ABOUT THE US
Popularly known for its charismatic leadership to counter global issues, the United States of America is located in the heart of North America sharing its borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the South. It also happens to share maritime borders with the Bahamas, Cuba, Russia and other countries. Much of the country experiences a cold semi-arid climate in the interior upper western states to the warm semi arid climates in the south western states. Therefore the country often goes through very hot summers and very cold winters. While Washington DC stands to be the capital of the country, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego are some of the major cities in the country. Its very high rankings in economic freedom, quality of life and education has brought along students from around the world to come study in the country. This explains why it has often generated the aura of a very high multicultural environment. The US also has a very highly developed economy which has made it become the world’s largest economy by GDP at exchange rate values. Its leadership to drive global cooperation could be well seen by its position as a founding member in the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Organisation of American States and NATO.
HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN US
The Higher Education structure in US can be best described as a culmination of three different cycles. They are:
The Bachelor’s or the first cycle: For students graduating fresh out of school, the Higher Education system in the country gives students an undergraduate degree in a variety of fields that they may have interest in. US hosts some of the finest universities that offer bachelor degree courses in applied sciences, arts, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences and social sciences. The degree might take upto 4 years to complete depending on the course.
Requirement to study Bachelor’s in US:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 85% and above
- IELTS, TOEFL or SATS exam scores depending on the university
Master’s or the second cycle: After the successful completion of their bachelor’s degree, students may choose a variety of master’s courses that US provides based on their subject of interest and dream career ahead. These include applied sciences, arts, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences and social sciences. While the degree may take upto 1.5-2 years to complete depending on the course, students are often taught through seminars, exercises, practical workshops, field trips and research. These help them to not only prepare for a professional career but also an academic career if they choose to later in life.
Requirement to study Master’s in US:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 85% and above
- Successful completion of bachelor’s with 70% and above
- IELTS, TOEFL or GRE scores depending on the university
Doctoral degree or the third cycle: After the successful completion of their master’s degree, international students in US can also apply for a doctoral degree which all universities offer in the country. Students are expected to conduct an independent research under direct academic supervision which is later subject to approval by a panel of experts appointed by the university. While the degree may take upto 4-6 years to complete, students are also given a financial grant that will help them stay and continue research in the country.
Requirement to study PhD in US:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 85% and above
- Successful completion of bachelor’s with 70% and above
- Successful completion of master’s with 70% and above
- Independent research idea
- IELTS, TOEFL or GRE scores depending on the university
Cost of studying in the US
In the US, universities are mainly classified into two types. They are state and private universities. In both cases, students are likely to pay between USD 8000 to 55000 (around INR 600000 – 416000) a year. While courses such as humanities arts and education are cheaper, medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. Students are also likely to pay upto USD 10000 – 25000 (around INR 756500 – 189100) a year when it comes to accommodation in any American city.
WORK OPPORTUNTIES
The F1 student visa for international students allows two very different ways of availing part time work opportunities. They are:
- On campus employment – The US student visa allows a student to work 20 hours per week during their academic session and upto 40 hours per week during their school break periods. Such employment opportunities usually would mean working in the university bookstore, cafeteria or in any other place they may be required to. Students are required to apply within 30 days from the start of their academic session.
- Off campus employment – Since campus employment might not always be available, students are allowed to take up off campus employment opportunities. However, the US government only allows this permit for students who have completed one full academic year and qualify under the Economic Hardship Guidelines.
Once students do graduate, they are eligible to apply for a Optional Practical Training that allows a 12 month extension to their F1 visa status. This would allow them stay in the country and look for job opportunities. Upon successfully finding one, they can apply for a employer sponsored visa program which would allow them to remain as long as their work requires them to.
STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENT
An applicant for a student visa must furnish:
- A passport that does expire within six months beyond your agreed stay period.
- A letter of acceptance from a US higher education institute
- Proof of sufficient funds to sustain stay
- Proof of accommodation in the country
SCHOLARSHIPS
While every university has its own scholarship program, the government ad nongovernmental organisations has been playing an active role in creating financial assistance policy that may help attract students. Most notably, the Fullbright-Nehru Fellowship, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, the IEFA scholarship and the AAUW International Fellowship are some of the major scholarships that are availed by students.