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United States

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USA

From an operating system that the world uses to a phone that the world desires and from a search engine that the world relies on to a network that ushered in the social media revolution, the USA is home to new age behemoths such as Google and Facebook along with vintage stalwarts such as Microsoft and Apple. An elegant combination of fast paced cites that boast of the best lifestyle in the world with stunningly beautiful natural marvels is what draws millions every year through their charm and charisma. Add to that one of the most powerful currencies and governments in the world and what you have is a world leader in all aspects.

Statistics show that currently more than 750,000 international students are nestled in the USA. Historical figures say that a mammoth 30% of the students opting for overseas education every year chose USA thereby making it the neumero uno and uncrowned king of international education. Such staggering numbers are hardly surprising as the USA boasts of 7 of the top 10 and 76 of the top 200 universities from across the globe.

Why Study in the USA?

The education system in the USA is befitting of its global image – varied, extravagant and widely coveted. With over 5,500 universities averaging at about 115 per state, the options are manifold, and everyone is bound to find what they are looking for. Furthermore, an advanced infrastructure that provides multiple job opportunities during and after education along with chances of securing a permanent residence make USA one big life changing package for prospective students. Interestingly, incentives such as on campus jobs along with assistantship opportunities give a student the chance to drastically reduce living and tuition expenses thereby taking a huge financial load off the parents. Over and above academics, the world-renowned lifestyle of the country with options for entertainment and leisure aplenty are sure to appease one and all. Let us take a virtual journey on what it would be like to prepare, study and work in the USA.

Preparing for a Degree in the USA –

A brief look at what goes into getting ready for an education in the USA.

  • (1) Exams Needed – GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, SAT, ACT

    Most universities in the US like to a holistic view of a student’s academic record and thus test scores like TOEFL, SAT, ACT and even GRE and GMAT for graduate school are necessary. Proficiency in English being a mandatory requirement, a minimum TOEFL score of 90 for post graduate and 80 for undergraduate is a must along with IELTS score of 6.5 for post graduate and 6.0 for undergraduates. Once a student is ready with compliant scores in the tests, the next step is the detailed and intricate application process which can be split into two major segments.

  • (2) University Application Process

    (a) Form Submission

    Submitting a duly completed application form along with application fee ($50-100) per university along with documents such entrance exam scores, SOP and LOR’s and an academic transcript from their current education institute and doing a one on one interview with the university if needed.

  • (b) Issuance of I20 Document by University

    Upon submission of all the required documents and form, the University issues a “Confirmation of Acceptance of the Student” known as an I-20 which is an integral document while applying for an F-1 and an M-1 student visa. Along with first time entry the I-20 is needed to re-enter after a short outside visit and for the entry of family and dependents.

  • (3) Visa Process

    The F1 visa is granted to students who wish to study in the US. Generally, the ideal time to apply for the visa is 120 days prior to the start of the course. The steps involved for the same are as follows.

    (a) Visa Application

    Along with the necessary financial and identity documents, the I-20, the SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and the filling of the DS-160 for online application completes the Visa Application.

  • (b) Visa Fees

    After the submission of the form, the visa fees must be paid through one of the various methods of payment. Upon successful payment, the student can book an appointment at the U.S embassy for the visa interview.

  • (c) Interview Preparation

    At this stage the student is ideally advised to consult his counselor and have mental preparation and complete clarity about various questions such as Why the US? And why this university? to crack this interview.

  • (d) Visa Interview

    On the day, a print out of the appointment letter along with the entire case file that includes all the documents submitted so far will be needed while appearing for the interview. The Interview is a session with the officer at the embassy who will assess a student’s case and decides if a visa should be granted or not.

  • (e) Visa Outcome

    The decision is immediate as on the day of the interview itself you can know if your visa is accepted or rejected. In case of a rejection the passport is handed over directly and in the case of an acceptance the passport is delivered within a week with the necessary stamps. It is important to note that one must travel within 30 days of commencement of the course as per the I20.

Successfully getting a degree – The Phase of Grinding and coming out on top

  • (1) Course Duration

    Typically, a US undergraduate degree requires four years with each year running for close to nine months and a graduate program can go on for an average of 1.5-2 years depending on the number of credits to be completed.

  • (2) Cost – Tuition and Living expenses

    Tuition Fees

    Between State Funded and Private – the tuition fees can range from USD 10,000 on the lower end in State funded universities to USD 45,000 on the higher end in privately run universities. However, an interesting fact here is that the fees of a university is not the only metric to judge its quality as at times universities with lower fees might have a higher demand than those with higher fees.

  • Living Expenses

    Assuming a student leads a relatively modest life during his education a rough estimate of living expenses comes up-to USD 800-1000 per month or roughly USD 10,000-USD 12,000 per year. (Also, there a various tips and tricks to bring down living expenses that the student can use as well.) (this bracket shows an example of a click bait that we spoke about wherein the hyperlink will be given on the words ‘tips and tricks”)

  • (3) Loans - Scholarships – Student Employment

    While a degree from the US might seem expensive on the surface, the financial burden can be brought down significantly using a mix of options such as Loans from Indian banks, Scholarships and Funding from the universities and on campus student employment.

    (a) Loans

    Most government and private banks in India offer student loans ranging from as low as Rs 50,000 to as high as Rs 30,00,000 with varying interest rates and flexible re payment conditions.

  • (b) Scholarships

    Several privately managed financial institutes, using the Foreign Student Financial Aid (FSFA) process, offer financial aids of various sorts to students depending on their overall profile. Along with that there is an interesting concept of Assistantships such as Research or Teaching Assistantships whereby students are offered a chance assist a professor in return for varying financial incentives which are at times as high as a full tuition waiver. This brings a dual benefit whereby the student can learn and earn at the same time.

  • (c) Student Employment

    Policies in the USA allow students on an F-1 Visa to take on campus jobs for a maximum of 20hrs per week during course time and 40hrs per week during vacations. These jobs typically pay between USD 7-10 per hour and prove to be a great way of making ends meet.

  • (4) Academic Freedom - Possibility to change fields, courses

    Academic Freedom is a trademark of the US education system whereby a student can swap courses, specializations and even Universities during their tenure. This is especially helpful if a student desires to pursue a different field of study or is attracted to a different career after picking up a course.

Life After a Degree – Setting up for a life time of change

  • (1)Vise Tenure and Re-application

    F1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date mentioned on their I-20 form. However, that doesn’t spell the end of time in the US. Depending on the course a student can apply for a job within a 12-29 month long Optional Practical Training period. After the completion of the OTP, a student can apply for a 3-year long H-1 work visa which is renewable once thereby allowing them to work for 6 additional years.

  • (2) Average Salaries and growth options

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the average yearly salary for engineers is above median – USD 91,000. The report also stated that the growth opportunities for engineers are bound to increase in the decade spanning 2016-2026 due the increasing digitalization of the world.

  • (3) Scope of Permanent Residence

    After the completion of the OTP and the H-1 visa, a student can apply for a “Green card” or a permanent residency. After a prescribed waiting period the student may or may not be granted a Green Card.

  • (4) Opportunities in India

    It’s not necessary that taking an education from the USA accompanies settling down there as well. A student may choose to return to India immediately after his education or after working for a few years. The grass is green on this side as well with job opportunities in branches of the same company, teaching opportunities in top notch colleges and high paying job opportunities in various Indian companies. Furthermore, startup founders who are degree holders from the USA have been statistically shown to get more support from the investor community in India.

    Weather it’s a “go and come back” or a “go and settle” there, time spent in the USA will be a life changing experience. International exposure, developing character skills and living in the most technologically advanced nation in the world will open millions of new doors for anyone that dares to step out of their comfort zone and take the massive step.