Why study in the USA ?
Almost every Indian student considers United States of America is the best choice to pursue higher education abroad. There are host of different reasons that contributes to rank United States of America as the best educational hub among international students. This might be due to various reasons such as excellent in academics, wide range of learning opportunities, brilliant scope for research, flexibility in learning, financial support, experience unique and varied culture etc. Whatever might be reason, the United States of America always ranks top among Indian students who want to pursue higher studies and enhance career opportunities. There are host of varied factors which contributes United States of America as one of the best destinations to study higher education.
Quality:
A close relationship between research and education has brought a number of U.S. institutions to the forefront of research and technological development. At such universities students usually learn under the direction of world-renowned faculty who range from Nobel Laureates to Pulitzer Prize winners.
Choice:
Diversity of educational opportunities ensures that students will find an institution that matches their academic and social interests.
Academic and extracurricular offer:
Beyond the classroom walls, countless extra-curricular activities give students a chance to develop leadership skills and community spirit. U.S. universities promote outside-class learning through varied social, cultural, and sports activities.
Unparallel financial aid :
There are hundreds of resources available, offering scholarships along with some other financial benefits e.g. R.A./T.A.. Besides that many students can also get other benefit of fellowship and financial loan etc. In short we can say that the actual cost of education in U.S.A. is really very less for a person who has good profile.
Excellent Academics :
The U.S. provides some of world's finest higher education, especially in the field of technology. U.S. degrees are recognized all over the world.
Research :
The U.S. is the right choice for research professionals. There are many opportunities to do research in any field. The funding for most of the research projects are sponsored by the U.S. Government or by corporations. Also, many companies provide projects for the students in the neighboring universities to gain practical experience during their studies. Most of the research students receive waivers for their tuition fees and in some cases they are also provided with a stipend to help with their living expenses.
Flexibility in Course Curriculum:
While most programs are structured very well, students also have the option to choose many other subjects as part of their course. Students have an opportunity to emphasize and narrow down topics of specific interest in their field of study. Sometimes students may even choose subjects from other universities as part of their studies.
Financial Assistance:
Financial assistance is normally provided to international students, because pursuing higher education in the U.S. is expensive. Most of the universities financially support the international students either in the form of providing teaching or research assistantships. These assistantships are based on academic merit, rather than financial need. Awarded students will receive stipends, or either partial or complete tuition waivers. U.S. education could turn out to be completely free if the student exhibits exceptional skills in his or her field of study.
Work Programs:
Most of the universities allow students to work on their campus as either part-time or full-time employees. The students are paidminimum wage on an hourly rate, and their earnings help to cover their cost of living. Students are placed based on their financial need and personal skills. For example, an English major may be placed at the university library, while someone who has a Lifeguard certification may be placed at the campus Aquatic Center.
Internships :
Students are allowed to work in their respective fields outside the campus for approximately three months as Interns during summer vacation. There are Intern programs during the academic year as well. Internships are a valuable part of education, as they help students gain practical experience while taking classes. Most universities offer academic credit for internship experience.
Job Opportunities:
Once students complete their degree, they are authorized to work for one year in a related field, in order to gain practical knowledge. Students are allowed to work full-time (40 hours per week) by applying for an Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization (OPT). Many talented students are hired as a permanent employee after their OPT, by getting an H1B work visa sponsorship from their employers.
Reorganization of International Students:
U.S. universities provide extraordinary support to international students. Every university in the U.S. that enrolls international students has a separate office to help and guide these students from the very first day.
Cultural Exchange :
Apart from education, international students get to interact with students from various countries and diverse cultures. This shapes them to a large extent and enables the international students to become world-class professionals, once they complete their education
Value:
The success of any student will be directly proportional to the amount of dedication and hard work he or she exercises. Undoubtedly, the U.S. offers a very high quality of education. The variety of skills and cross-culture environment can make the learning experience in U.S. universities a rich and unique one. With such diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, international students are better prepared for working with absolute ease anywhere in the world.
Quality of Education:
There are many prestigious educational institutions in United States of America which provides world class renowned and quality education system. A candidate who passes out with flying colours and obtaining a degree from US universities is recognized worldwide as potential candidate with excellent academics and with enhanced learning opportunities.
Broaden your learning opportunities:
The U.S. Education system is completely different from Indian Education system. The U.S. education system provides lot of flexibility in terms of academics, courses offered etc. You are provided with an option to specialize in your chosen area of interest without unnecessarily attending to any extra classes. For eg:- If you are willing to study business abroad, then you can choose to study specialization courses and widen your knowledge levels in various domains such as: accounting, marketing, international business, business management, business administration and finance.
Study at Community colleges:
Studying at community colleges is an option unknown to majority of Indian students who are planning to pursue university studies in U.S.A. Begin your university education with two year study in community college and later one can move on to four year study at university. This is the most common thing in U.S.A. Two year study at community college benefits student community as it offers lower tuition fees, smaller classroom sizes, more personal attention, and provides advanced training in English language skills.
Exposed to advanced technology and research activities:
The United States of America is pioneer in different areas of technology and research. While pursuing your course, you will get exposed to advanced sections in technology and research fields. While studying, you might get a chance to learn valuable lessons from leading scholars which will further enhance your knowledge levels in chosen domain.
Most university programs in U.S.A. inculcate advanced technology in academics that helps them to empower skill set on technology forefront.
Nuclear classroom sizes:
Conduct classes in small classrooms where 10-20 students are available so that a professor can give personal attention to each and every one because \ of less number of students. Pursuing higher education in the U.S. provides a student to gain mentor in their chosen field of study which is an invaluable resource.
Brilliant scope for Academic research:
If you are keen in academic research, then U.S. is the perfect choice for your academic studies. When you enrol in MS/Ph.D programs, you will get an opportunity to involve yourself in academic research and at same time support your financial needs through earning program provided at your academic research centre.
Optional Practical training:
Optional Practical training (i.e., OPT) allows you to gain temporary employment authorization with university study in U.S.A. on F1 Visas. In order to qualify for Optional Practical training (i.e., OPT) one needs to complete: 12 month’s degree program (i.e., bachelor’s or master’s degree program). Or 29 months of STEM degree program (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Lucrative job opportunities:
International students with US degrees in hand are in high demand in the present job market condition. This is because an American degree provides a candidate with in-depth instruction, learned on how to solve work problems effectively, and possess knowledge on modern practices within your field. This is one of the biggest advantages with U.S. study. Universities in U.S.A. train students to observe, analyze.
Participate in informal activities:
Majority of international students who are studying in U.S.A. live either in university hostels or near to campus. In leisure times, they can indulge themselves in hiking, swimming, visiting tourist places, skiing, museum visits, excursions to new cities or taking a ferry to the statue of liberty etc. Majority university schools possess international student organizations and clubs where they can plan their weekend activities. Be a member in one of those organizations and can interact with fellow students to know more about American culture and history as well as develop your English language skills.
Financial support:
Most universities in U.S.A. offer financial support to international students who are opting for higher education. Demonstrate your need for financial aid by applying to one or more U.S. schools that are certified by Student and Exchange visitor program. In turn, students receive a form I- 20 which is a certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant status from schools that accept enrolment form. In I-20 form, students have to mention about financial support and provide proper evidence. After reviewing information in I-20 form, then students are granted with loans and stipends to cover expenses on daily basis.In case if you are willing to get free university education, then one should be excellent in academics.
International student office:
The international student office in U.S. colleges and universities is considered to be one of the best resources to get adapted to U.S. culture and campus life. The main goal of international student office is to assist international students, make them comfortable and provide them with wide range of services such as. An orientation program about student life in U.S.A. Answer questions regarding visa status, financial support, employment opportunities, housing etc. At end of degree program, it will provide with resume and employment assistance.
U.S. student visas:
The U.S.A. welcomes foreign students with open hands. Anyone who wishes to study or work in United States requires visa to gain entry into U.S.A. For international students, one needs to get approved of student visas to gain entry in U.S.A.
There are two different types of student visas:
F-1 visa:
This is the most common type of student visa. To pursue higher studies in United States, one needs to get approved of F-1 student visa. Any accredited U.S. College, university, private secondary school, and approved English language program requires F-1 visas.
M-1 visa:
If you are planning to engage in vocational training or non-academic programs, then one needs to submit M-1 visas for admission process.