Why Study in US

One of the major reasons you can choose to study in US is for its academic excellence. They have the worlds finesse university systems with vast number of programs literally allowing you to specialize in almost anything you need. Starting from the undergraduate level, one gets to experience a slice of both the traditional and professional disciplines and subjects. Where as in the graduate level of education, the students will be completely immersed in research and will be consistently in direct interaction with the finest and most imminent personalities in their field of study. This makes it more than a learning experience by countering it as a valid life experience for the students. Besides the US degrees are recognized globally for their excellence and quality in learning process.

Best Rated Universities and advanced technology

United States is the home of several large universities and colleges that has more campuses and programs than any other institutions that you may choose around the world. As a result the graduate and higher education programs have a lot of diversifications and curriculums rolled up their sleeves which one might not even have thought of. Some programs might be based on broad principles, others might be relevant to employment skills with quick work opportunities, some might be technical and engineering related and they also have broad categories of programs related to art, science, fashion, industrial designs, you name it they have it. Such universities or the Ivy League institution are top ranked institutions, globally.

Another thing to be proud about the education in United States is the fact that the country uses only the most updated technology for their students, their research and techniques. They also ensure that the students are updated at all times in their relevant fields. For the same they make the best possible equipments available to the student for their learning process and for enhancing their efficiency. They also make sure that you are consistently connected with the researchers, scholars, educators, tutors and experts in your field of study at all times. At times the higher studies in US even helps the students to finance their education on their own by availing jobs as training assistants or research assistants for undergraduate students or on special research assignments for different people within or outside the universities.

High degree of flexibility

One of the advantages with US education is the level of flexibility. The students can choose to make a tailor made course work that specifically matches their academic goals. How so ever the students have to meet the standard coursework requirements stipulated for an education program. But they have the option to choose the subjects, class hours; etc that contributes to the course works independently. In higher level of education they can customize the course work to such extent that it specifically matches their personal interest and academic goals.

Career Prospects

The career prospects with international education, especially in US are well sought out by companies across the globe. These days’ people want multi cultural resources with the essential adaptability, knowledge updates, flexibility and practical research experience that can be a proven work tool for any companies in any industry across the globe. Besides such resources can always be exploited for expanding the company operations not only in US or Europe, but across the world due to their cultural exposure, dexterity in handling any load of work with technology access, and diverse mix of experience in life which can be a profitable option for the company without much expenses on training and developments. Such an education system also enhances a student’s cross cultural skills, confidence and independence.

Cultural diversity

While you pursue your education in US, you are not only making a choice to enhance your career prospects, but you are leading a culturally rich, diverse and nourishing life experience which is a valid certification, no one can personally hand it out to you. Whether you take up your course in a small institution or a big university in semi urban or an urban area, while you are into the semester, you will be engaged in study groups consisting of students from different corners of the world. The list will be endless – Indians, Germans, French, Native Americans, Chinese etc. The students also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich American culture, meet new people and make friends all across the world while you hook up with different organizations, social groups and associations during your academic period.

Work Options

Students who will be visiting US for education would be generally under the guidelines of F1 visa where in, part time jobs up to 20 hours a week is allowed during the semesters. Whilst during the holidays, students are allowed to work full time. You will also have a lot of internship and work opportunities with good organizations in your relevant area of studies. But once the graduation is over the students with the relevant placement in their area of education can always apply for a stay back option which is called as Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Such opportunities, post education for a student can even lead to a green card and eventually have the option to be a citizen of US with all the benefits.

Language in US

English is the most commonly used language in US. Since the country is filled with diverse culture of people, you can always find people speaking Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Korean, German etc. Hence its quiet appropriate to say that US is a country that welcomes all sorts of culture and no matter what background you have been raised in, you will always find a companion in US. This makes US a safe and easy place to find new home for any one with high aspirations for growth and adventure.

Currency in US

US dollars are the widely used currency in the country. It is the officially graded for international transactions and is highly valued in the world economy.

Political System

The US government runs as a Federal system. It’s one of the world’s oldest Federation. United States pursues as a constitutional republic and representative democracy. The federal government in US, shares power with strong local governments in each of the 50 states which also covers the District of Columbia, the territories, multiple counties, cities, and towns. At both the federal and local levels, there are three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial, where each has authority over different governmental functions in a system of checks and balances. The U.S. legal code is based on English common law (except in Louisiana, which is still influenced by Napoleonic code). The main political divisions in United States are US states, Territories of United States, List of states and territories of the United States and Indian Reservations.

Economy

The U.S. is the largest economy in the world, and one of the most technologically advanced. The gross domestic product (GDP) in 2009 was roughly $14 trillion USD (U.S. dollar), with per capita GDP at $47,000 USD. American firms are at or near the forefront of technological advances, especially with regard to computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment. The United States has a capitalist mixed economy. The economy is majorly contributed by the abundant natural resources and a high degree of productivity. It has also been showcased in the recent statistics that US has been the largest importer of goods and the second largest in case of exports. More than 80% of the economy is contributed by the activities in private sector and the rest maintained by the state and local governmental activities.

Religion

When it comes to religion US, is a free country. Anyone living in US can practice any religion of their interest or beliefs. US being a multi cultural hub, its very much contributed by people following different kinds of religion. This includes Christianity, Jew, Islam, Buddhism, Native American’s religion, Jain, Sikh etc.

But the major set of people in US follows Christianity, covering more than 80 percent of its population. In United States, towards the southern side, certain places are covered under the terminology “Bible Belt”, being contributed by socially conservative set of Christians, falling under the category of Protestantism. But in contrast to other study destinations, religion plays a least important role in any sort of relevant decision making activities within the country.

Climate in US

With its large size and geographic variety, the U.S. includes most climate types from the tropical atmosphere of Hawaii and Florida to the semi-arid Great Plains; from the arid Mojave Desert to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, not to mention the cold Arctic climate of Alaska. Because of the climate, the ecology in the U.S. is extremely diverse, with abundant flora and fauna and amazing natural habitats for nature-inspired visitors to explore.

Population in US

The United States’ earliest settlers were aboriginal natives. The British then began settling on the east coast, and eventually established 13 colonies. These colonies declared their independence in 1776 from Britain as a result of the American Revolution, a war that grew out of the colonists’ protest of the fact that they were ordered to pay taxes but had no representation in the British government. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially recognized the United States of America as a sovereign nation, and the U.S. constitution was signed in 1787. The U.S. went on to become a superpower in the 20th century, and it is one of the world’s most influential nations. Today, the population of the U.S. is approximately 309 million. It is ethnically and culturally diverse, thanks to a long history of immigration, with Caucasians comprising 70% of the population, Hispanic or Latino 13%, Black or African American 12%, Asian 4%, and indigenous native Americans 1%. English is the main language, with Spanish the second most common language.

The United States, as a whole is the native of many cultures, comprising of a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, beliefs and values. Apart from the native Americans, Hawaiian’s and the Alaskan’s, rest of the population is contributed by their ancestors or migrants settled here for more than last five centuries. American’s majorly following a Western culture, derived from the European immigrants and travelers. There is a recent mix of Asian as well as Hispanic or Latin American cultural mix in the recent centuries in US.

American’s are quiet renowned for their work culture and ethics. This has always projected in their level of productivity and growth around the world. They have always been well known for competitiveness, individualism and mostly for emphasizing on liberty, equality, private property and limited governments.

Food

Wheat being a primary cereal in US, most of the food consumables are made out of wheat flour. US is highly influenced by the Western and Asian countries in terms of food. Most of the food consumables produced in US uses ingredients such as turkey, venison, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, squash and maple syrup just like their natives and other European settlers used to do. These ingredients in food are used by the American in most of their nationwide menu during the Thanks giving.

When it comes to US, we know that they are renowned for foods such as apple pie, fried chicken, pizza, hamburgers, hotdogs etc which are derived from various immigrants in US. A lot of Italian, Mexican and French influences has also been very well showcased with the wide menu of foods available in US, such as French fries, burritos, tacos, pasta’s etc.

It’s normally said that, the American eating habits has rooted from British culinary styles. But apart from that, American’s are well known for their fast food industry. They have risen from the American soil since the 1940’s. Served along with this was a highly flavored, fizzy drink or beverages, which have together increased the caloric consumption in US since the 1980’s. But being a multi cultural mix, Americans also serve and consume a lot of authentic, Asian, tropical and European cuisines.

American Arts and Literature

The American art and literature took shape since the early 18’Th and 19’Th centuries. Artists like Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, Henry David, Mark Twain, Walt Whitman and Emily Dickson has made their mark in their respective fields when it comes to American literature. The great American novels like Moby Dick, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mocking Bird, has made their way into the greatest novels in the history of American literature.

When it comes to art, American’s have showcased their proficiency since 18’Th century. Some of the famous names include Thomas Eakins, Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein etc.

Music

The American music was earlier influenced by the African sound mixes. The major league of rhythmic and lyrical styles where also influenced into the creation of a new style of American music. This was witnessed, majorly in the 20’Th century. Since then a lot of features from blues and old time music’s were mixed into the American’s upcoming genres and was highly promoted. This marked the beginning of blues, country music, rhythm and blues in the early 40’s.

Then came the Rock and roll era marked by Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry during the 50’s, which eventually lead to the funk genre of music developed by James Brown. Then as American’s passed into the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s the rock genre became more solid and a bit of pop music started getting its fame with Michael Jackson breaking all the records in the history of music.

In the recent decade the American music has witnessed a new diversion consisting of Hi Hop, House music, electronic etc. This has given rise to stars such as katty Perry, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Eminem, kanye west, Calvin Harris etc.

Cinema

Hollywood, located in the Northern side of Los Angeles is one of the leaders in the motion picture making. This was marked since the 1894, since the first commercial screening happened in New York City. As we passed into the 20’Th and 21’st centuries, US film industry was largely developed from Hollywood. This also marked the beginning of Globalization where the US movies where already grossing globally. The Hollywood started experiencing its golden age since the 1960’s which marked the beginning of legendary actors like John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe. The 70’s showcased the iconic skill sets of certain directors like Martin Scorsese, Francis Coppola, Robert Altman and by the beginning of the 80’s with Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and George Lucas.

Most of the American movies where subjects of evaluation for the academic awards , golden globes and various other recognition. Few of the monumental piece of film making in the history of Hollywood includes Casablanca, The Godfather, Gone with the wind, Schindler’s list etc.

Sports

Some of the major sports streams followed in US include American Football, Base ball, Basket ball, Hockey, Soccer and Olympic games.

They also have certain adventures sports like Skateboarding, snowboarding, mountain biking etc. Americans are very much into independent sports like Golf, Auto racing, etc.

A common metaphor used to describe American culture is “the melting pot,” which means that a variety of ethnicities and nationalities are represented in the population and blend to form a common culture. While it is true that there is a strong sense of “Americanness” among the population, most would agree that there are still very distinct sub-cultures, especially along ethnic lines (e.g., Hispanic or Latino).

The United States is a secular country, with the core principle being the separation of church, state and freedom for individuals to worship as they choose. Another distinctive factor is the freedom of expression ensuring individuals the right to express themselves without fear of government reprisals. These individual freedoms help to shape a culture where in an individual’s interest and skills can be more important than family or connections in the marketplace, at least in comparison with other countries.

In recent decades, women, ethnic minorities, gays and lesbians have made considerable progress in overcoming traditional barriers and prejudices in both the workplace and society in large.

The history of America can be described from the early ages of colonization to the modern, developed and super power US has become in 21’st century as different era’s passed by. Over here you can go through a periodic description of different stages of American history that has lead to what America is now.

1500-1600 (Colonial America)

It was the Spanish who established the colonies in North America. This happened in the 1526 under the supervision of a European named Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon. The first colony that was ever tried to establish was Carolina. However the attempt was labeled to be a failure as the slave trade he tried to pull off using this venture didn’t work out quiet smoothly.

In the same era Pedro Menendez de Aviles discovered a new settlement, Florida. This was originally the first European successful settlement in USA. The English also tried to make colonies in US. This was during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and has resulted in the discovery of Virginia. This era also lead to the creation of James town and Massachusetts Bay Company.

1700-1799

This period marked the era of American revolutionary wars. It is also designated as American war of independence or the Revolutionary war) This war lasted from 1775 – 1783, which eventually lead to industrial revolution and the whole scenario with manufacturing, productivity and resource utilization changed with US forever. This war, actually secluded US form the arms of Britain.

1800-1899

During this era, President Thomas Jefferson purchased Louisiana, there by adding more lands to the Americas. This purchase was made from France. There was a purchase spree by the president and Meriwether Lewis for a year and a half, before they reached out to west coast.

These years also embarked the US on the civil war journey which lasted from 1861 to 1865. This bonded the United States together and ended slavery for good.

1900-1999

With the invention of airplane by the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright became the first to make a successful flight in a machine heavier than the air. Even though it was a short flight, the technology was the corner stone for the modern aviation and played a pivotal role in globalization. This changed the world for ever, and American’s has definitely laid their footprints all over it.

In 1917, US entered into the First World War by declaring war against Germany. This decade also marked a great move in the American regulations by granting the right to vote for women.

For US, as it climbed the ladder of progress, with each decade, this era also marked the beginning of Great depression in 1929, when the stock markets crashed, blowing the economy to bits. This was biggest blow to the economy, not only in US, but also to various other global powers during this time.

The aviation during this era also gained a lot of historic moments, now with Amelia Earhart becoming the first women to fly around the world. This era also marked the beginning of World War II. US was prompted to enter the war, only after Japan hit the Pearl harbor on December 7’Th 1941. By 1945, US ended the world war by dropping atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After the World War II, Korea was divided into North and South. The southern half was controlled by US until the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

With US, becoming the world power after the Second World War, America witnessed African American Civil Rights Movement, from 1954 to 1968. This movement was to put an end to the racial discrimination for good. This movement resulted in Civil rights act, voting rights act and Fair housing act.

This era in American history witnessed the longest war in its history that lasted for more than 20 years. ‘The Vietnam War’. It started in 1955 and lasted till 1975. But this time for Americans it was a big loss as the Vietnam won the war, battle after battle.

This era also marked the proudest moment for the Americans, when they launched Apollo 11 sending US astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Buzz to the moon. They became the first human’s to step on the moon.

2000-Present

The terrorist attacks on the twin towers (September 11, 2001) changed the United State’s perspective on global economy for ever. This marked the beginning of US war in Afghanistan and is still prolonged. On March 20’Th 2003, the United States conquered Iraq, raging war against terrorism. The war lasted for more than eight years, before it was officially declared over in 2011. This was soon after the capture and execution of the long time Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Later on, in this era, Barack Obama was elected as the first African American President in US. This happened in November 4’Th 2008. He came into power from January 20’Th 2009. He lead the operation Neptune Spear, for capturing the alleged terrorist leader responsible for the 9/11 attacks – ‘Osama Bin Laden’. This happened in May 2, 2011. Ever since then, he was re elected for the US president ship defeating Mitt Romney in 2012. He still leads a gracious democracy in US till now.

Being the World super power, US also enchant its visitors with huge attractions, culture and hospitality that will make them want to stay here forever. Few of most sought out destination to be visited in US includes the following.

Grand Canyon

A trip to Grand Canyon while in US is what makes one inspires to marvel this country. Whether you choose to hike the Bright Angel Trail or raft the Colorado River, you are sure to feel small against the towering rock formations and picturesque vistas. For six million years, the Grand Canyon has expanded with the help of the mighty Colorado River, and for centuries, people from all over the globe have traveled to gaze out over its red and orange grandeur. Managed by the National Park Service and officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Canyon leaves its approximately 4.5 million visitors per year awestruck.

Maui

With idyllic beaches and lush green parks, Maui is the perfect place for an escape from all the modern day frenzy one goes through. Here you can spend your days admiring the scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana or lounge across the sands of Kaihalulu. The place is also well renowned for its sea foods. While on a visit here, you can shimmy alongside professional hula dancers, golf along coastal fairways, snorkel alongside five different types of sea turtles or simply lounge along some of Hawaii's most notable beaches.

Yellowstone

With steaming geysers, multicolored pools, bubbling hot springs and hiking trails that stretch for miles, there's plenty to excite nature lovers in this national park. Plus, animal fans will appreciate a visit to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to learn about wildlife in the area. Nowadays, there's no doubt that the park is indeed extraordinary. While you traverse the park's 3,000 plus square miles of mountains, canyons, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with permanent residents like buffalo, elk and sometimes even grizzlies.

Yosemite

This is the perfect spot for Hiking and checking out the famous landmarks like Half Dome and Glacier point. If you're not one for camping, you can make this park a daytrip from San Francisco, Sacramento or Lake Tahoe. This is one of California’s most formidable natural landscapes with Yosemite national park featuring close to 1200 square miles with sky high waterfalls, Sequoia trees, daunting cliff faces and some unique rock formations.

San Francisco

San Francisco can be defined as a collage of colorful neighborhoods and beautiful scenic views. This place mostly attracts people with an eye for edgy art, taste for imaginative cuisines and a zeal for adventure. San Francisco's culture has been affected by diverse ethnic groups and many social movements. The best way to perceive the City by the Bay's character is to explore each neighborhood. From the Mission to the Castro, visitors appreciate each enclave's offerings

New York City

The most populous city in US, there is a wide range of things one can enjoy while being in New York. Museum strolling, visiting theaters, bar hopping and the sheer number of things to do in the Big Apple puts most of its U.S. peers to shame. For a respite from the bustling crowd in the city, you can always find your way to the New York Central Park. Follow trendsetters to the East Village and Brooklyn to check out indie boutiques, iconic bakeries and trendy coffee shops. Afterwards, you even get to peruse the racks of the sleek shops lining Fifth Avenue, admire the cutting edge art collections at the MoMa and the Met, catch up to a memorable show on Broadway or sit down for a meal at the latest Italian restaurant.

Honolulu – Oahu

Oahu features a nice balance of urban and beautiful beach environments. With a pleasant weather all year round, there really is no bad time to visit Honolulu. Waikiki Beach promises to please, but be forewarned: There's a good chance you will be greeted by a barrage of tourists due to the fact that Oahu blends cosmopolitan luxury and breathtaking scenery more than any other Hawaiian islands. Nearby you'll find a host of cultural and historical sites, from the austere USS Arizona Memorial to ornate Iolani Palace.

Washington D.C.

Being the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is quiet known for its Iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, White House and the Washington Monument, which allows one to sightsee for days. Just make sure to save some energy for an evening out since D.C. boasts a lively restaurant and bar scene. Although government is still the sun around which this city orbits, the District also offers a host of renowned museums and interesting neighborhoods. With these marbled monuments and high profiled politicians, Washington D.C. is reputed for being a government driven town. But now days with an explosion in the restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and clubs, D.C. is transitioning into a thriving cultural hub.

San Diego

San Diego may appeal to all kinds of vacationers and tourists. While the beach is the major attraction, the city also boasts a variety of outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown dining scene. Meanwhile, the sprawling San Diego Zoo offers good times for all ages. Consistency in its sunny weather and 70 miles of magnificent coastline is what draws active types of touristers to San Diego throughout the year. San Diego maintains a small-town feel, making it a popular destination for families and anyone looking for a laid-back, Southern California getaway in the sun.

Orlando – Walt Disney World

A trip to Disney world could be any one’s dream since their childhood. Over the years, the makers of Disney have gone to great lengths of entertainment and attractions for their tourists by even allowing an adult to be enthralled by various means. The kind of escapism that Disney offers is one of a kind. The feeling that you get when you catch the light off Epcot Center's Spaceship Earth or from your first sip of Butter beer in Hogsmeade or when you witness the soaring heights of Shamu's flips proves that being a kid is about the state of mind and not the age.

Charleston

Centuries old mansions, Spanish moss draped trees, spooky cemeteries, cobblestone walks is what defines, Charleston at its best. As you walk the gas lamp-lit streets at night, past horse-drawn carriages and the antebellum architecture, you just might think you've traveled back in time. That is the kind of effect that a trip to Charleston can give you. It’s not just that the town is still stuck in its past, Charleston also boasts about innovative restaurants, interesting shops, contemporary art galleries and the world class Spoleto Festival USA. History pervades almost every aspect of the Holy City, from the majestic homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that promote the city's role in United States history.

New Orleans

New Orleans is well known for its European styled architecture, mouth watering cuisines and an all round mysticism. Following a strict culture in Jazz music and rock ‘n’ roll, the city oozes with tunes from each of its brick walls. But one of the major reason to visit New Orleans is Mardi Gras, a carnival styled party with masks, music’s and a wild time. Even if you don't make it to Mardi Gras, you'll still find a party year-round, with revelers pouring out of Bourbon Street clubs until the wee hours of the morning.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas can be defined as the America’s play ground. Though it may not be appealing for everyone on an equal note, the Sin City is a great way to escape from the real world. For all the bachelors and brutes, Vegas is more or less like a theme park than a city. You can opt for the traditional high roller getaway complete with all nighters at the blackjack table or pure Nightclub. Or you can take a different approach to Sin City and indulge in its luxury spas, high-end shopping and gourmet restaurants. Las Vegas also makes a great destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking in Red Rock Canyon or visiting the Hoover Dam.

Chicago

Chicago is known for its architecture, world class museums, restaurants and eclectic neighborhoods. Chicago remains just as diverse, boasting a thriving arts scene, various shopping districts and a cornucopia of eateries. First-time Windy City visitors are sure to have their eyes to the sky for at least a day or two. Chicago's skyscrapers and public art is absolutely worth admiring.

Hollywood

Hollywood or the Beverly Hills, located in the Northern side of Los Angeles is one of the leaders in the motion picture making. As we passed into the 20’Th and 21’st centuries, US film industry was largely developed from Hollywood. Explore the city's treasures at your leisure on a self guided walking tour of Beverly Hills or take in a screening at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where legends of the big screen mix and mingle with fans. Wander the manicured gardens and vast public spaces at Greystone Mansion, a historic estate with a storied past and the backdrop for countless Hollywood feature films. Whether you're seeking a blissfully romantic weekend, a family trip of a lifetime or an event to remember, only in Beverly Hills will you find the culture, luxury and fun as an all in one package.

Why Study in US

One of the major reasons you can choose to study in US is for its academic excellence. They have the worlds finesse university systems with vast number of programs literally allowing you to specialize in almost anything you need. Starting from the undergraduate level, one gets to experience a slice of both the traditional and professional disciplines and subjects. Where as in the graduate level of education, the students will be completely immersed in research and will be consistently in direct interaction with the finest and most imminent personalities in their field of study. This makes it more than a learning experience by countering it as a valid life experience for the students. Besides the US degrees are recognized globally for their excellence and quality in learning process.

Best Rated Universities and advanced technology

United States is the home of several large universities and colleges that has more campuses and programs than any other institutions that you may choose around the world. As a result the graduate and higher education programs have a lot of diversifications and curriculums rolled up their sleeves which one might not even have thought of. Some programs might be based on broad principles, others might be relevant to employment skills with quick work opportunities, some might be technical and engineering related and they also have broad categories of programs related to art, science, fashion, industrial designs, you name it they have it. Such universities or the Ivy League institution are top ranked institutions, globally.

Another thing to be proud about the education in United States is the fact that the country uses only the most updated technology for their students, their research and techniques. They also ensure that the students are updated at all times in their relevant fields. For the same they make the best possible equipments available to the student for their learning process and for enhancing their efficiency. They also make sure that you are consistently connected with the researchers, scholars, educators, tutors and experts in your field of study at all times. At times the higher studies in US even helps the students to finance their education on their own by availing jobs as training assistants or research assistants for undergraduate students or on special research assignments for different people within or outside the universities.

High degree of flexibility

One of the advantages with US education is the level of flexibility. The students can choose to make a tailor made course work that specifically matches their academic goals. How so ever the students have to meet the standard coursework requirements stipulated for an education program. But they have the option to choose the subjects, class hours; etc that contributes to the course works independently. In higher level of education they can customize the course work to such extent that it specifically matches their personal interest and academic goals.

Career Prospects

The career prospects with international education, especially in US are well sought out by companies across the globe. These days’ people want multi cultural resources with the essential adaptability, knowledge updates, flexibility and practical research experience that can be a proven work tool for any companies in any industry across the globe. Besides such resources can always be exploited for expanding the company operations not only in US or Europe, but across the world due to their cultural exposure, dexterity in handling any load of work with technology access, and diverse mix of experience in life which can be a profitable option for the company without much expenses on training and developments. Such an education system also enhances a student’s cross cultural skills, confidence and independence.

Cultural diversity

While you pursue your education in US, you are not only making a choice to enhance your career prospects, but you are leading a culturally rich, diverse and nourishing life experience which is a valid certification, no one can personally hand it out to you. Whether you take up your course in a small institution or a big university in semi urban or an urban area, while you are into the semester, you will be engaged in study groups consisting of students from different corners of the world. The list will be endless – Indians, Germans, French, Native Americans, Chinese etc. The students also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich American culture, meet new people and make friends all across the world while you hook up with different organizations, social groups and associations during your academic period.

Work Options

Students who will be visiting US for education would be generally under the guidelines of F1 visa where in, part time jobs up to 20 hours a week is allowed during the semesters. Whilst during the holidays, students are allowed to work full time. You will also have a lot of internship and work opportunities with good organizations in your relevant area of studies. But once the graduation is over the students with the relevant placement in their area of education can always apply for a stay back option which is called as Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Such opportunities, post education for a student can even lead to a green card and eventually have the option to be a citizen of US with all the benefits.

Canada is ranked among the top ten manufacturing nations. It has been going through a high potential growth in both services and high technology industries. The Canadian economy is completely diversified and is typically knowledge based, growing with innovations and technology every year. It doesn’t solely rely on naThe American education system is not quite as same as in other countries. Though the U.S. Federal government contributes almost 10% to the national education budget, education is primarily the responsibility of state and local government. Every state normally has a department of education regulating with laws for financing the system, hiring of school personnel, student attendance and curriculum. In most of the states, they determine the number of years of compulsory education. In most cases with US, it’s five or six to sixteen and in some cases teens might have to stay in school till 18.

So, every state has great control over what is taught in its schools and over the requirements that a student must meet, and it is also responsible for the funding of schooling.

American High School Structure

The American higher education system is administratively managed at three levels:

• Primary (Generally ages 5 – 11 or 5 – 12)
• Secondary ( Generally ages 12 – 18)
• Post secondary or tertiary (Generally ages 18 and up)

Students are generally required to stay in school until the age of 16. Ninety nine percent of the U.S. population is literate; 85% achieve a secondary school leaving certificate (Diploma); and 27% achieve a post-secondary leaving certificate (Diploma). In 2009, there were over 77 million students enrolled in some level of education.

Local control and core education system

To understand the American system of education, it is critical to understand the concept of local control. Local control means that locally elected education entities, typically in the form of governing boards, at the city, state, and institutional level, control issues including the nature of the curriculum, admissions standards, and funding for schools, colleges, and universities. This means that the federal government of the United States has relatively little say in how education is managed and does not govern or provide control over degrees, standards, or curriculum – which is typically the role of the Ministry of Education in other countries.

Based on the above, in the United States, governance and support of post-secondary educational institutions falls into one of two categories, public (government supported) or private. American colleges and universities are roughly evenly divided between these two types of institutions. Whether a higher-education institution is public or private has no relationship to educational quality, although the very most competitive ones tend to be dominated by privates. Whether an institution is public or private, it will set its own admission standards, and prospective students must apply separately for each.

For the same reasons, quality assurance for educational institutions is not the role of any branch of government. Rather, it is the responsibility of voluntary non-governmental accrediting agencies. There are two kinds of accreditation – institutional and programmatic. With both kinds, peer review means that standards are set and reviewed by volunteer boards composed of fellow educators and specialists, and not by government officials. Institutions that successfully complete this process at the total institution level gain either regional or national accreditation. In the U.S. “regional” is more prestigious than “national.”

Specific programs, such as business, education, pharmacy, or engineering, have professional associations. These associations have the same kind of peer review process. If an institution completes that process successfully, it earns professional accreditation from the association. In a similar but separate process, core academic programs, for example, architectural training, are also subject to accreditations.

Only with a high school diploma students can enroll in postsecondary education. It is important to know that colleges and universities sometimes require certain high school credits or tests for admission, and students must plan their high school career with those requirements in mind. During their high school years, students are given "grades" for all their courses, and these are recorded. At the end of 12th Grade, the pupil's grades are averaged out to provide a "GPA" or Grade Point Average, which will often be used as a selection criterion when they apply to college or university. Students in 12th Grade also take "SAT's", Scholastic Aptitude Tests, or “ACTs”, American College Tests. These are the second principal tests used as criteria for admission to college or university; but they are not exams in the same way as their European or Japanese equivalents (French baccalauréat, German Abitur, English "A" levels), and are generally less demanding. The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a non-profit organization in the United States. The College Board claims that the SAT can determine whether or not a person is ready for college. The current SAT Reasoning Test takes three hours and forty-five minutes. Since the SAT's introduction in 1901, its name and scoring has changed several times. In 2005, the test was renamed as "SAT Reasoning Test" with possible scores from 600 to 2400 combining test results from three 800-point sections (math, critical reading, and writing), along with other subsections scored separately. The test consists almost entirely of multiple choice questions, with the exception of the essay writing section. The ACT test is another standardized test for college admission in the United States. The ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. It consists of a multiple-choice section covering four skill areas (English, mathematics, reading, and science), and a Writing Test, which is optional, measuring skill in planning and writing a short essay. Generally, colleges require one or the other test for college admission.

For international students, American universities and institutions consider relevant points with regard to tests like GRE, GMAT and TOFEL. The scores should be from the tests with relevance to their educational background.

Primary and Secondary School

Prior to any higher education in US, primary and secondary education is compulsory from a recognized institute. Such tenure of studies for qualifying into a higher education program shouldn’t be less than 12 years. These years are termed as first through twelfth grades.

Primary schooling commencing at the age of six may last for five to six years and the secondary schooling for another six years. The secondary school consists of two kinds of programs that require compulsory attendance: Junior high and high school. After graduating from the high school, a student can go to any college or university.

College or university educations in US are generally called as higher education. For international students, any candidate can be qualified for US higher education program as long as they follow such tenure for their school studies.

Grading System

For getting admitted into a US education program, especially for higher studies a prospective international candidate may have to submit the academic transcripts as part of the admission process into the colleges or universities. If the education is within US, then your GPA will be considered. Scores are commonly graded in percentages and later converted into alphabetical grades.

The grading system and GPA in the U.S. can be confusing, especially for international students. The interpretation of grades has a lot of variation. For example, two students who attended different schools both submit their transcripts to the same university. They both have 3.5 GPAs, but one student attended an average high school, while the other attended a prestigious school that was academically challenging. The university might interpret their GPAs differently because the two schools have dramatically different standards.

Hence the following points should be kept in mind, especially for an international student to evaluate and comprehend the US grading system:

• An international student should always find a US equivalent last level education to be completed in the home country.
• Pay close attention to the admission requirements of each university and college, individual degree programs, as each of them may have different requirements to be qualified.
• Meet with the education advisor and the guidance counselor to make sure that you are meeting the requirements.

Your educational advisor or guidance counselor will be able to advise you on whether or not you must spend an extra year or two preparing for U.S. university admission. If an international student entered a U.S. university or college prior to being eligible to attend university in their own country, some countries’ governments and employers may not recognize the students’ U.S. education.

Academic year for education programs in US

The normal tuition for an academic program in US commences by August or September and continues till May or June. The best time for the international students to commence their education in US would be autumn, around the period that is mentioned above. Besides, many courses are designed for the native and international students in such a way that it allows them to select the course in sequence, starting in autumn and continuing throughout the year.

Depending on the schools, universities or institutions the courses are divided into semesters or trimesters. Normally there would be two semesters for a course around an year, each lasting for around 6 months respectively. In the case of later, each trimester would be for a period of 3 months respectively. Still, there are courses with institutions which are further divided into quarter system of four terms each, including an optional summer session. But normally with US institution, the students have a lot of option to customize their schedule for studies, to make it more convenient. But such customizations will never compromise with the grades they need to clear each academic year.

US higher education System

• First level: Undergraduate:
  

  A student who hasn’t earned a bachelor’s degree yet while pursuing their courses or if he or she is in the process of learning is called as an undergraduate. Normally the course duration for a bachelors program in US is four years. An international student always has the option to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a community college, or a four year university or college. Your first two years of study as an international student will generally require a wide variety of classes in different subjects, commonly known as prerequisite courses; literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. This is so you achieve a general knowledge, a foundation, of a variety of subjects prior to focusing on a specific field of study. Many international students normally choose to study in a community college with an intention to complete the first two years of the prerequisite courses. They will earn an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree and then transfer to a four year university or college program. A major is the specialization in which your entire course will be focused. You will be required to take a certain number of courses in this field in order to meet the degree requirements of your major. You must choose your major at the beginning of your third year of school.

  A very unique characteristic of the American higher education system is that you can change your major multiple times if you choose. It is extremely common for American students to switch majors at some point in their undergraduate studies. Often, students discover a different field that they excel in or enjoy. The American education system is very flexible. Keep in mind though that switching majors may result in more courses, which means more time and money.

• Second Level: Graduate course in pursuit of Master’s degree

  International students from some countries are only permitted to study abroad at a graduate level. But as a student it’s always healthy to inquire about the credentials needed to get a job in their native country before they apply to a postgraduate university in the USA.

  A graduate program is usually a division of a university or college. To gain admission, you will have to take a GRE (graduate record examination) test. Certain master’s programs require specific tests, such as the LSAT for law school, the GRE or GMAT for business school, and the MCAT for medical school. A graduate program in pursuit for a master’s, normally take one to two years to complete. The majority of a master’s program is spent in classroom study and a graduate student must complete a master’s thesis or do a master’s project.

• Third Level: Graduate in pursuit of Doctorate degree:

  For an international student to earn a Doctorate degree or PHD in US, it may take as long as five to six years. For the first two years of the program most doctoral candidates enroll in classes and seminars of the course. The consecutive year is spent conducting firsthand research and writing thesis or dissertation based on the chosen specialization.

  Such papers are expected to contain views, designs, or research that has not been published earlier. A doctoral dissertation is a discussion and summary of the current scholarship on a given topic. Most of the U.S. universities awarding doctorates require their candidates to have a good command over two foreign languages, spend the required length of time in residence learning the essential curriculum, pass the qualifying examinations that officially awards candidates to the PhD program along with its oral examinations on the same topic of their dissertation.

Types of US higher Education Systems

State Colleges or Universities

Such schools are the ones that fall under the roof and control of the local government within the state. Each of the 50 states in US will have at least one state university and other state colleges. Most of these public institutions have the name of their State attached to their names.

Private College or Universities
Such colleges or universities are privately owned and run within US. They doesn’t fall under any US government branches or bodies. They are comparatively lesser in size and expensive. Religiously affiliated universities and colleges are private schools. Most of these schools welcome students of all religions and beliefs. Still, there are certain set of schools that prefer to admit students of certain specific religious beliefs and views. This contributes to the basis of their founding board.

Community College
Community colleges are the ones that provide two year degrees, along with their certifications. Such degrees are transferable. Normally, there are two primary degree tracks: one for academic transfer and the other prepares students to enter the workforce straightaway. Such degrees may include associate of arts, associate of science etc. When it comes to international students, community college grads mostly prefer to be transferred into a four year college or university degree. This is done by the process of transferring credits they earn while pursuing their course in community college. By doing so, they can complete a bachelor’s degree by doing by adding two more years of education in the selected stream. Many of the community colleges offer intensive English language programs, which normally prepares the students for university level courses.

Institute of Technology
Those schools which provide at least four years of study in science and technology falls under this spectrum of institutes. Some have graduate programs, while others offer short term courses.

Scholarships have been an excellent way to help the students to tie through the financial barriers in pursuing their education abroad. Under this system, in consideration with various credentials of the prospective candidates who have been selected for a course abroad may be awarded with scholarships provisioned by the university or the education board or the government at times, in the host country. Education grants are also provided by such bodies in certain countries like Malaysia, Singapore etc, under which the students doesn’t have to pay back the tuition fee granted to them, but might have to commit to work in a national registered company within the host country for a few years after their course duration under such grants.

Country wise Scholarships:

The scholarships are widely used for education systems in US, Europe, Asia and also in few other parts of the world. The valid credentials of the student normally determine the percentage of scholarship; the student can avail on their tuition. The students always have the option to fund the rest of their tuition through education loans or other sources after such scholarships.

The financial aids or the student scholarship option for international students are abundant through various boards and affiliations like Fulbright Scholarships, Rotary Scholarships, Postdoctoral fellowships, Merit Scholarships, college loans etc.

Customizable funding for Tuition

There is a comprehensive list of awards, scholarships, grants and other financial aids made available for the students. The students can choose the kind of awards or aids available to them through any of the sources that the university or their course supports within the host country. The eligibility factor for the students on such financial aids may depend on a lot of variables like the host countries, universities and the boards. It could also be a mix of previous academic scores, ranks, financial background of the students, country from which the student hails etc.

London, Ontario
Located midway, betweeMost of the scholarships and awards for the international students with relevant universities they have chosen for the academics can be searched through different scholarship search engines dedicated for Europe, US, Canada, Australia, UK and more. Some of such services include Grant search Australia, International Education Financial Aid, Scholarships Canada.com, SFU graduate awards, STOD & Stipendier AB (SOS AB), Student Awards.com, etc to name a few.

Sources of Scholarships:

In this era of educational support services and functions, the study abroad options are huge for the students and their opportunity to expand their spectrum of higher studies or academics are fathomless. This is clearly justified by various financial and education boards through such provisioning like the scholarships, grants, fellowship programs, award systems and much more. Most of them are specifically targeted at the international students. Such systems are essentially accredited by different set of institutions or boards or governments to give them the essential reputation they need in the industry.

Few of the US government funded scholarship programs include Fulbright foreign student program, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship program etc. Nongovernmental scholarship boards include Abbey road summer scholarships, The next gen scholarship funds, Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarships, David P. Shpiro Annual Leukaemia Scholarships etc.

Specific scholarship programs for Asian students are made available by various boards like East-West Center Scholarships and Fellowships, japan-United States Friendships Commission etc.

Boards like AAUW international fellowships and MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics and SCM Scholarships are specifically designed for women pursuing their academics in US. There are a lot of such boards in Europe as well which provides, scholarships, education grants, fellowships and award system for women.

There are even boards like Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship programme, Mandela Washington Fellowship for young African Leaders, MasterCard foundation scholarships etc which funds the students aspiring to study abroad from developing and under developed countries as well.

Above all, there are university specific scholarships provided directly by the educational institutions purely based on their merit and performances like American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship program, Harvard university scholarships etc. This is mostly based on the meritorious performance of the students.

From the above details student can browse through a wide range of options which can help them lubricate their passion to pursue their academics abroad with any internationally acclaimed and top ranked universities. These days, the global education sector is carved in such a way that the academics for students are in forefront rather than a minor financial barrier that might take out the right opportunity for a right candidate.

Student centric Scholarships

The scholarships options for the students can be of different kinds. There can be scholarship activities initiated by a group or community or an acclaimed board for almost anything under the sky that you can imagine. Like for example, scholarship for single parent, for religious convictions provided by biblical community or any other religious community, scholarship for environmental activities, scholarship for enjoying an art or excelling in a sport etc. Such scholarship that revolves around a student with relevance to their activities can be categorized as Student centric scholarships. Such scholarships availed by the students can be based on the students interests and their performances with relevance to that interest in a particular community which promotes the same. For example Best Buy provides scholarship programs for new college students interested in community services.

The most common form of student centric scholarship includes the one for the minorities. For example Scholarship for Hispanic students in American colleges.

Exclusive or Unique Scholarships

These are the kind of scholarships that are not essentially inclined to one’s academics or financial proficiency or country from which they hail. They are specifically awarded for some special traits or their interest in certain set of activities like speaking in certain languages, following an exotic culture, protecting wild life, athletics etc. They can avail such scholarships by contacting a specific organization with relevance to such traits or activities and showcasing them with the candidate’s time and resource investment in the relevant sector and meeting other criteria’s laid down by such bodies.

Some examples of such scholarships include Community Service scholarships, First in family Scholarships, Legacy Scholarships, Military Scholarships, Prestigious Scholarships, Average students scholarships, Scholarship for single mom, Scholarship for writing etc.

Since September 11, 2001, the United States has increased security at all of its borders and increased scrutiny for all visa applications to the U.S. Visitors must meet stringent criteria to obtain a visa prior to entering the country, including documenting financial capabilities to support the program of study and demonstrating compelling ties to the home country. Visas are issued by the State Department (DOS) at U.S. embassies and consulates. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies. CBP inspectors are responsible for admission of travelers to the U.S. at the port of entry, for a specified status and period of time. ICE is responsible for immigration enforcement and matters within the U.S.

International students pursuing degree programs generally need an F 1 (non immigrant) or student visa. After being accepted to study at an authorized institution, the student will need to apply with the Department of State at an U.S embassy or consulate for an F-1 (student) visa. There are visa fees to be paid, an interview to schedule, and an application to fill out. The authorized school will issue a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I 20 form, which will also be needed to apply for the F 1 visa.

Those coming for cultural exchanges or those who are financially supported by their home government may qualify for a J1 exchange visitor visa. International students must have insurance to cover accident, illness, medical evacuation, or return of remains in case of death. They must be able to support themselves financially during their stay.

An F1 visa student is permitted to work part-time on-campus (20 hours per week) but not off campus during the first year of study. After the first year of study, permission to work off campus may be granted by the school in cases of curricular work requirements (those in co-operative educations programs or with required internships or other work needs necessary for degree completion). The DHS/ICE may grant permission for off-campus employment after the first year in cases of demonstrated economic hardship. F1 students are also eligible for 12 months of optional practical training. Students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields may be eligible for up to 29 months of optional practical training. J1 students are eligible for 18 months of academic training (three years if completing a doctoral degree)

Important US visa processing units for US

• DOS (Department of State): Issues visas at US embassies and consulates.
• DHS (The Department of Homeland Security): Oversees ICE and CBP
• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcements): Responsible for enforcing immigration and customs laws in the US.
• SEVIS (Student Exchange and Visitors Information Systems): Online student tracking system. US institutes uses the SEVIS system to issue form I 20 for students.

General Visa processing for Students (F1)

• Process the application and be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor program (SEVP) by approved institutions in US at least six to twelve months prior to the US study program
• Make the essential payment to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fees (SEVIS)
• Fill in the US student visa application form by attaching recent photographs.
• Make payments towards the visa application fees.
• Schedule and attend the student visa interview with the concerned embassies in the country.
• Receive the visa stamped passport.

Extremely renowned for providing an optimum learning atmosphere, world class amenities, reputed faculties and facilities makes United States a well sought out place among the aspiring candidates around the world to pursue a post graduation. With more than 1900 colleges and institutions or universities offering Post Graduation courses in a wide number of subjects, US is still the best destination for fulfilling the dreams of an aspiring candidate. Every year more than just a thousand students from different corners of the world converge in top class American universities to do a PG of their choice. State of the art facilities with world famous institutions providing very productive and constructive study environment, always contributes to such students personal and social growth immensely. Students enrolling themselves in a graduate degree course in a US university undergo a study structure, different from any other country. Unlike other universities and colleges wherein students have to submit their thesis and researches to obtain the degree, the graduate coursework in US is a blend of research and taught courses. On successful completion of the curriculum, the degree, so earned, allows the students to pursue their choice of profession and fulfill their dreams of making it big in the industry they have longed for.

PG Degree Recognition from USA

A student procuring a graduate degree from United States is the biggest honor, pride and recognition irrespective of the university they graduate from. It’s recognized in every corner of the world. It’s widely acknowledged and rewarded accordingly in any industry the student choose to work with once such courses are completed.

PG degree Structure

US universities offer a postgraduate degree, or simply graduate degree, where in the students have the option of doing a Master’s degree in any of the two types of programs

• Academic
• Professional.

Depending on the subject chosen by the student, the course can last from one to three years. Academic courses provide the student with an entry into a career in academia or research, while professional courses provide the student with an entry into a particular profession of choice.

On completion of a Master’s degree, the candidates can either explore the job opportunities in the market or pursue higher studies with an intention of PhD. PhD programs are normally scheduled to be completed between four to eight years, depending on the student’s course, his ability, and complexity of the research work allocated to him. However, the course structure is quite different from the rest of the world. A graduate degree course in US does not follow pure research work. Both postgraduate and PhD programs comprise of research work and classroom lectures. A student’s performance for the PG courses in US is assessed with a combined evaluation of classroom participation, examinations, and papers.

Academic Calendar

American universities follow a slightly different academic calendar compared to other universities and educational institutions. The academic year followed in all US universities lasts for nine months, beginning in the late August or early September and extends until mid to late May or June. The year it is split into two, three, or four terms, called as semesters, trimesters, and quarters, ending with a long summer vacation. The most common is the semester system, breaking the academic year into two terms, namely fall and spring. Certain universities also run a summer school, extending from May to August, where in students can remake for any underperformances or study additional modules for earning extra credits.

Subjects for Post Graduation

• Agriculture and related subjects
• Applied and pure science
• Architecture
• Building and Painting
• Arts
• Aviation
• Beauty and Personal care
• Education and teaching
• Engineering
• Fashion Designing
• General Management and Business
• Hotel management and Hospitality
• Humanities
• IT and Computer science
• International Culture
• Literature and Foreign Languages
• Law
• MBA
• Mass Communication
• Media
• Medicine
• Life Science
• Music
• Dance
• Theatre
• Physiotherapy
• Sales, Marketing and retailing
• Social Sciences
• Therapeutic Personal care

Admission requirements for International Students

• All American universities demand a minimum of 16 years of formal education, inclusive of a four year Bachelor’s degree. Thus, if you have completed your graduation in three years, it is advisable that you pursue a post-graduate degree program for one year. This will make you eligible for applying to a postgraduate program in US.
• Universities in US follow the GPA (Grade Point Average) system, based on the 5 points scheme. Thus, it is advisable that you get your marks converted into the GPA system.
• Students applying for particular graduate courses, like MBA and MS, should submit an official transcript from each college or university they have attended after secondary school, indicating complete details of the subjects studied and other details, such as correspondence courses, diplomas, and so on. Most universities also demand the transcript to be sealed in an envelope, signed, and attested across the seal of the registrar. Get this done beforehand from every institution you have attended.
• In case your transcripts have been prepared in a language other than English, have them translated in English by the issuing authority or university.
• All educational institutions in the US require the students to qualify standardized tests, like GRE, GMAT, along with English proficiency tests, such as TOEFL, TWE, and TSE. The minimum TOEFL score required for applying to a graduate course by most universities is 570 for paper-based test and 230 for computer-based test.
• For admission in management courses, students should take the GMAT test, for courses other than management GRE test, for law LSAT, for medicine USMLE, and so on.
• Prepare a detailed resume of your professional work, including all information and details, like positions held, achievements, and range of work. Relevant work experience is important for admission to many professional and vocational courses, such as MBA and master’s courses in information studies.
• Letters of recommendation are another essential part of your documents while applying for a master’s degree or doctoral degree course in the US. Unless specified, it is advisable that you include at least two letters of recommendation in your application.
• Personal essays or statement of purpose play a vital role in the evaluation of application for both admission and financial aid as this gives an initial impression of you as an individual to the university. A personal statement illustrates your reasons for choosing the particular course, suitability of your education, experience for the course chosen, personal interests, and career goals.
• Health Insurance: Mostly, health insurance is a mandatory requirement by US universities for international students. Thus, students are required to have adequate international student health insurance protection, as universities do not want to bear the medical expenses of international students. Health or medical insurance in USA can cost about $300-$400 per year.
• Copy of your passport
• Photographs.

A student who hasn’t earned a bachelor’s degree yet while pursuing their courses or if he or she is in the process of learning is called as an undergraduate. Normally the course duration for a bachelors program in US is four years. An international student always has the option to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a community college, or a four year university or college. Your first two years of study as an international student will generally require a wide variety of classes in different subjects, commonly known as prerequisite courses; literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. This is so you achieve a general knowledge, a foundation, of a variety of subjects prior to focusing on a specific field of study. Many international students normally choose to study in a community college with an intention to complete the first two years of the prerequisite courses. They will earn an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree and then transfer to a four year university or college program.

A major is the specialization in which your entire course will be focused. You will be required to take a certain number of courses in this field in order to meet the degree requirements of your major. You must choose your major at the beginning of your third year of school.

A very unique characteristic of the American higher education system is that you can change your major multiple times if you choose. It is extremely common for American students to switch majors at some point in their undergraduate studies. Often, students discover a different field that they excel in or enjoy. The American education system is very flexible. Keep in mind though that switching majors may result in more courses, which means more time and money.

Two Year Programs

There are over 1500 two year colleges in US. They are either known as Junior high or community colleges. In most of the states, community colleges are run by a division of State University or by local special districts subject to guidance from a state agency.

Students who choose a two-year program route in higher education study to earn an associate degree or intermediate degree. Such degrees indicate that you have completed a program of study with a broad base in general education and a concentration in a specific area. For the same a student will require 60 semesters of credit hours, which typically takes about two years. Such programs generally consist of three parts

• General education
• Major Study (Focused area of study)
• Electives (Subject chosen by the candidate)

Under graduate Degrees (2+2 programs)

Kinds of associate degrees.

•  Associate of Arts degree
•  Associate of Science degree
•  Associate of Applied Science Degree

Such degrees are designed to help the students get transferred to a four year university or college. Some community colleges have automatic enrollment agreements with a local college, implying that the community college will provide their first two years of academic education and the university will provide the remaining years of study, may be in the same campus or in a different location.

Associate of Applied science degree are designed to prepare students to get into a job as soon as they finish their education within the two years. These degrees, also called occupational or vocational, are sometimes preferred by employers in science and technology related industries for mid level jobs.

Four Year Programs

More than 2,500 colleges, universities and educational institutions in US offer four year programs where in students earn a bachelor’s degree. In 2015, over 1.5 million people in US earned this degree. Commonly designated as a college degree, it typically takes four years to complete and is comprised of 120 to 128 semester credit hours. 60 of which may be transferred from an associate degree at a community college as mentioned above.

The four years dedicated by a student as an undergraduate with a university is typically known as freshman, sophomore, junior and senior respectively in different phases, distinguished by each year they progress. The curriculum of many undergraduate programs are based on liberal arts philosophy, under which students will be required to study courses from different range of subjects, to form a broad educational foundation. Such general educational courses include study in English composition, social sciences, humanities, history, mathematics and natural or physical sciences

Once the students have met the core curriculum requirements, they will be asked to choose a specific field of study, also known as the major. Your major should be in an academic area that is of great interest to you, and one in which you are likely to seek a career in the future. The final two years will be spent on taking more courses that are directly related to your major. Other four-year colleges and universities emphasize on preparing for special professional areas like fine arts, pharmacy, engineering, business, agriculture, and other specialized fields of study.

Degrees in law and medicine are not offered at the undergraduate level in US. Instead, they are completed as a professional study after receiving the bachelor’s degree. Neither law nor medical schools require a specific undergraduate major, although medical schools do have a set of prerequisite courses that should be taken before enrollment. Undergraduate students who are preparing to attend medical school following their undergraduate careers are known as pre-med.

Four Year Undergraduate Degrees

There are two kind of bachelor’s degree offered in US institutes, namely

•  B.A. Degrees (Bachelor of Arts degrees)
•  B.S. Degrees (Bachelor of Science degrees)

If you choose to earn a B.A., the majority of your coursework will typically be in arts, such as social sciences, humanities or even fine arts. Students who earn a B.S. degree take the majority of their courses in life, physical or mathematical sciences.

Students who major in certain fields such as business, engineering or science find that the curriculum is often more tightly structured than it is in the humanities or socials sciences. Business, science and engineering majors may have to take more courses related to their major field of study and have fewer electives, or optional courses.

More specialized bachelor’s degrees include:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A)
• Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng)
• Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (B.S.P.A)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N)
• Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil)
• Bachelor of Architecture Degree (B.Arch)
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des)

Graduate School in the USA is different from PhD study in Europe. As well as giving you the experience of living and studying in a different country, PhD study in the USA can broaden your research horizons, unlike other countries you might have short listed for a PhD. The kind of research work that student gets to carry out in a US university offers frequent opportunities to meet and study with leading scholars in the chosen field. Healthy interaction with faculty members and encouraging environment make the experience of pursuing a PhD program from USA an enriching and rewarding one.

PhD programs in US

Any one graduating with a PhD from a university in US, is considered as an expert in the relevant subject, like a veteran. Thus for any one, obtaining an American PhD is a prestigious honor. The career prospect for a candidate earning a PhD from a US educational institute is quiet broad on any global grounds.

PhD Degree Structure

Procuring a Master’s degree is an essential prerequisite for applying for PhD program. However, this may not be compulsory in all cases, as some universities and colleges in US, provide the opportunity of giving admission to PhD program directly after the Bachelor’s degree with exceptionally outstanding coursework records. The final decision of giving admission or not to such special cases lies entirely on the university or head of the university department. The duration of a doctoral degree in USA varies from a minimum period of three years to a maximum time of six years. The duration of the course purely depends upon the field chosen, ability of the student, and complexity of the research work undertaken. On successful completion of the doctoral degree, the university confers the subject scholar with an honorary doctorate degree and the scholar is deemed to add the title ‘Doctor’ before his or her name.

Subjects for Doctoral Study

• American Studies and Ethnicity
• Machine Learning and Statistics
• Algorithms
• Biomedical Engineering
• Combinatory and Optimization
• Bioengineering
• Bioinformatics
• Building Construction
• Chemical Engineering
• Computational Science and Engineering
• Computer Science
• Industrial designing
• Paper science and Engineering
• Robotics
• Nursing science program
• Material science and Engineering
• Computer science
• Nursing science programs
• Material science and engineering
• Classical Civilizations
• Environmental Engineering Sciences
• Agriculture
• Art
• History
• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Biomechanics
• Building constructions
• Counseling Psychology
• Criminology
• Law and Society
• Economics
• Film and Media
• Genetics
• Finance and Real Estate
• Geography
• Marketing
• Mass communication
• Music
• Philosophy
• Public policy and Administration
• Romantics
• Statistics
• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Criminology
• Applied Physics
• Botany
• Zoology

Admission Requirements for PhD

• The application procedure for PhD programs starts way before you even take your GRE/TOEFL exams. The subject, in which you desire to research on, should be chosen while you pursue your Master’s degree, to get a better perspective on what to expect for a doctorate study.
• Collect all your transcripts for the university coursework’s and degrees completed. Get your marks converted into grades, as all universities in US follow grading system and consider the same for the admission procedures.
• Keep the original copies of all your mark sheets and previous work experience certificates, as most of the universities in US ask for original documents. In case you cannot arrange for the originals, contact the university or the concerned authorities for alternatives.
• Take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) tests to ensure that you have scores that can increase your chances of getting admitted into a preferred university.
• Generate a statement of purpose, in about 800 to 1000 words, indicating why you aspire to join a particular program under a particular advisor, in a particular university. Also include information’s about yourself and your achievements in the past. Make sure that the SOP is well written and highlights your personality, as it is important admission criterions that can help the students score a lot during the admission process.
• Three letter of recommendations from people in academic or professional communities, who can positively address your capabilities and potential for undertaking doctoral work.

Application procedure

• Request for application forms from a number of universities at least 15 to 18 months prior to the proposed date of admission. You can either fill it up online with the university websites or send in a direct request by airmail or courier to the university, for the application material.
• After completing the application process, the essential documents, and formalities demanded by the Admission Office of the university needs to be covered.
• Send in the documents to the university before the final date of application. Make a note of the list of various tracking numbers issued, date of posting, and contents of every packet you have sent to the universities. Confirm the delivery of your documents through the respective tracking numbers.
• Make sure you have a valid passport
• Ensure that once the university issues the admission letter after a close scrutiny, you get the visa processing done according to the pre requisites.

Overview

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can be defined as an employment that forms an integral part of an established course curriculum, including alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the schools offering such course. CPT is available only prior to the completion of your degree program and it is essential to have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program, also this becomes a great help for the students to make a little bit of money while they study.

Kinds of CPT

There can be two types of CPT:

• Required for the academic program - Such academic program mandates the requirement of a practical in the student’s field of study, which makes it essential for the student to graduate.
• Non required for the academic program - Such work experience for the student helps in earning more credit and should be directly related to the field of study.

Essentials to apply for a non-required CPT

• You must be enrolled for a course that has provisions for CPT
• The designated CPT course must be set up and approved by the U-M Office of the Registrar.
• You must have declared a major in your field of study, if you are an undergraduate student.
• If you wish to engage in a CPT during the winter or fall term, you must be registered for the same during that term.
• If you wish to engage in CPT during the spring or summer term, you may register for the same either in the preceding winter term or during the spring or summer term.
• Students who are engaged in thesis/dissertation work and have finished their coursework are still eligible for CPT, one term at a time.
• Non required CPT will not be allowed for the student's final term unless they need to register for other courses which is required for the completion of the respective academic program.
• Failure to complete the CPT course will result in your falling out of legal F1 status.
• Adding a CPT course will definitely have an impact on the students tuition and fees.

Part time CPT and Full time CPT

Part Time CPT - Employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered as a part time CPT. Though there is no limitation for the length of time you may participate in part time CPT, you must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full time in order to maintain lawful F 1 status.

Full Time CPT - Employment for more than 20 hours per week is considered as a full time CPT. But such CPT’s ranging for 12 months or more of full-time CPT will invalidate the student’s eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) during the academic year (fall and winter semesters). For the same the student must be simultaneously enrolled for full time in classes order to maintain lawful F1 status.

Eligibility Criteria for CPT

• Students have to be lawfully enrolled on a full time for one academic year (i.e. out of the two full consecutive terms). If you are a graduate student and the program requires immediate participation, this requirement is waived.
• Be in lawful F1 status.
• The student should have UM approved health insurance.
• The student also needs to have a valid job offer.
• The student should not be enrolled in an intensive English language training program.

Overview

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which undergraduate or graduate students with F1 status and have completed or have been pursuing degrees for more than nine months are permitted to work for one year on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement their education. OPT provides F1 students with an opportunity for hands on work experience related to their relevant academic field of study by adding credits to their existing course.

Student Eligibility for OPT

• Student should be currently having legal F1 status
• The student should have been enrolled in a full course of study for one academic year (three quarters, including final exams weeks) or should complete one academic year by the time the OPT approval begins.
• The student should not have exceeded the 12 months of full time Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• The student should not have completed a 12 month OPT earlier for the same degree.
• Student should have applied for OPT authorization during their academic program or after the completion of the academic program.

https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study/research-your-options