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About USA

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People & culture

America is a melting pot of people from all over the world. Most Americans are very hospitable, friendly, kind, generous and accepting of foreigners. In general, the people are funny, gregarious, innovative, and eager to learn. These are traits that many international students adopt and take home with them.

Technology

Regardless of what degree a student chooses to pursue in school, he or she will have to use computers and other technologies in order to succeed. Many universities incorporate the latest technology into their curriculum, encouraging students to obtain proficiency before they go out into the workplace. Specialized technology, such as the newest medical equipment in medical schools, allows each student to maximize their true potential and gain experience that is marketable in the real world.

City-Life

Known for its welcoming and embracing culture, the US is home to many immigrants, especially in urban centers of New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. From youngsters born in US to professionals who leave behind their homes to fulfill their realistic (or unrealistic dreams), the US is one of the desired destination of a huge world population.

Transportation

The road network in the U.S. is well developed and well maintained. For those who drive, the roads will be a smooth ride and those that don't want to drive or simply can't, in most areas there is a decent public transportation system. In addition, many colleges and universities offer reduced rates to their students for public transportation.

The available options for moving around are:

Bicycles

Since campuses of universities often cover very large areas, many students find a bicycle an easy and inexpensive, way to commute to and from classes.

Buses

Bus services all over the U.S. are reliable, affordable and accessible.

Trains and Subways

These are the most frequent used modes of transportation in urban areas.

Taxis

Taxis are available in most urban areas and at airports and train stations, but can be quite expensive. Always ask how much a ride will cost before you go somewhere.

Plane

There are many airlines in the U.S. that offer flights to most locations. Be sure to check the Internet for fares as they tend to be cheaper online.

Money and Banking

The basic unit of exchange in the United States is the dollar ($), which is divided into 100 cents. There are four denominations of commonly used coins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents. A one-cent coin is a penny; a fivecent coin is a nickel; a ten-cent coin is a dime; and a 25-cent coin is a quarter. U.S. paper money (often called bills: for example, a "one-dollar bill") comes in single-bill denominations of one dollar ($1.00), two dollars ($2.00, but these are rare), five dollars ($5.00), ten dollars ($10.00), twenty dollars ($20.00), fifty dollars ($50.00), and one hundred dollars ($100.00).

Unlike in most other countries, U.S. bills of are of the same size and same color. They are differentiated from each other by the number value and by a portrait of a different U.S. historical figure on each denomination.

Almost all American banks now offer banking privileges 24 hours a day through "Automatic Teller Machines" or ATMs. When you open an account at a bank, you will be issued an ATM card and a personal identification number (PIN). You will be able to use this card in your bank's ATM to access your account and make transactions henceforth.

Food

In regard to the multinational culture in America, the cuisine is also as varied and as multicultural. You will find anything you want to eat in the big cities of America. For those of you who love experimenting with different cuisines, America is the place to be in. In addition, each region of America has its own distinct regional specialties to stimulate your appetite. From fast food outlets and coffee shops to formal five-course meals at plush restaurants, Americans are very fond of eating out.

Other relevant information

Driving: If you have a valid Driver's License from your own country you can drive with that in the US temporarily, but it would be very helpful to get an International Driving Permit from the authorities in your country as it stands as a kind of your verification card. If you are in the U.S. for more than 6 months, you will be required to apply for a U.S. driver's license; you can contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where you are living for more information. If you want to drive or learn to drive in the US you would be required to apply for a Learner's Permit at one of the DMV offices.

Cellular phones

Cellular phones are widely available in the United States, and most mobile phones purchased in other countries will not work in the United States. If you wish to have a cellular phone, it is best to get one after you arrive.

E-mail

At most U.S. colleges and universities, you will be assigned a free e-mail address. In some cases, Internet services are also free. Generally, U.S. colleges and universities have several computer rooms where you can check your e-mail, use the Internet, or use various software programs. In addition, most campuses these days are wireless so that you can access the Internet from anywhere on campus.

GEOGRAPHY

The Northeast

A region comprised of the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, the Northeast is a mix of diverse cultures and is renowned for its prestigious colleges and universities. Winters can be quite cold and snowy, and the summers are known for being hot and muggy.

The Middle Atlantic

Made up of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, DC and Maryland, the Middle Atlantic is the most well-known region of the U.S., as it boasts of being home to one of the biggest cities in the world, New York, and also the capital city of Washington, DC. Once known for shipping companies, now the Middle Atlantic is famous for being the corporate center of the finance, communications, and pharmaceuticals industries.

The South

The South traditionally known as the home to the very hospitable Southerner, welcome you to a temperate climate. The regions that make up the South are Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and some parts of Missouri, parts of Texas and Oklahoma.

The Midwest

Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, parts of Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and eastern Colorado build up the Midwest. The most fertile land, the Midwest covers the largest area of the U.S. It is known for being the center of old traditions, values, and customs.

The Southwest

The Southwest is an area most untouched by immigrants and outsiders. Well known for the beautiful Grand Canyon and the casino city of Las Vegas, it is comprised of western Texas, parts of Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada.

The West

Westerners are generally considered more open-minded and less traditional than others in the U.S., and this is one of the more culturally diverse areas of the country. It is made up of western Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.

EDUCATION SYSTEM

Types of Institutions and Programs

1. Trade / Vocational / Technical Schools:

Institutions under this category teaches job-specific skills, such as accounting, auto maintenance, secretarial skills, etc. These are mostly private, for-profit schools and have open admission.

2. Associate Degree Programs / Community Colleges:

Institutions under this category offer two-year degree programs (called an Associate degree) and transfer and articulation programs with four-year universities. They also offer many continuing education and enrichment courses for the community. They offer low tuition and open admission. Some of the community colleges are renowned for their strong academics and high percentage of transferring students.

3. Graduate Degree Programs Graduate level degrees

include the Master of Arts (MA), the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), the Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Master of Science (MS) and the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD), among others. Students who have already received their first higher education diploma are eligible to apply to graduate programs. Most Master's degrees are awarded after two years of study, although there are some one-year degree programs in certain fields. The Ph.D. is the highest academic degree in the U.S. This degree follows a Master's level degree and typically requires an additional three years of coursework and a lengthy dissertation.

4. Professional Degree Programs:

Programs under this category are intended to train practitioners as opposed to academics. Examples are medical, law, journalism, and business degree programs.

5. Liberal Arts Colleges/Universities:

A liberal arts college/university offers a curriculum designed to impart general knowledge with a focus on the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. These schools traditionally emphasize interactive instruction (although research is still a component of these institutions). They are known for being residential and for having smaller enrollment, class size, and teacher-student ratios than other undergraduate programs. These institutions also encourage a high level of student-teacher interaction.

A note on the term College vs. University:

In the past, colleges were primarily undergraduate institutions and universities offered both undergraduate and graduate degrees with a research-related focus, but now there is really no distinction between a university or college. For historical reasons, some institutions that offer undergrad and grad research -related programs are still called colleges (such as Boston or Dartmouth College’s) and some universities (like Wesleyan University), a liberal arts institution, offers only undergraduate degrees.

WHY STUDY IN USA

Should you study in the US? Why have so many international students chosen to study in the US over another country? Does the US still welcome international student? What are your US study options? The US hosts more international students than any other country in the world, a number fast approaching 600,000. In fact, international students comprise approximately 4% of the total undergraduate US University and US college population, and 10% for US graduate school. These international students from every continent in the world choose to study in the US because they believe that a US education would afford them the best preparation for their future. They leave homes, families and friends in order to pursue their dreams of an education in the US. In fact, International students who study in the US contribute more than $13 billion to the US economy!

Excellent Academics

It is believed that world's finest higher education is available in the U.S., especially in the field of technology. U.S. degrees are accepted across the world and are considered to be among the most prestigious.

Flexibility in Course Curriculum

In addition to their major field of study and courses, students often have the option to take courses (called "electives") in other subject areas, based on their interests. In addition, the selection of course offerings at most colleges and universities is very large and diverse. Sometimes students may even be able to "cross-register" or take courses at other nearby universities as part of their degree program.

Financial Assistance

In some situations, financial assistance is provided to international students. Most of the universities financially support international students either in the form of providing teaching or research assistantships. These assistantships are based on academic merit, rather than financial need. Awarded students will receive stipends, and/or either partial or full tuition waivers. In some cases, a student's education could turn out to be completely free if the student exhibits exceptional skills in his or her field of study. Students also have the

opportunity to receive grants, loans, and scholarships from various organizations.

On-Campus Work Opportunities

Most colleges and universities allow international students to work on their campus as part-time employees. Students who are on F-1 student visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours a week in the summer or vacation periods. The students are usually paid an hourly rate (usually from US$ 8.00-US$15.00 an hour), and their earnings help to cover their living expenses. Students are placed in jobs based on their financial need and personal skills and experience. For example, English major may be placed at the university library, while someone who has a lifeguard certification may be placed at the campus Aquatic Center.

Job Opportunities/Professional Training

Once students complete their degrees, they are authorized to work full-time for one year in a related field in order to gain practical experience. (As of 2008, students in certain fields can extend this to 17 months.) This program is called the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Many talented students are hired as a permanent employee after they complete their OPT period by securing sponsorship from their employers for an H-1 visa. The H1B visa is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Accounting, or Marketing. Students may continue their work without leaving the U.S. after the status change approval.

Value

The success of any student will be directly proportional to the amount of dedication and hard work him or her exercises. Undoubtedly, the U.S. offers a very high quality of education. The variety of skills and cross-cultural environment can make the learning experience in U.S. universities a rich and unique one. With such diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, international students are better prepared for working with absolute ease anywhere in the world.

High Quality Research

If research is the passion, the U.S. is the right choice. There are numerous research opportunities in every field that allow students to gain practical experience during their studies. In addition, due to funding from the U.S. government and public and private corporations, students who work as research assistants often receive a waiver of tuition fees and are provided with a stipend to help with their living expenses.

Cultural Exchange

Apart from what is taught in the classroom, international students also get to interact with and learn from other students from many different countries and diverse religions, cultures, economic and ethnic backgrounds. This experience can be eye-opening for many international students and helps them to become true global citizens.

Internships

Students are allowed to work as interns in their respective academic fields outside of the campus during summer vacation. There are internship programs during the academic year as well. Internships are a valuable part of education as they help students gain practical experience while taking classes. Most universities also offer academic credit for internship experience.

International Student Affairs Offices

Most of the U.S. colleges and universities have an international student affairs office with advisors who provide extraordinary support to international students to help them and to get the most out of their educational experience. In addition to immigration and academic advising, these offices also often host events and workshops to help international students meet other students and get involved in campus life.

SCHOLARSHIP AND LOANS

Obviously scholarships and grants are the most desirable way to pay for education so it is important to plan ahead and apply for as many scholarships as possible. One should begin looking into this at least a year in advance, as many scholarship deadlines require students to apply early, even before they have learned of their admissions decision. In addition, if money is a concern, one should look into applying to those colleges and universities that offer scholarships and awards to international students-at the undergraduate level. Only a handful of well-endowed colleges and universities in the U.S. are able to meet the financial need of all the students they admit, and admission to these schools is usually very competitive. Financial aid in the form of scholarships is more often available at the graduate level, but the amount of support varies and in some professional graduate programs, such as programs in Law, Business (MBA) and Journalism, very little aid is available to support students.

Most types of scholarships for international students are highly competitive and require excellent academic records. Students often find the terms "scholarships" and "financial aid" used interchangeably, but technically speaking, a scholarship is a financial award based on merit, including outstanding academic performance, special talent in sports or performing arts, or perhaps community service or leadership. Financial aid is a "need-based" grant based on the student's financial need, as documented by family income, assets, and other factors. Once offered admission in a program, students must contact the department chair to inquire about institutional awards and possible assistantships or parttime jobs on campus. (An assistantship usually involves 10-20 hours a week of work as a teaching assistant in a classroom or lab, or doing research. These positions often include a tuition waiver and in some cases, an hourly wage.) The department may also have listings of private and outside non-profit organizations that offer scholarships to students in the respective field of study. One should also research possible funding from their own country's local government, corporate, or foundation sources. Fulbright grants are another way to pay for your graduate-level studies in the U.S.; deadlines are usually in May, and would need to apply at least one year in advance of beginning the program.

AVERAGE FEES

Chart of Average Educational Costs in the U.S: (All amounts indicated are in USD $)

USA (PUBLIC) TUITION FEES LIVING EXPENSE
Undergraduate 10,000-30,000 US $/Year 7,200-12,000 US $/Year
Graduate 10,000-30,000 US $/Year 7,200-12,000 US $/Year
USA (PRIVATE) TUITION FEES LIVING EXPENSE
Undergraduate 15,000-45,000 US $/Year 8,000-12,000 US $/Yea
Graduate 15,000-45,000 US $/Year 8,000-12,000 US $/Year

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