USA

Studying in the USA is a dream for many students. The image of the USA portrayed in Hollywood movies and the media has largely impacted students across the globe. And the truth is, they will not be disappointed when they finally arrive at the US. It is indeed the land of opportunities and boasts a vast international student community.

One of the primary reasons why the USA is the most sought after study destination is the fact that it provides study programs which are very flexible and are specially designed to prepare students for real-life experiences. At the same time, it being a hub of multiple cultures from across the world, students can gather great life experiences and learn to adapt-adopt and inculcate cosmopolitan values.

Apart from that, being a developed country, the USA also has many advantages, economically, technologically and in infrastructure. These, along with the presence of faculties who are expert professionals in their fields add to the benefit of studying at top US universities.

In terms of Universities, there are two types of universities in the USA.

Public universities are funded by public taxes and are comparatively a few thousand dollars cheaper than private universities, which are run by private entities. But public universities are usually large in size and offer degrees and certifications of all levels and with the price margin, it attracts maximum number of students. But since the demand for admissions in these universities are high, international students should expect tough competition for admission.

Tuition Fee

Basically, undergraduate courses in public universities cost in the range of $15,000-$20,000 per year, which would usually cost something between $20,000 and $30,000 per year in private universities.

Similarly a PG degree from a public university would cost somewhere between $15,500 to $25,000 per year and the same would cost around $20,000-$35,000 per year at a private university.

Apart from that, studying in the US does not come cheap and, approximately, an average student is expected to spend $14,000 to $19,000 in living expenses including accommodation and other basic services. But again, the upper limit of the range is dependent on each student’s personal lifestyle.

Like the other student destinations, students have the option to stay on campus or off-campus, depending on the availability of space. Again, the location would have a major impact on the accommodation expense.

It is also mandatory for international students to have an insurance policy which costs approximately $1000-$2000 per year. This policy covers medical expenses and facilitates cashless transaction during any kind of medical emergency.

The United States is a place which is known for the vast study options it offers to students. These courses are diverse and varied, flexible and are focused on the wholesome growth of the students’ knowledge base. This, in a way, assures that students find the perfect course based on their interests and career goals. While on one hand, US universities are known for their excellence in traditional study options, on the other hand, there are equally a vast number of non-traditional options. Students have the option of pursuing their Master’s degree either full-time, part-time, through online programs or through other distance learning methods.

Among the most popular courses that international students pursue are Business management courses, Engineering, Fashion, Biology & Life Sciences, Humanities, Media and Mass Communication, Design and other professional courses.

A few of the courses popular in the USA

1. Business Studies
2. Economics & Administration
3. Engineering & Technology
4. Management
5. Biological & Life Sciences
6. Marketing & Communication
7. Humanities & Social Sciences
8. Law & Regulations
9. Fashion & Designing
10. Fine Arts & related programs
11. Natural Sciences
12. Professional Studies
13. Sport
14. Tourism & Hospitality

To study in USA Universities, like most of the English-speaking countries, international students are required to crack English proficiency tests like International English Language Testing System, also known as, IELTS, Pearson Test of English, also called PTE or Test of English as a Foreign Language, popularly known as TOEFL. While each University have particular score band requirement for each of these tests, these tests are nothing to be afraid of. Almost each of these tests is concerned with the English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of the students.

To study in the USA, a student may opt for any of the tests, as per the requirement and take the first step towards achieving the dream of studying in the United States of America.

There are also certain other examinations which students might need to crack before being eligible to study in the USA (depending on the programme they wish to study), GRE and GMAT being two of them.

Scholarships are highly instrumental in facilitating studies in the USA as compared to the other study destinations, the cost of living and tuition fees in the US is higher.

Most scholarships are provided in the form of fee waivers and are awarded to meritorious students. Undoubtedly, the competition for these scholarships is very high and hence, it is of utmost importance that students fulfill all the eligibility criteria.

There are other scholarship awards which also deem students with extracurricular achievements eligible too. Good performance in standardized exams is another criterion which might be required for a few of the other scholarships.

Students must submit all the required documents within the given deadline and make sure that the application package reflects their excellence to increase their chances of receiving the benefits offered by the universities and colleges.

Now when it comes to acquiring a visa to study in the USA, students must be extra careful as the USA is very strict about immigration and related issues. This means that even if your application is selected for admission in a top university, the rest of it depends on the visa process.

To study in the US, a F1 visa is required, which facilitates education in the US for international students attending academic programs at any US college or university, including English language programs. It is mandatory for the students to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form, which is the certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status and is provided by the US College or University.

As a matter of fact, the process of acquiring a US student visa has been relatively streamlined and the process is highly efficient and transparent. The simplification of the fee payment and appointment scheduling process has made it easier for students to apply for the visa and eventually acquire it.

For more on US visa, it is advisable that students contact their overseas education counselors, who are regularly updated with the all the latest information about the visa application process.

Note: Careless mistakes in the application form may delay the process and sometimes even lead to cancellation of the visa. So, it is of utmost importance to be careful about the application. Also, there are several fraud agencies making false promises to students and guaranteeing visa through shortcuts and unfair means, we condemn such methods and advice students to stay vigil about such agents. Using false documents or fraudulence means to acquire visa is a punishable offence by law and can destroy your dreams of studying in the US.

With the rise of a globalized world network, Nepalese students now are more or less aware of what they should expect in the USA. Life at the US is more or less an amplified version of life, with comparatively lesser people. However, there is so much more than that.

For decades, the US has hosted people from all across the globe and along came the traits of culture, ethnicity, race and social structures. Now the US is at that point where almost all major cultures have a place under the umbrella of the US culture. From food to fashion, music to language, it is indeed the hotspot of multiple cultures.

Perhaps, this is the reason why it is the most popular study destination among international students. Living in the US not only exposes them to these cultural traits but also widens their mental horizon making them more adaptive, receptive and sensitive to people from all around and their cultures.