Studying abroad in the United States can be an exciting, and also confusing, experience. Many students have submitted questions to us about the ins and outs of studying at a U.S. college or university. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and general guidelines to help get you started:
Q. How can I find and learn more about a program?
A. On the homepage, there are several options for you to narrow your search criteria in order to find your desired program. You can browse by field of study, program level, program format and also by location. Use these search options to find your program of choice.
You may have the option to request information by completing a form with your contact information. This allows the program to contact you and offer you more information. The application process will vary widely with each program, but you will more than likely have to fill out an application form and pay an application fee, among other things. Contact the programs directly with application questions such as application materials, fees and deadlines.
Q. How do I receive funding?
A. Funding an education in the U.S. can be expensive, even for U.S.-born students. The funding options available for international students can be very limited and most end up relying on their own assets and contributions from relatives. However, there are avenues available for international students to raise funds to study in the U.S.
Popular U.S. government assistance programs like the Pell Grant and Stafford and PLUS Loans are not available to international students. But the U.S. government may offer aid to students from specific countries. Check with your country’s embassy, the U.S. Department of Stateand your country’s U.S. Agency for International Developmentfield office for more information. Private loans are available to international students on the same terms as those received by U.S. students. Many of the loans, though, will require a co-signer that is either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (a Green Card holder).
Your home country’s government may have funding available, though it usually requires you to return home after your studies. Many local private organizations like businesses, foundations or religious groups may also provide financial aid.
There are many organizations and institutions that offer private scholarships, as well. A scholarship is aid given to students that meet special qualifications. Unlike student loans, they do not need to be paid back. Read Funding Your Education in the U.S. for more information.
Q. How can I find a sponsor?
A. A sponsor is a third party that provides money to pay for your education. Sponsorships are much less common in the United States and you are more likely to find one in your home country.
An alternative to sponsorship is to look into education investment companies. In education investments, students agree to pay a percentage of their income to the company following graduation in exchange for funding. Two existing companies that provide education investments are Lumni, Inc.and Enzi.
Q. Can I work in the U.S. during my studies?
A. Most international students in the U.S. have an F-1 visa, which allows them to work during their studies only under certain circumstances. There are five types of employment you can seek under the strict and complex guidelines of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and your student visa:
On-campus employmentis work performed on the school’s premises for your college or university. It does not require USCIS approval, but the opportunities are limited and you may not be able to rely on it to provide you with all of your financial resources for the year.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)is off-campus work directly related to your major area of study. This will require prior authorization from USCIS and your International Student Office. You will also have to follow very strict guidelines.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)is off-campus work allowed to international students when it is an integral part of their academic program. This is defined as any internship or work program offered by sponsoring employers through a cooperative agreement with your school. The work experience must be required for your degree or academic credit must be awarded.
Severe economic hardshipallows you to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week while school is in session and full-time during breaks if you are able to provide evidence of hardship under certain USCIS guidelines. Circumstances may include loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on part of the student or unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source of support.
Employment with an International Organizationis often overlooked and allows you to work for recognized international organizations on the official U.S. State Department lists, such as the Red Cross or other similar but less known organizations. The job must be within your field of study, but it does not have to be a required part of your degree program.
Check with your college or university’s International Student Office for more guidance and information on work once you begin your studies.
Q. How can I find housing?
A. Start with your school’s campus housing office, which should be able to provide you with information about how to apply for campus dormitories. Dorms are usually located on or near campus, making it easy to walk to class and meet new friends. Off-campus housing is another option. Check out your school and local newspaper’s classified section for off-campus apartment listings or on-campus bulletin or notice boards for possible housing opportunities.
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