Tips and Tricke Student Guide

Tips and Tricke Student Guide

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International Students’ Guide to Studying in the USA

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International Students’ Guide to Studying in the USA







Transitioning to the United States for educational pursuits can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience, often accompanied by a profound cultural shift. As you embark on this journey, you'll encounter a plethora of new encounters – a new country, new friendships, and a myriad of novel experiences await. However, the initial steps can pose challenges. That's where having ample resources at your disposal becomes crucial. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower students with the knowledge necessary to effectively leverage on-campus resources, thereby streamlining their transition into American academic life. Covering essential topics such as financial aid opportunities, international student loans, campus culture, and strategies to navigate common obstacles faced by international students, this guide serves as a roadmap to maximize your time and experience in the United States.

Here are some quick insights into the landscape of international students in the United States:

  1. Growing Presence:

  2. The United States continues to attract a significant number of international students, with their numbers steadily increasing over the years.


  4. Diverse Origins:

  5. International students hail from a multitude of countries worldwide, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of American campuses.


  7. Educational Opportunities:

  8. Students come to the U.S. to pursue various levels of education, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, as well as specialized programs and research opportunities.


  10. Economic Impact:

  11. International students make substantial financial contributions to the U.S. economy through tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenditures.


  13. Career Aspirations:

  14. Many international students aspire to gain valuable skills and experiences during their studies in the U.S. to enhance their career prospects globally.


  16. Cultural Exchange:

  17. Interactions between international and domestic students foster cross-cultural understanding and enrich the academic and social fabric of American universities.


  19. Challenges and Support:

  20. While international students encounter unique challenges such as language barriers and cultural adjustment, they also have access to various support services provided by universities and communities.

Overall, international students play a vital role in the U.S. higher education landscape, contributing to academic excellence, cultural diversity, and global engagement.

  1. Growing Presence:

  2. The United States continues to attract a significant number of international students, with their numbers steadily increasing over the years.

    • In the 2019-2020 academic year, there were almost 1.1 million international students in the United States.
    • In the 2019-2020 academic year, China was the top origin for international students, representing 35 percent of the total, followed by India (18 percent), South Korea (5 percent), and Saudi Arabia (3 percent).
    • Since 2000, the enrollment of international students in colleges around the country has increased 72 percent.
    • The states with the most international students are California, New York, and Texas.

Research the Best Universities and Colleges

Embarking on the journey of researching colleges in the United States can feel like navigating a vast ocean of options. With thousands of institutions offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, it's essential to streamline your search process. The first step in this endeavor is to identify your university priorities.

To kickstart your exploration, we recommend utilizing resources such as the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator site. This platform offers comprehensive data on colleges and universities across the nation, allowing you to filter institutions based on criteria like location, program offerings, cost, and student demographics.

In addition to College Navigator, here are some additional resources that can aid you in finding the right university fit:

  1. College Board's BigFuture: This interactive tool provides personalized college recommendations based on your preferences and academic profile. It also offers valuable information on admission requirements, financial aid, and campus life.

  2. The Princeton Review: Known for its college rankings and student reviews, The Princeton Review offers insights into various aspects of college life, including academics, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities.

  3. Naviance: If you have access to Naviance through your high school, this platform offers resources for college and career planning, including college search tools, admission statistics, and scholarship information.

  4. College Visits and Fairs: Attend college fairs and schedule campus visits to get a firsthand look at different universities. This allows you to gauge the campus environment, interact with current students and faculty, and assess whether the institution aligns with your preferences and goals.

  5. Guidance Counselors and Advisors: Seek guidance from your high school counselors or independent educational consultants who can provide personalized advice and assistance throughout the college search and application process.

By leveraging these resources and carefully considering factors such as academic offerings, campus culture, location, and financial considerations, you can create a curated list of colleges that align with your aspirations and preferences. Remember, the best college for you is one that not only meets your academic needs but also fosters personal growth and fulfillment.

  • U.S. News Top Colleges for International Students
    U.S. News provides a list of the colleges and universities with the most international students.
  • eduPASS Guide to the Top Universities for International Students
    This university ranking is based on the three factors that matter most to international students and their families: value, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere for international students.
  • Big Future
    Big Future’s college search engine finds colleges and universities just right for you.  Quickly perform a college search by major, location, type of college, financial aid, and more.
  • Top Colleges for International Students
    What does “accredited” mean and which U.S. university rankings do international students need to know? This guide takes a closer look at U.S. college ranking systems and the top universities in the U.S.
  • Times Higher Education University Rankings
    The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, founded in 2004, is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world’s best universities.
  • Most Popular Majors for International Students
    Explore the most popular majors among international students in the U.S., and discover how country of origin affects the choice of major.
  • Poets and Quants
    This website covers all that matters in the business school world, with in-depth analysis of B-schools rankings and full-time MBA programs.

Financial Aid & International Student Loans Resources

Securing funding for an education abroad, particularly in the United States, can pose significant challenges for many students. International Student Loans present a viable solution by offering financial assistance covering the entirety of college or university expenses, subtracting any other aid received. These funds can be allocated towards various educational costs, including tuition, textbooks, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.

If you're in need of additional financial support to pursue your international education, there are several alternative avenues worth exploring to supplement your funding:

  1. Scholarships and Grants: Numerous organizations, institutions, and governments offer scholarships and grants specifically designed for international students. These awards can help offset tuition costs and alleviate financial burdens.

  2. Work-Study Programs: Some universities provide work-study opportunities for international students, allowing them to earn income while gaining valuable work experience on campus. These positions may be within academic departments, libraries, or student services offices.

  3. Part-Time Employment: Off-campus part-time employment opportunities can also supplement your finances. However, it's essential to ensure compliance with visa regulations and prioritize academic responsibilities.

  4. Internship Programs: Participating in internship programs can offer not only valuable professional experience but also potential financial compensation. Explore internship opportunities relevant to your field of study to offset educational expenses.

  5. Crowdfunding and Fundraising: Online platforms allow individuals to create fundraising campaigns to solicit support from family, friends, and even strangers. Share your educational aspirations and financial needs through these channels to garner assistance.

  6. Educational Sponsorship: Seek sponsorship from companies, organizations, or individuals who may be willing to fund your education in exchange for academic or professional commitments post-graduation.

  7. Financial Aid Offices: Consult with the financial aid offices of prospective universities to explore available funding options, including institutional scholarships, emergency funds, and payment plans tailored to international students' needs.

If you need help finding the financial resources to support your international education, there are a number of other options that you can explore when looking for sources of funding.

  • IEFA
    IEFA is the premier resource for international scholarship and grant information for students.
  • MPOWER Financing
    We provide international student loans with no-cogisner or credit history required.
  • eduPASS
    Provides a list of costs to include in your personal budget on top of tuition, housing, and meals.
  • International Student
    Provides international students and study abroad students with access to a range of loan products to help fund their education abroad.
  • International Students Find Ways to Pay High Tuition
    Voice of America provides this great article and accompanying interview with an international student who figured out how to attend school in America without breaking the bank.

Scholarship Opportunities

Researching opportunities to receive scholarships for your international education is a great route to pursue. The following websites provide information about scholarship opportunities specifically for international students:

Student Visa & Immigration Resources

Once you’ve been accepted to a school and program as an international student, it’s time to begin the process of obtaining your student visa. While this may seem like an intimidating process, it’s more straightforward than you might think. Before going to your visa appointment, make sure you have all required documents that are listed in this list of from the U.S Department of State. 

Here are additional resources that will help you with the process of obtaining your student visa.

  • Student Visa Overview
    This overview from The U.S. Department of State helps you determine which type of visa would be best for you and how to apply for one. 
  • How to Get Your Visa
    Find out how to apply for a U.S. student visa, and what requirements you’ll need to meet.
  • How to Use Your Visa
    After you’ve obtained your student visa and have permission to study at a U.S. college there are a few things to do to prepare. Learn what happens next!
  • Apply for a Visa
    Information about the step-by-step U.S. visa application process for F-1, J-1, and M-1 undergraduate student visa types.
  • The F-1 Visa, Explained
    The F-1 visa allows a student to temporarily live in the U.S. for a defined period of time while studying. This guide explains the application process.
  • F-1 or J-1 Student Visa
    Understanding the different U.S. student visa types can seem overwhelming and confusing. Read more to help you decide which one to pursue.
  • M-1 Student Visa
    The M-1 visa allows international students to enter the U.S. to study on a full-time vocational course at a recognised technical college or other educational institution.
  • F-1 Visa Interview Questions
    This guide helps you prepare for your F-1 student visa interview.

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