International Study Guide

Toll Free Nos.:

Course Search

Advance Search

Student Login

Forgot Password ?

New User? REGISTER NOW !

Coping With The Stress Of Studying Away From Home

Home | Living And Learning | United States Of America

United States Of America

Basic


Situated mostly in Central North America the United States of America commonly referred to as the United States, the U.S., the USA, or America was founded by immigrants (from Europe) and they continue to come from all over the world ever since. Therefore United States calls itself 'The nation of Immigrants', as a result of which, it is a host to every kind of culture along with every kind of climate, lifestyle and landscape imaginable. USA is especially very popular amongst foreign students, who go there every year leaving their family and friends, with a dream to be a part of the US education, with the belief that it would afford them the best preparation for life. In fact, the international students successfully completing their US study are the most sought-after by employers, world wide.

People

The United States is a multi-ethnic nation, home to people of different ethnic and national backgrounds. One of the most basic principles of American Philosophy is that people are equal and deserve equal opportunity in life. Americans very strongly believe in competition, be it amongst people or businesses. Individuality and self-expression is encouraged and so is honesty and directness as against many other cultures. Americans are also very patriotic. Weekends and vacations are always full of activities as they make full use of their free time by doing something for themselves, their family and friends or their community.

Climate

The climate of USA is as varied as the people who inhabit its lands. Due to the immense size and spread of topology, the temperature range runs between the extremes of 57o C in California in the summers to -62o C in Alaska in the winters. While the northern states experience bitter winters, their southern counterparts are warmer and rarely have the temperatures dipping below the freezing point, therefore rightly called the 'Sunbelt'. Spring and autumn are generally mildly warm and sunny.

Language

The United States does not have an official language; however, the majority of the population speaks English as a native language (about 82 %.) The Spanish language is the second-most common language in the country, spoken by almost 30 million people. Both Spanish and English have the status of official language.

Currency and Money

The United States dollar is the unit of currency of the United States. The U.S. dollar is normally abbreviated as the dollar sign, $, or as USD or US$.

Living Arrangements

Upon arrival in the US, a student needs to make a decision regarding housing i.e. if he/she wants to live on or off-campus. There are loads of options available in both the cases. Most schools provide on-campus accommodations to its students, which can also be a cheaper option (depending upon the location of the school) apart from having the advantage of using everything that the school has to offer at your convenience. However, some schools (called 'commuter schools') do not offer any housing, in which case they generally do offer an off-campus housing office to assist students in finding an appropriate place to live.

Cost of living

Depending upon the location and lifestyle, the cost of living in US can be varied. Big cities like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Chicago tend to have higher cost of living as compared to their counterparts in the southern central part of USA. Cost of living depends upon several cost factors like place of residence, housing or apartment rents, auto insurance and health insurance, state taxes, food and utilities etc. Therefore, it is advisable to choose the option that suits you the best based on comparison. Even the fuel rates vary based on the gas station's location.

Leisure, Entertainment

A typical American student would rather ago out and do something than sit at home. There are unlimited leisure and entertainment options available for an International Student in America, on and off-campus. Sports in general are tremendously popular in American culture. For schools that do not offer recreational/health centres on campus, there are several off campus options like the YMCA, YWCA and other private health clubs. Apart from this there are several social activities going on in the campus everyday. Other options include sightseeing or attending one of the community fairs, rodeos, circuses or parades which are fun and can also give you the glimpse of the American culture.

Student Visa

There are three different student visas that can be issued to an international student coming to the United States:
1. F1 - The "F" visa is issued to students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program. F-1 status allows for part-time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week). Additionally, students can work on optional practical training (OPT) for up to one year after completion of their academic program.

2. J1 - A J1 visa is issued to students who need to obtain practical training that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. J-1 student status allows for similar employment as the F-1 visa, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor.
3. M1 - An M1 visa is issued to students who are going to attend a non-academic or vocational school and are not permitted to work during the course of their studies.

Applying for your Visa
Before applying for a visa, all student and exchange visitor applicants are required to be accepted and approved for their program and acquire the necessary approval documentation to be submitted when applying for a visa.
After obtaining the necessary documentation the applicant needs to:
1. Set an appointment with the Consulate for the Student Visa for their USA admission. This can be done by visiting the Consulate website--- http://www.usembassy.gov/
2. Pay the fee: The applicant needs to pay two kinds of fee-
a) Student Visa Fee (paid at the local bank where youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ll receive a receipt)
b) SEVIS fee (paid online; see www.fmjfee.com).
3.Assemble and submit the following documents at the US Embassy or Consulate:

      a) SEVIS I-20 or SEVIS DS-2019, issued by a U.S. college, school, or university
      b) Application form DS-156
      c) Contact information and work history form DS-0158M.
      d) Males between the ages of 16 and 45 must complete form DS-0157.
      e) A passport valid for at least six months after entry into the United States
      f) One (1) 2x2 photograph
      g) A receipt for visa processing fee, information available from the consulate or at the specific      consulate Web site
     h) SEVIS fee receipt.
     i) Financial documentation supporting study in the United States, as indicated on the I-20 or DS-2019
     j) Letter of admission, evidence of applicant's TOEFL test score, diplomas or transcripts from previous study-may not be required but a consular officer may request this information.

The applicant must prove to the consular officer that:
1. you have strong ties to a residence in a foreign country (this will most likely be your home country) and
2. that you have no intention of permanently leaving your home country,
3. that you will leave the United States when you have completed your studies.

Arrival at the US Port of Entry:
It is ultimately up to the INS [The immigration and Naturalization service] to let you into the United States by issuing you form I-94 (a small white card) which shall be your permit to stay in the US.
Many international students, who plan on working during their study tour in America, must attend school full-time for them to be eligible to work there.

Insurance

Having a Health Insurance during your study tour in America can not only be beneficial- receiving quality health care and benefits, and saving thousands of dollars in case of an emergency or illness- but can often be one of the criteria of admission to almost every school accepting a foreign student on an 'F' visa. The cost of the International Students Medical Insurance can range from $50 to $200+ per month. Affordable plans are available online, as well as through local area networks in the state you are pursuing studies.


Home \| About Us \| Living And Learning \| Universities \| University Visit \| Courses \| Student's Blogs \| Educational News \| Refer A Friend \| Travel Advice \| Currency Converter \| Coping With The Stress \| Write to Us \| Advertise with us \| Terms & Conditions \| Privacy Policy \| Feedback Useful Links : UK Border Agency \| IELTS