Studying in the United States offers numerous advantages that make it a popular destination for international students. Here are some of the key advantages:

Quality of Education: The United States boasts numerous prestigious universities and colleges that provide exceptional education and frequently lead in research and innovation across multiple disciplines.

 Diverse Range of Programs: The U.S. education system presents an extensive array of academic programs and majors, enabling students to select from a broad spectrum of fields and customize their educational experience according to their interests and professional aspirations. 

Research Opportunities: Numerous American universities feature robust research initiatives and cutting-edge facilities, offering students the chance to participate in pioneering research and innovation. 

Flexibility in Curriculum: The educational framework in the U.S. often permits students to craft their own academic journeys by selecting elective courses and developing a tailored curriculum. 

Cultural Diversity: Pursuing studies in the U.S. immerses students in a multicultural setting, facilitating interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their understanding of various cultures, and expanding their worldviews. 

Networking Opportunities: American universities typically possess extensive alumni networks and industry connections, providing students with significant networking prospects that can enhance their future career paths. 

English Language Proficiency: Engaging in an English-speaking environment such as the U.S. aids students in refining their English language abilities, which is crucial for effective communication and career progression in numerous sectors.

 Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The United States is recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant startup ecosystem, making it a desirable location for students with interests in business, technology, and innovation. 

Internship and Job Opportunities: Many universities in the U.S. maintain strong relationships with various industries, offering students access to internships, cooperative education programs, and practical work experiences in their selected fields.

Cultural and Extracurricular Activities: U.S. campuses frequently feature a dynamic student life, with a multitude of clubs, organizations, and activities that encourage students to pursue their interests and engage in extracurricular pursuits.

Scholarships and Financial Aid: While education costs can be high, there are numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available for international students, which can help offset the expenses.

Global Recognition: Degrees from U.S. institutions are widely recognized and respected around the world, which can enhance your career prospects and open doors to opportunities in various countries.

Personal Growth: Studying abroad challenges students to adapt to new environments, become more independent, and develop problem-solving skills that can contribute to personal and professional growth.

Access to Resources: U.S. universities are equipped with comprehensive libraries, research databases, and various resources that facilitate students' academic pursuits. While there are numerous benefits to studying in the United States, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that may arise, such as adapting to a new culture, managing financial responsibilities, and navigating visa and immigration regulations. It is advisable to conduct thorough research and reflect on your academic and personal objectives, as well as the specific characteristics of the universities and programs that interest you. The educational experience in the United States is regarded as unparalleled globally. Numerous American colleges and universities are recognized internationally for the excellence of their academic offerings. Prestigious private institutions like Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Cornell, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, alongside prominent public universities such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, are well-known among students, educators, and business professionals alike. In addition to these renowned institutions, the U.S. boasts hundreds of other high-quality public and private colleges and universities, providing an impressive array of options. Pursuing higher education in the United States significantly enhances your professional development. A U.S. education can elevate your career prospects and equip you for leadership roles in your home country. It broadens your perspectives and exposes you to cutting-edge technology, innovative research, and advanced training. A degree from a U.S. institution serves as a mark of distinction that can benefit you throughout your life. For graduate students, obtaining a U.S. education can facilitate networking opportunities with peers in the country, potentially leading to collaborations with leading international researchers upon returning to your home nation. Even undergraduate students will benefit from a robust support network, as the U.S. is characterized by its diverse cultural landscape.

Given the extensive array of colleges and universities in the United States, you are likely to discover an institution that aligns with your individual requirements. Conversely, pursuing an education in the US can be quite costly, and financial assistance options are often restricted. It may be possible to receive comparable training in your home country at a significantly lower expense. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the financial implications against the reputation and caliber of a US education.

Calendar & Checklist

The following calendar and checklist will help you with your college admissions planning. It begins 24 months (2 years) before your planned enrollment date.

Academic Entrance Examination

All schools require English language exams like Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Persons Test of English (PTe).

Schools may also require tests of general academic preparation, such as the SAT or ACT for Undergraduate and GRE, GMAT for Postgraduate programs.

All of these tests are standardized, multiple choice tests, written in English. If you do not have a high level of English proficiency, you will not do well on these tests, no matter how strong your academic background.

About one month after the examination, your scores will be sent to the institutions you mentioned on the application form. It will take an additional 2 to 4 weeks for you to receive your copy of the score report, so it is best to not wait to see the scores before sending them to the schools to which you have applied.

For more information about the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and other standardized exams, please see below.

Admission Testing

For all Admission Testing related assistance, contact us here

ACT

ACT produces and administers the ACT Assessment test. For more information write to American College Test, 500 ACT Drive, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, Iowa 52243-0168 USA.

SAT

Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate courses at various international universities and colleges. Indian Universities that are a part of the India Higher Education Global Alliance initiative of the College Board also accept SAT for admission

Educational Testing Services (ETS)

ETS produces and administers several standardized assessments of educational preparation, including the SAT, Achievement Tests, GMAT, GRE, and TOEFL exams. These sites include tutorials and practice questions.

For more information about the TOEFL, visit http://www.toefl.org/ call 1-609-771-7100, fax 1-609-771-7100, write to ETS – TOEFL iBT Registration Office, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, or send email to toefl@ets.org.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer adaptive test intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as a Master of Business Administration program.

Traveler’s Aid International is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to help travelers in need. They have Traveler’s Aid desks at every major airport, bus station, and train station. They do everything from answering traveler’s questions, to serving as a lost and found, to helping the homeless. The Traveler’s Aid web site includes a directory of local Traveler’s Aid societies.

Cars

You probably don’t need to own a car during your stay in the United States. A car is certainly convenient, but only cost effective if you use it almost every day. If you live near school, you will find walking, biking, and public transportation to be reasonable alternatives.

If you decide to purchase a car, you can get a 10-year-old used car for $1,000 to $2,000 and a 5-year-old car for $5,000 to $8,000. It will probably need to be repaired frequently, but the total cost will be less than a new car. Used cars are advertised in the classified advertising section of the local newspaper. After you take the car for a test drive, you can usually bargain with the seller, knocking 10% to 15% off the price. If you haven’t previously owned a car, bring along a friend who knows something about cars. You may want to pay a mechanic at the local gas station to inspect the car for you before buying it. An alternative is to buy a used car from a car dealer. Such cars often come with a 90 day guarantee, but cost more than the ones advertised by individuals.

If you want to buy a new car, ask friends about their experiences with different automobiles. Consumer Reports regularly reviews new and used cars, and is one of the few consumer magazines worth subscribing to. You can also read it in the local library.

You can also find new and used cars for sale on the World Wide Web. Some of the more popular web sites include Autobytel, AutoConnect, AutoVantage, AutoWeb, CarSmart, Edmund’s Automobile Buyer’s Guides, and Microsoft CarPoint.

We strongly recommend getting a local driver’s license instead of relying on an international driver’s license. Traffic laws and driving habits in the US differ so much that it is best to take a driving class and get a local license. Some states will require you to get a local license.If you decide to get a local driver’s license, leave your national and international driver’s licenses at home. Otherwise, you will have to turn them in when you receive a local driver’s license.

If you do not already know how to drive a car, you will need to get a Learner’s Permit. This allows you to learn how to drive while a licensed driver is in the car with you. After you have learned how to drive, you will be able to take the driving test. We recommend learning to drive through a driving school.

Driving laws differ somewhat from state to state and considerably from what you are accustomed to. Here is a list of some of the more significant differences.

Speed Limits: Speed limits are designated in Miles Per Hour (MPH), not kilometers. Within cities the speed limit is usually 25 mph (40 kph). Highways have a speed limit of 55 mph (88 kph). Penalties for speeding are severe and can result in higher insurance premiums and license suspension in addition to large fines.

Driving on the right: Unlike the UK, Asia, and Australia, in the United States cars drive on the right side of the road, and steering wheels are located on the left side of the car.

Even if you don’t drive a car, you need to be aware of this rule. As your mother always said, look both ways before crossing the road. Every year a few international students are hit by cars because they step off the curb into the path of oncoming traffic. On most streets cars will be coming from your left, not your right.

Liability Insurance: Most states require you to maintain certain minimum levels of liability insurance on your car in case you are involved in an accident. The insurance covers your liability for damage to the other car and injuries sustained by all people involved in the accident. We strongly recommend getting insurance that covers more than the legal minimums. You can also get collision insurance to cover the cost of fixing your car and comprehensive insurance if the car is stolen, but this is only worthwhile for a new car. If you do not have car insurance, you will not be able to register the car.

International students often find that many insurance companies will not issue them a policy because they do not have a driving history in the state and they also don’t have an existing insurance policy from another state. If you do succeed in getting a policy, it will probably be through the state’s assigned-risk program, which automatically classifies you as a high-risk driver. If you are under age 25 you will also be classified as a high risk driver, especially if you are male. So your premiums will probably be fairly high.

Stop Signs and Yield Signs: You should come to a full and complete stop at both signs and wait until it is safe to continue driving. At a four-way stop, cars may proceed in the order in which they arrived at the intersection. So you should allow the cars which were there when you arrived to go before driving.

Yield to Emergency Vehicles: If an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and flashing lights, pull over to the side of the road to allow it to pass, even if it is approaching from the other side of the road.

Turn Signals: Automobiles in the US are equipped with turn signals that cause the front and rear lights to blink to indicate an impending turn. The left lights blink to indicate a left turn and the right lights blink to indicate a right turn. It is important to indicate your intention to turn left or right or to change lanes by using the appropriate turn signal at least 25 feet before the turn or lane-change. If you do not use the turn signals, you may cause an accident.

You should become a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA, pronounced “Triple A”). The cost is modest, and they offer numerous services that make it worthwhile. They offer free maps and guidebooks, will transfer a car registration without a notary fee, and provide a free emergency road service, among other services. They also sell American Express traveler’s checks without a commission. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) for more information.

Some states have unusual driving laws and customs. You should ask a local driver for information about any driving laws and customs that are peculiar to their state.

If a police officer stops you for speeding, pay the fine by mail. Do not try to give the money to the police officer, since bribery is illegal.

Car theft rates in the US are very high, especially in urban areas. Do not leave valuables or packages in sight on the seat, since that may tempt a thief to break the window. Lock valuables in the trunk. Buy a steering wheel lock, such as The Club, and use it whenever you park the car. Don’t leave your driver’s license or wallet in the car, and keep a copy of your license plate number, car registration, and vehicle identification number in your wallet. This will help in case your car is stolen.

In recent years there has been a new type of car theft called carjacking, in which an armed thief steals the car while you are in it. For example, they might steal your car while you are stopped at a red light. To protect yourself from carjacking, keep your doors locked at all times, do not open the windows more than an inch, and avoid driving in bad neighborhoods.

Most schools have a limited supply of parking spaces, with staff and faculty getting priority. Graduate students are next in line, followed by undergraduate students. If you are an undergraduate student, do not count on being able to get a parking space on campus. The annual fee will range from $700 to $1,500, depending on the school.

Most car rental places will not rent you a car unless you are at least 21 years old, and some only if you are 25 years old or older. If you are a member of the AAA, the minimum age sometimes drops to as low as 18 years old. The major rental agencies.For renting a truck, call U-Haul (1-800-GO-UHAUL). Check whether your credit card provides collision and comprehensive insurance when you charge the rental to the card. Between credit card coverage and your own auto insurance policy, you will probably be able to turn down the CDW (collision damage waiver) surcharge.

Petrol is known as gasoline or gas in the United States. Gasoline is much less expensive in the United States. Current prices are around $1.00 a gallon. One US gallon is the equivalent of 3.8.

Taxi Cabs

If you do not live far from school, you may find it less expensive to pay for an occasional taxi than to own a car.

You can find the telephone number for the local taxi dispatcher in the Yellow Pages. Call the dispatcher at least half an hour before you need the cab. It is best to call at least an hour in advance, especially on busy days.

When calling for a taxi, let the dispatcher know if you have a lot of baggage. If you have more than 3 or 4 large bags, ask for a station wagon.

You can also pick up a taxi at the local airport, train station, bus station, and in front of major hotels. It is also possible to hail a cab downtown or on major streets, but you may get a quicker response by calling for a cab. To hail a cab, raise your hand and arm at a 45 degree angle to your head with the index finger (the finger next to the thumb) extended as a taxi approaches. If the cab does not have a passenger and is not traveling to pick up a passenger, it will stop.

Taxi fares are metered in most cities and based on the distance. After an initial “flag down” fee for use of the taxi, the meter will charge a fixed amount per mile, typically $1.00 to $2.00 per mile, depending on the city. There may be extra charges if the taxi driver has to lift your bags for you. It is customary to give the driver a tip equal to 15% of the total fare.

If someone approaches you at the airport or bus station offering to undercut the taxi fares, don’t accept. These are illegal and unsafe. They aren’t licensed by the city and do not have insurance. In some cases international students have taken rides with strangers only to be robbed of their belongings and money, and dumped in a remote location. Only take taxis with identifiable markings (name of the cab company and cab number) and colors (typically yellow) at an official taxi stand.

Many hotels have free or low cost shuttles from the airport. If a hotel is located near the school, this can be an inexpensive alternative to taking a taxi. Such shuttles usually leave on the hour or half hour, but you may need to call upon arrival at the airport to make a reservation.

Bus fares range from $1.00 to $2.00 for a one-zone ride, depending on the city. If you need to change buses, transfers can be purchased for 25 cents in most cities. You give the transfer to the driver on the second bus instead of paying a second fare. Transfers can be used for a return trip, if you will be returning within the time limit. Bus drivers do not carry change, so you will need to bring exact change with you when you get on the bus. Most cities also sell monthly bus passes, which provide you with unlimited travel for a set fee. Bus passes will save you money only if you take the bus every day. Bus passes can usually be purchased from the local grocery store or supermarket.

Some subway systems use tokens or farecards, which are sold at the station. Subway fares may depend on the time of day or the distance traveled. For example, the Metro system in Washington, DC, uses farecards, with higher fares during rush hour.

Some cities have you pay as you get on the bus, some when you get off the bus, and some depend on the time of day. Some will have different rules depending on whether you’re headed inbound or outbound. If the bus driver puts his hand over the pay box as you enter, it means that you should pay when you get off the bus. If you are confused, ask the driver.

Just before the bus reaches your stop, you should alert the driver by activating the “stop requested” signal. Otherwise the driver may skip the stop. You can activate the “stop requested” signal in most buses by pulling on the horizontal wire above the windows. Trolleys do not have such a mechanism because they stop at every station.

Intercity Buses & Trains

If you need to travel from one city to another within the United States, there are four options:

Flying

Driving yourself

Intercity bus

Train

Taking a bus or a train is usually much cheaper than taking a plane, and much less stressful. However, it also takes much longer. For every hour of non-stop air travel, the corresponding road trip will take about five hours.

Greyhound offers Ameripass to international visitors for unrestricted travel on Greyhound.

Train travel in the US is not as high quality as in Europe, although it can be more comfortable than traveling by bus. The Amtrak web site includes a list of international sales offices.

Help from Your Home Country

One of the best sources of financial aid to study in the US is organizations in your own country. The nearest educational advising center may have information about local sources of support.

Your own government may have financial aid available. (Usually this support requires that you return home after your education is complete.) Contact the cultural section of your embassy or your ministry of education for more information, since there are many awards which require you to be nominated by your government.

There may also be private organizations in your home country that provide support for study in the US.

Aid from International Organizations

Of the few private scholarships for international students, most require that you apply from your home country. If you are already in the US you might not be eligible. So you should search for financial aid prior to arriving in the US.

Some international organizations offer funding for graduate students to study in the US. These include the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), AMIDEAST, the International Maritime Organization, the International Telecommunications Union, the League of Red Cross Societies, the Soros Foundation, the World Health Organization, and the World Council of Churches. These awards are very competitive.

Ful bright scholarships are awarded to about 4,700 graduate students worldwide each year. Applicants are required to take the TOEFL and GRE or GMAT exams. Professional education, such as medical studies, is not eligible. Fulbright students are required to be on J-1 visas for the duration of their sponsorship. For information about applying to the Fulbright Program in your country, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, Fulbright Commission office, or educational advising center. The US Information Agency maintains information about studying in the US, the Fulbright program, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, in the Educational and Cultural Exchange section of their web site, including Fulbright Commission contact information for most countries. For more information, call 1-202-619-4355, fax 1-202-619-6988, write to United States Information Agency, Office of Public Liaison, 301 4th Street, SW, Room 602, Washington, DC 20547, or contact SSSS Education.

Aid from the US Government

Please note that the US government student assistance programs, including the Pell Grant, Stafford and PLUS loans, and work-study programs, are not available to international students.

However aid may be available from the US government for students from specific countries. Your best bet for finding out if there is any financial aid from the US for students from your country is to contact your embassy, the US Department of State, and the US Information Agency. You should also write to the Agency for International Development, Office of International Training, Washington, DC 20523 or contact SSSS Education.

Financial aid for international undergraduate students is extremely rare. Foreign graduate students have significantly more opportunities for financial aid than foreign undergraduate students. The amount of financial aid for foreign graduate students is very limited.

For more information, please see the list of schools with financial aid for international undergraduate students.

Some US schools have direct exchange programs with their counterparts in foreign countries. Such exchange programs often include financial aid for the international student. To find out about these programs, ask your local university.

International students who intend to enroll in a graduate or postdoctoral program at a US University should contact the schools that interest them. Ask the relevant departments and the university’s Financial Aid Office about financial aid for international students. Most support for graduate study in the US by international students is provided by the schools themselves in the form of teaching and research assistant ships. These assistant ships are based on academic merit, not financial need. The school will probably require you to pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) to qualify for a teaching assistant ship.

Financial aid is not available for English as a Second Language courses, so you should have a TOEFL (iBT) score of at least 105 to qualify for financial aid. If all else is equal, the student with the better English skills will get the financial aid.

Aid from Private US Organizations and Sponsors

There is very little financial aid for international students available from private sources, such as foundations and individual sponsors.

Assistance from Your Family

You may most likely have to rely on your own assets, your parent’s money, and contributions from relatives.

Schools with Financial Aid for International Undergraduate Students

Some US schools are more likely than others to offer financial aid for international undergraduate students. The lists below indicate which schools offer aid (including grants, loans, and jobs) to the largest numbers of international students. The lists are based on a list compiled by Douglas C. Thompson, Associate Vice President for Enrollment, The Culinary Institute of America.

For inclusion, the schools must have an average award that is greater than 1/5 of the cost of attendance. The financial aid may include grants, loans, and jobs, and often includes both merit and need-based awards. Within each group, schools are listed alphabetically.

If a school is not listed here, it probably does not have much financial aid for international students.

Before leaving for the US, keep a photocopy of the page containing your photograph and passport number. If your passport is lost or stolen, this will make it easier to replace the passport. Keep the photocopy in a safe place, but do not carry it with your passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, inform your embassy and the police immediately.