Studying | Healthcare | Accommodation | Travel | Visa | Student Voice
Life on campus and a plethora of extracurricular activities form a student world that one might see in the movies. Various associations give you the opportunity to have your voice heard and to gain some valuable experience. Educational options allow you to formulate your own curriculum by choosing classes that you wish to take, while living on campus allows you to meet new people and make great friends.
The Department of State-Affiliated Educational Advising Centre should provide you with all the information you need when seeking study within the USA as a foreign student. Your university or the advising centre in your country should have a list of national universities and their exchange programs available in the U.S. They will also let you know about all the prerequisites and the details.
The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is a membership organization of nearly 220 higher education institutions in the United States and 35 other countries that are committed to international exchange. ISEP serves its member institutions and their students by facilitating affordable university-level exchanges on a reciprocal basis. ISEP is committed to international educational exchange as an integral component of higher education, accessible to all students regardless of social and economic background.
Studying abroad for a semester or a year on an ISEP exchange costs little more than studying and living at home. You pay the normal cost of tuition, room and board to your home institution, creating a place for an incoming student, and take up a place at an institution abroad created by an ISEP participant from that university.
In addition to your normal tuition, room, and board costs, the actual program fee charged by your home institution will include a modest administrative fee and the cost of providing 'vacation benefits' to incoming students. (While you are abroad, you will receive vacation benefits as well as housing and meals during vacation periods within the academic year).Healthcare is not covered by the State, and so you can choose the services you require and the provider. Your university should provide you with a list of possible companies and best choices for you as an international student living abroad for a limited period of time. The admissions office should provide you with some information when sending you the applications.
Students cannot enroll in classes without the proof of insurance. Carefully examine what is covered under your insurance and at what percentage (usually you do not get reimbursed the whole amount) and its duration; an academic year, a semester or calendar year.
For more information on healthcare in the USA, please visit International Student.
Almost all US colleges and universities provide their students with the option to live in residence halls or dormitories. These are great places to meet US students and make new friends rapidly. They are usually equipped with basic furniture, and many dormitories in the United States also have a cafeteria. In some dorms there may be a kitchen for those who would rather cook for themselves. Dormitories usually have common rooms where students can get together to watch television, play games, or simply be with friends.
Most schools have Housing Offices for both on and off campus accommodation. Typically the Office will have established contacts with agencies and have people in charge of aiding students. They will most likely also provide you with a list of agencies in the city if you decide to look for housing on your own.
The US is served by several major national airlines, together with many regional carriers. You can book tickets directly with the airlines, through a travel agent, or via the Internet.
Public transport in the US varies significantly from city to city, although several of the major US cities have a dependable, comprehensive system.
Amtrak is the US national rail carrier. Amtrak offers residents of foreign countries a USA Rail Pass which entitles you to unlimited travel for one predetermined price for a specified number of days. However, the pass must be purchased outside the US
When deciding where to live, ensure that you take the price of transportation into account, as this can affect your budget considerably. If you need to take public transport daily, it is recommended that you get a monthly pass to save on transport expenses.
Bus travel is often the least expensive way to travel in the US and provides excellent opportunities for travelling around the country. Reservations are not required, but if you are considering travelling or touring by bus, you should try to make reservations.
The Greyhound Bus Company is the major bus company serving the US, and sometimes offers special fares for those touring the country. It also has a special touring fare called Ameripass, available for travel anywhere in the United States. It may be purchased in the United States.
International students often get together to travel and share the costs of renting a car and staying in hotels. You probably will not be the only person who will want to see more of the country. However, for your security and comfort, make sure you choose your travel companions carefully.
Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will need an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa. However, there are other visas that may be authorized for those who study in the US:
F-1, or Student Visa
This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.
J-1, or Exchange Visitor
This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the US The J-visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs.
M-1, or Student Visa
This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the US.
Ensure that you bring all relevant documents with you to the interview, including the visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019), financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application form. Ensure that you complete the visa application correctly by following the Department of State website procedures carefully.
Note: The US Embassy/Consulate cannot issue a visa more than 90 days before the actual start of your program in the US However, ensure that you apply as soon as is possible. If you are an initial entry student, you are not allowed to enter the United States more than 30 days before the start of your program. Returning students do not have this requirement.
Learn from the experiences of other students and share your experiences of going overseas at International Student Blogs and Forums.
