program prior to participating
in it. It is important to look at the many types of activities provided
by your program.
Activities Include:
Study Options
There are many options in deciding where to pursue your academic goals.
Most U.S. colleges, universities and independent programs offer different
selections of courses and degree programs. In general, U.S. colleges and
universities operate on the belief that students should take advantage
of the opportunity to experience and learn new things. This is one of the
main reasons why most programs do not allow students to choose a career
until they’ve taken beginning courses across many fields of study.
As an international student, you may be accustomed to specializing in only
one field of study. Most students in the United States now believe that
it is to their advantage to receive a degree in more than one discipline,
and as the job market gets more competitive, employers are also now looking
for employees with diverse backgrounds. In this section you will find out
what are some of the areas of study in the United States and the types
of programs available.
| 1. Liberal Arts |
 Liberal Arts
programs are very popular among Undergraduate students. These programs
provide students with a broad background across many areas of study,
including arts, math, literature, foreign languages, and social and
natural sciences. Individual colleges and universities set their requirements. |
| 2. Specialized Programs |
Whereas many Undergraduate students opt for a broad background, most
Graduate students have an interest in a specialized field. Specialized
degrees include the Masters and Doctorates (Ph.D’s) in Fine Arts,
Business Administration, Architecture, Engineering Medicine, and Dentistry,
to name a few. These programs prepare students to enter particular
professions. Students must hold an Undergraduate degree to qualify
for these programs. |
| 3. Language Academies |
 Many international
students who come to the United States hoping to learn English apply
to ESL programs for full-time language study. The benefit of this is
that language academies, naturally, emphasize an intensive English-language
experience focusing on reading, writing and speaking English. One of
the disadvantages is that most students, if not all, are foreign students
who are also learning English. Some of these academies, like the New
York Center for English Studies, are run by private businesses. Others,
including the University of Southern California’s Language Academy
are affiliated with major universities. |
| 4. Fine Arts Education |
 If you’re interested
in dance, photography, ceramics, fashion design, graphic design, interior
design, or any career in the arts, you may also want to look into private
colleges who specialize in the arts. Many U.S. fine arts colleges balance
artistic expression with practical career goals. The Association of
Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) is an excellent place
to learn more about fine art programs in the United States. |
| 5. Religious Affiliations |
American universities like Yale and Harvard are recognized internationally
as excellent institutions of higher education. But what many people
don’t know is that these universities are only two of many which
were founded on religious principles. Many top students from across
the country look to private religious colleges and universities for
their academic studies. |
Contracts and Obligations 
Participation in a U.S. study abroad program very likely will involve
contracts. You, and maybe your parents, will have to read through and sign
a number of important documents. Some of these documents might limit a
program's responsibility or legal responsibility in the case you are injured
abroad, other contracts might hold you responsible for certain behavior,
still other contracts may require you to release personal information.
Read everything before you sign. If you have to, re-read everything, have
your parents read everything, or have your lawyer read everything before
you sign anything. Don't let anyone pressure you into signing an agreement
that confuses you, or one you don't understand. Ask study abroad administrators
to explain exactly what they are having you sign, what it means, and what
happens if you don't want to sign. Know your rights and take time to think
about any possible penalties of signing or not signing. Among other things,
think about the following when deciding to sign or not sign a contract:
-
By signing, what are you agreeing to do/not do?
-
What rights do you gain/give up?
-
Does the contract protect you or the program sponsor?
-
Is the contract legally sound?
-
Can the contract be broken after you have signed?
Financing Study Abroad
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Important
Links to Remember
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In this section, you will learn how to help cover the costs of study abroad
in the United States. It is important to take into account all program
costs to ensure you have enough funds for a healthy and safe experience
in the United States.
In most cases, you will be required to prove to a university, to a consular
officer, and to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services within
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (formerly the Immigration and
Naturalization Service) that you have sufficient funds to cover your living
expenses while in the United States.
You can get an idea about how much money you will need by looking at catalogs
or application information provided by the university you wish to attend.
Keep in mind that tuition is generally more expensive at private universities.
The first step is to find out whether your university is a private or public.
The cost of living in the United States also varies by region. Living
in large cities like Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco can be more
expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas.
Funding Packages
If you receive government
funding, loans, fellowships, or scholarships, study abroad in the United
States may be partially or fully covered by the terms of your financial
aid package. If the study abroad program you have chosen is directly associated
with your home campus, you may have a better chance of having your financial
aid money cover your program costs in the United States. However, you can't
assume that financial aid will apply; even if it does, there may be limits
as to what it covers. Inquire about the terms of your financial aid package
at your school's financial aid office. You may also be eligible for a student
loan, or an additional loan. Before asking for a bank loan, ask a financial
aid adviser on your campus. With advance planning, you may be able to obtain
scholarship or loan money from your home university in your home country.
There are many academic awards and fellowships available for students with
an interest in study abroad or other international experiences. To find
scholarship and fellowship opportunities, visit your school's financial
aid office, search on-line, or consider purchasing one of the many books
available on the subject. Many academic departments also offer student
research grants for research study completed abroad; most often, the fields
of anthropology, geology, and medicine offer research grants.
Financial Assistance from a U.S. Source
Many U.S. colleges and universities offer some financial aid for international
students, but funds are very limited. If you would like to be considered
for aid, you should request a financial aid application when you request
an application form from a U.S. institution's admissions office. It would
be wise to find out if there is a formal exchange between your home institution
and the institution you wish to attend in the United States. This kind
of person-for-person exchange can reduce expenses in some instances. If
you are considering graduate studies, you may qualify for a teaching or
research job. Individual departments at universities generally control
assistantships.
Scholarships for International Students
Every year, millions of dollars in scholarships for international students
go unused. It is very likely that there is a scholarship that you can qualify
for. Use the following scholarships
database. Once you find an award that you qualify for, you should contact
an agency for more information using the contact information listed in
the database.
Working in the United States
Even though it may be hard to participate in a full load of classes and
a job, working is a great way to raise money for study abroad. Although
working on-campus doesn't usually get you the highest salary possible,
campus jobs do help your cash flow. But keep in mind that you cannot count
on working in the United States unless you have been granted a teaching
or research assistantship. Immigration regulations are very strict with
respect to working while carrying a student visa.
Exchange Rates
Some
students create an entire, detailed budget and financial plan for their
time in the United States only to discover that exchange rates change and
economies can be unstable. When exchange rates were good, you could afford
to study in the United States; now that exchange rates are not as good,
you may not be able to afford it.
A solid budget/financial plan worked out months before leaving for the
United States just may not work at the time of departure. From the time
you first created your budget/financial plan for the United States, exchange
rates changed and now your planning has been changed. To avoid this, consider
making your personal budget/financial plan flexible. Include a high and
low total spending amount to account for any possible changes in currency
value. Also, frequently check exchange rates to better predict any big
fluctuations.
Please see "Exchange Rates" in the Resources section
of this handbook for links to currency converters.
Lifestyle
For some students studying in the United States, having enough money is
not a worry; they do not need to change their lifestyle to fit a budget.
For others, studying in the United States may involve more financial planning
and changes in lifestyle.
If you don't already budget your money at home, you might want to start
doing so when you come to the United States. Budgeting your money doesn't
have to be boring or difficult. You can think of easy ways to help yourself
remember how much you are spending. Often, foreign currency can seem like “fake” money.
It can be difficult to know how much you're spending. This is especially
true if you get in the habit of using your credit card for most purchases.
A helpful way to convert foreign currency into U.S. dollars is to carry
a small pocket calculator with you.
Another way to keep track of your spending is to give your purchases a
work value. For instance, you could say to yourself: "I will have to work
so many hours in order to make enough money to be able to buy this shirt." This
way, you begin to see your purchases not only in terms of money, but in
terms of the time it will take you at work to earn the money to buy them.
Below is a sample budget planning sheet you can print out, fill in, and
take with you to help you better keep track of your spending in the United
States.
Application Process
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Important
Links to Remember
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The common mistake that most international students often make is that
they don't think about the amount of time they spend in submitting admission
applications to U.S. colleges or universities.
The best thing that you can do is to begin the application process as
early as possible. Give yourself enough time to carefully research your
options. It is very important that you understand that is very important
to meet all application deadlines. Most students that miss out on a study
abroad opportunity do so because they submitted a late application. Again,
don’t wait! If you do, it will show. Although this may seem like a lot,
give yourself as much as 10 months to complete the application process.
We recommend that you use the following timeline of the application
process to monitor your progress:
*This Timeline appears by courtesy of Essay.Edge.com
The Countdown
Step 1: Two years before U.S. study:
Keep a file on each of the schools to which you are thinking about applying.
This will help you keep important information like school brochures and
all application materials organized.
Consider contacting students and alumni of the schools you are considering
via email to seek answers to any questions you may have. You should also
speak to faculty and the counseling staff at your school or university
to get feedback about your schools and programs of choice. Keep in mind
that you will only be able to identify the best programs or institutions
if you are well informed.
At this time, all students should register for the TOEFL exam. Additionally,
undergraduate students should register and prepare for the SAT exams. Graduate
students should register for the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT, or nay other exam
your school may require.
Don’t forget to keep up your grades and ask early for letters of recommendation.
Most U.S. colleges and universities require that letters be written in
English. Undergraduates should consider asking for recommendations from
counselors and teachers in whose classes they have done well. Graduates
should consider obtaining letters from professors who know you well and
professionals in your field of study.
At least one year before U.S. study:
If you are not happy with your test scores, register and prepare for the
TOEFL and other entrance exams again.
Make
copies of your applications and practice filling them out. If you have
the option of applying on-line now would be a good time to print out all
forms. Write the first copies of all your admission essays and have a teacher
read it over and give you feedback. We can stress enough how important
it is for students to write a strong admission essay or Personal Statement.
Often, the essay is your only chance to tell the admissions committee something
about yourself that they may not know. The point is to stand out, keep
the reader interested and make a good impression. We recommend that you
spend some time looking over some
tips on how you can write a great admissions essay.
Although we recommend that you apply to as many schools as possible, by
now you should have an idea of which two schools you would most like to
attend. If you will need financial aid start contacting schools about financing
your studies.
Make sure to mail your application early to ensure that it gets here on
time. You should always keep copies of everything you send in case
something gets lost and you need to write a second time.
Don’t forget to include an official transcript from your school. Transcripts
are records that show all the classes you have taken and the grades you
have received in those classes.
In most cases, U.S. colleges and universities require that your college
symbol or the signature of the person who wrote your letter of recommendation
be placed over the sealed flap of the envelope.
Three months before U.S. study:
By now you should be going over the final copy of your application and
all essays. When you have made your final revision, make sure that you
have enclosed all the required materials. Make a list of the items you
are still working on so you don’t forget to include them in your packet
before you send your application.
Below is a list of documents that U.S. colleges and universities commonly
require. You should check to see if you must send any of the following:
-
A completed application form.
-
Your essay or statement of purpose.
-
An official transcript(s) of all classes completed.
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Letter(s) of Recommendation
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A cover letter in which you introduce yourself and state
what documents you have included in your application
-
A check or money order in the amount of the application
fee should accompany your application. Fees usually range from $25
to $100.
-
An application for financial aid must be included with
all other documents if you would like to be considered for financial
aid.
Pre-Departure Planning
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Important
Links to Remember
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In this section, you will find useful information on how to select a travel
provider, decide which guidebook is right for you, learn how to listen
to your favorite U.S. radio station, and find out what documents are necessary
for study abroad in the United States. Before you buy anything, research
your choices, select a travel provider, and find out what documents are
necessary for study abroad in the United States.
Where to Buy
Overseas
travelers have numerous options when it comes to purchasing tickets. Travel
agents are a traditional option, but several student-oriented travel agencies
can offer discount fairs. Other young adults, who have recently studied
abroad themselves, often staff these student agencies. Therefore, they
can be more knowledgeable about travel abroad. Many student agencies offer
special student or youth travel discounts. Some discounts may be valid
for a full year-an extended time limit that most regular travel agencies
do not offer.
Student travel agencies may be the most discount-oriented. Checking with
several of them may help you to establish a base price, or sometimes you
may even get a reasonable fare. If you are extremely flexible, many airlines
offer last minute airfare deals that can even be cheaper than student tickets.
Buying online is yet another option. Most sites post new discount offers
three times a day. Some also offer the possibility of bidding for tickets
at your own specified price. If your bid is accepted, you could end up
flying for a very low price. However, be careful of restrictions on making
an offer on (like not being able to back out of the deal once your bid
has been accepted, and not being given a choice of airlines or flight times).
When you have decided where to purchase your airplane ticket, many travel
experts recommend paying with a credit card. Several credit card companies
offer insurance on purchases; should your tickets be lost or stolen, or
you flight cancelled, you needn't lose all your money. Check with your
credit card company to determine what conditions of protection apply.
Travel Documents
Proper documentation and identification is required for entry to the United
States and for re-entry into your home country. The United States has its
own special requirements for entry based on your citizenship, purpose of
visit and length of stay. Find out which requirements fit your situation,
and plan in advance; getting documents from embassies or consulates can
take from one hour up to three months. Getting a new passport may take
up to six weeks.
-
Passport: A passport is a document from your home
country that proves your citizenship. You need a current passport that
is valid beyond the time your program ends. You may need to allow more
than six weeks to receive a passport. It may take even longer for citizens
of some countries to obtain a passport.
-
Visa: A visa is a document, provided by the country
where you will be studying, which confirms your true status as an international
student. Not all countries require a visa, but the United States does.
A visa is generally attached to a passport, so having a passport is
necessary before you can apply for a visa. Some visas are free and
easy to acquire, while others may cost over $100 and require a lot
of documentation and planning ahead. In most cases, the university
or program you apply to will send you information about the steps you
should take to get a visa. Your chosen program, college or university
should send you a special form called an I-20. This form is not a visa;
it is a visa application. You will need your visa, your passport, and
your I-20 to enter the United States. Important Note: You can only
apply for a visa after you are accepted to study at a specific institution.
And if more than one school or program accepts you, you must choose
one school before seeking a visa. You will also be required to
present a health form or letter of good health (proof that you are
free from certain diseases, etc.) to obtain a visa. And this means
you must show proof of having received certain vaccinations to travel
in regions with serious diseases, like cholera, yellow fever, etc.
-
Maintaining Student Status: In order to remain
legally in the United states, you must fulfill all of the following
requirements: (1) You must remain enrolled full-time at the institution
in which you are studying; (2) You must hold a valid I-20; (3) You
must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your
program is over; and, (4) if you work, you must have permission to
do so, and you can’t work more than 20 hours a week while school
is in session.
-
Tickets: As most study abroad students will fly
into the United States, your plane ticket will serve as your primary
travel document. For others, a train or bus ticket may suffice. Some
countries will require you to show that you have a return or ongoing
flight scheduled within the specific time for your visa. Student visas
can last from one month to one year. If you plan to stay longer, you
will need to extend your visa.
-
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Your program, college
or university may require proof you can care for yourself while outside
of your home country. You will be asked to provide a bank statement
with your current balance to show that you have enough money to pay
for your needs while in the United States without having to ask the
country to provide you with money.
-
Letter of Acceptance: You will also be required
to show an official letter of acceptance or invitation to study abroad
in the United States.
-
Proof of Insurance: You should have an insurance
card or other document verifying that you have travel and health insurance.
-
Prescriptions (Translated): If you require prescription
medications while in the United States, you will very likely need to
verify this requirement with a doctor's note. If your prescription
is filled out in any language other than English, you should bring
with you a notarized prescription, translated into English.
-
Copies of Travel Documents: Along with your originals,
bring a copy of all travel documents and leave copies of your travel
documents with contacts at home. Remember to keep copies in a safe
place, separate from where you keep your original documents.
-
International
Student ID Card: You should consider purchasing an International
Student ID Card (ISIC) as this can provide discounts, helps verify
your travel purposes, and includes a limited amount of insurance
and 24-hour assistance.
Other Business to Take Care of:
-
Power of Attorney: Although power of attorney
may be a U.S. concept, you may have the equivalent in your country.
Getting “power of attorney”allows you to designate a person
who would control your personal wealth and other personal information
in the event you become unable to do so. Power of attorney makes the
person you choose able to withdraw your money, deposit money for you,
and write your checks; His or her signature counts as your signature.
You and your designated person will need to go to your bank(s) in order
to set up this type of power of attorney. A notary public can also
set up power of attorney for you so that the individual you designate
can control not only your assets, but also other paperwork requiring
your signature.
-
Paying Bills: There are several ways to pay your
outstanding bills from home while abroad in the United States. Credit
card bills, cell phone bills, and some debt payments can be paid on-line
through a personal Internet account. Check to see whether or not your
credit card company or cell phone carrier offers this billing option.
If you can’t pay your bills on-line, consider paying them in
advance before you go arrive in the United States. You could also leave
payments with a trusted, close friend or family member if he or she
is willing to send in your payments for you. Any bills you acquire
while in the United States can also be sent home for your parents or
other relatives to pay for you.
How Foreign Laws Apply to You
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Important
Links to Remember
|
In this section, you will find information on what you should know about
the legal system of the United States. Your home country’s embassy
is limited in what it can do to assist you if you should get into legal
trouble while in the United States. As an international student in the
United States, you are expected to follow U.S. law.
Not knowing local laws can get you into serious trouble. Just because
something is legal in your home country doesn't mean it is legal in the
United States. 
Most
students who study abroad do not break laws on purpose; instead, they end
up doing something illegal without knowing it. Even as an international
student, you must obey all U.S laws.
If you break laws in the United States, your home country’s government
can do very little to help you. You are granted no special privileges or
rights, and will be dealt with according to standard procedure of the U.S.
legal system. The U.S. government encourages all visitors to become familiar
with local laws before they visit. Upon arrival in the United States, you
may also wish to ask an U.S. official about local laws and procedures.
Remember, most students who study abroad wind up breaking the law unintentionally,
and drinking alcohol or drug use has been associated with law-breaking
in many cases.
For more complete information on the U.S. legal issues listed below, visit
the official website of the U.S.
Department of State.
Basic Legal Tips
-
Know the Important Laws: Make sure you know the
relevant laws. Foreign laws apply to visitors, regardless of a visitor's
country of citizenship.
-
-
Embassy or Consulate Assistance: If you find yourself
in legal trouble (for example, arrested) in the United States, your
home country’s Embassy or Consulate may only be able to assist
you in the following ways:
-
Visit you in jail after your arrest
-
Give you a list of local attorneys
-
Tell your family and friends and relay request
for money and other aid
-
Talk with local authorities to help ensure your
proper treatment under the law and in accordance with internationally
recognized standards
-
Protest mistreatment
-
Legal Representation: You will be responsible
for paying for of your legal representation as well as the outcome
of a trial.
-
Constitutional Rights: You cease to be protected
by your home country’s law and its system of rights once you
leave your home country.
-
Unfair Imprisonment: If you feel you have been
unfairly imprisoned, the U.S. State Department can provide some assistance.
It may be necessary to hire a local attorney as well.
-
Kidnapping/Terrorism Situations: If you are taken
hostage or kidnapped by a terrorist organization, the U.S. State Department
may help negotiate for your release. Check with your insurance provider
to see if you can purchase additional kidnapping, terrorism, or emergency
assistance insurance.
Methods of Communication While
Abroad
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Important
Links to Remember
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In this section, you will learn how to communicate better with family,
friends, and program administrators while you are in the United States.
With the advantages of the "information age," there now exists more than
just one way to communicate internationally.
The U.S. Department of State offers the following additional information
on Communication in The United States. For more complete information, please
visit the Department of State's site.
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Telephone: It is important to know the telephone
numbers of your emergency contacts in the United States and in
your home country, both during business hours and in case of an
emergency. There may be a separate contact number for housing in
the United States. It is important to know if a regular telephone
number will be provided to you while in The United States, and
if that number will be assigned to you before leaving your home
country. The Emergency
Card includes phone numbers you should have available at all
times.
|
 |
International Calling Cards: The most low-cost
way to communicate between the United States and your home may
be through the use of an international calling card, available
through various companies/providers.
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Cellular Phone: Cellular phones have become
more common and less expensive in the United States. Although local
calls may be inexpensive, international calls may have a high cost.
Short text messages sent from a cell phone may be a less expensive
way to communicate internationally, provided the person you are
messaging can receive text messages on his/her cell phone. Some
multi-band phones that can be used in many parts of the world can
also be used in The United States.
|
 |
Fax: Your U.S. college/university or program
sponsor may have a fax machine available for communication in case
phoning is not possible.
|
 |
Satellite Phone: Although still a very expensive
alternative to regular or cell phones, satellite phones may be
an effective method of communication in parts of U.S. where communication
is extremely difficult, or in the case of emergencies.
|
 |
Wireless/PDA Device: Known as Personal Data
Assistants or PDAs, wireless communication devices may be another
way to communicate while in the United States. If you purchase
a PDA at home, you will need to make sure that the device you purchase
will work while you are in the United States.
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E-Mail: Electronic Mail is probably the least
expensive and easiest method of communication for people in different
time zones.
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Mail: (Regular or Express): Postcards and
letters are still an important and inexpensive method of communication.
For those documents that need to get there faster, many companies
provide fast international mail delivery. The U.S. Postal Services
is quite fast and reliable, but always allow for extra time when
mailing to internationally.
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Housing
Your place of residence in the United States will become the main site
of most of your cultural interaction. Where you choose to live in the United
States can determine to what level you will immerse yourself in American
culture.
The majority of your language practice and communication will not take
place in the classroom, or even during your travels. Rather, most of it
will happen at home in your residence. At your place of residence, you
will experience the most intense and personal form of culture-sharing,
as the locals you will live with become your family, friends and roommates.
Just as it took getting used to living with your dorm or apartment roommate(s)
in the United States, it will take just as much effort to adjust to your
living situation in the United States. Your place of residence in the United
States comes with challenges, perhaps even more challenges than you had
to deal with when you lived with roommates at your U.S. home campus. You
will face language and culture differences which can affect everything
from when a person eats a meal, to what he or she eats, personal hygiene
issues, study habits, likes and dislikes, etc… However, keep in mind that
your own habits and views will also seem different to the person(s) you
are living with in the United States.
Conflict Resolution
When thinking about housing in the United States, the most important thing
to remember is patience. Try to be patient with yourself as you try to
adjust to living with others in the United States. Also, try to be patient
with those you live with, as they will be learning to adjust to you as
well. In the chance that things just don’t work out for you, or you just
are not compatible with your roommates or host family, make sure your program
offers you the right to change your place of residence. Ask your program’s
administrators about your rights in regards to switching places of residence,
and whether or not an administrator can help you find alternate housing
should you need it. Your program administrators can act as conflict mediators
to help you and your roommates or host family resolve any issues troubling
you. If at any time you find your housing unsafe, be clear with program
administrators and explain to them why it is unsafe and that you need to
change housing as soon as possible.
Types of Housing
There are three main types of housing options in the United States. However,
not all programs will offer all three housing options. In many cases, you
may only be offered one type of housing option. Also, your program may
not provide housing at all, or may not be able to guarantee housing for
you.
Packing
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Important
Links to Remember
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A little bit of research will go a long way. If you find out what the
weather will be like where you will be studying, you can plan ahead and
save yourself the trouble and expense of possibly having to buy a whole
new set of clothes abroad. On-line research is one of the easiest ways
to discover what the weather is like in the country where you will be studying.
(Please see "Weather" in the Resources section
of this Handbook for some helpful links.) Ask yourself: How will climate
and weather affect my travel plans and activities? Will I need to bring
an umbrella, swimsuit, or both?
Students who have studied abroad suggest packing certain items in a carry-on,
and putting other items in checked baggage. Below are a few recommendations
of what to pack where, what to leave behind, and what to buy when you get
there:
Carry-on Luggage
A note about carry-on items: Most commercial airlines now have new regulations
regarding what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on luggage. Sharp
items like razors, knives, and nail files are banned in carry-on luggage
on most flights. For more information, please see the Duties,
Customs, and Airport Security section of this Handbook.
In general, there are some very important items you will NOT want to pack
in your checked baggage; rather, you will want to have them handy at all
times and packed in your carry-on bag. These items are:
-
Passport
-
Visa
-
Tickets
-
Prescription medicine (* Important Note: Medicine
powder from China and other countries is illegal in the United States.
Make sure you find out whether you will be allowed to enter the United
States with your medication.
-
Glasses
-
Money (For taxi rides to and from airports, phone calls,
emergencies, etc...)
-
Other official documentation
You may also want to have a few personal items in your carry-on in order
to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Consider including items
like a water bottle, a book, a toothbrush/toothpaste and a change of clothes
and underwear in case of flight delay/cancellation.
Checked Baggage
Less is more. Although just about everyone will caution you to pack light,
packing can be a very personal process. Packing can be especially challenging
if you plan to stay in the United States for a relatively long time. You
want to have as many comforts in the United States as you have at home,
yet you know you can't bring everything with you. Also, part of the reason
you are going to the United States is to get out of your comfort zone and
away from home; therefore, you will have to prepare to make do with fewer,
or different, things.
Not
only does your airline have a baggage limit, but also you will have a space
limit at your residence abroad. When you travel, you probably won't want
to lug around, or pay to store, all the stuff you've brought with you.
You are most likely going to acquire things in the United States, including
souvenirs, clothes, gifts, etc…You will need some extra packing
space in order to fit in these newly acquired items.
Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Packing for a semester abroad in
the United States a couple hours before your flight just isn't a smart
idea. Packing takes planning, and you will most likely pack and re-pack
a number of times before you're satisfied (and before you can put everything
into your bags so they shut properly!)
Other Things to Bring
In addition to the regular necessities like underwear, clothes and shoes,
you may also need a few other things. The following is a list of items
you may not have thought you needed or wanted to take with you. See if
you forgot to pack any of the following:
-
Proof of Insurance
-
Doctor's Note (proving you're disease-free and required
for entry to some countries)
-
Student I.D. Card (good for discounts too)
-
Money Belt
-
Backpack (for class and for day-trips)
-
Sleeping Bag (for camping or hostel stays)
-
Pocket Knife (don't put this in your carry-on!)
-
Camera/Journal
-
Prescriptions (translated)
-
A Few Family Photos (so you don't get homesick)
-
Dress set of clothes (just in case you go somewhere fancy)
-
Gift (it may be appropriate to bring your host family
a simple gift from home)
-
An inventory list of the items you packed in your checked
baggage, in case you need to make an insurance claim on lost luggage
-
Identification tags with your contact information on
them, attached both outside and inside your checked bags and carry-on
bags
What to Buy When You Get There
Not having to worry about certain items spilling or breaking, and not
packing certain items saves space. The following is a list of a few heavy
items, ones that might leak, or ones you can get when you arrive in the
United States. You could buy many inexpensive items in the United States
rather than pack them. Consider buying items like shampoo, soap, sheets,
towels, an umbrella and film when you arrive in the United States. Different
countries use different electrical voltages. If you plan on bring an electrical
appliance, make sure you have the proper voltage adaptor. If possible,
buy electrical appliances once you arrive in the United States.
Ship Over or Ship Back 
When and how you might decide to ship:
-
If you just can't manage to pack light, or there's something
you just can't live without but doesn't fit in your suitcase, consider
shipping it.
-
If you have a physical disability health problem like
a bad back, you may not be able to carry heavy luggage through airports.
In this case, shipping your items to your residence in the United States
might be a better option for you.
-
If you forget something you really need, you could have
a friend or family member ship you whatever necessary item you left
at home. However, ask yourself if you really need the item, if it's
worth the cost of shipping it, or if you might be able to buy a similar
item in the United States to replace it.
-
During your time in the United States, you may have purchased
several new items, souvenirs, gifts, etc., or you just might not be
able to pack as well for your return home as you did the first time.
You may want to ship souvenirs or extra clothing home.
-
Make sure to get shipping insurance in case the worst
happens and your boxes never arrive, or arrive damaged. This applies
whether you are shipping to the United States or from the United States.
-
Make sure there is someone at your place of residence
in the United States who is willing and able to claim the boxes you
have shipped ahead. If no one signs for, or picks up, your shipped
goods, they may be returned to you at ho
Travel
Warnings and Consular Information Sheets: Read the 
