About USA
Many people call it the land of opportunity, USA is one of the financial and economic
power house in the world. It is divided into 50 states and a federal district and has
over 317 millions people and the fourth largest country in the world. it has countless
highly reputable colleges and universities, either public or privately owned. USA offers
many great study destination such as San Fransisco, New York, California, Seattle, Los
Angeles and many others.
Student Visa
Obtaining student visa to USA is relatively easy. First, you need to receive acceptance
to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school, your designated school
official (DSO) will give you a document called a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility
for Nonimmigrant Status”.
The Form I-20 is a paper record of your information in the database called SEVIS. Each
school that accepts you will mail you a Form I-20. Before you apply to pay the I-901
student fee, you must select one school and use that Form I-20 to pay the I-901 fee and
to apply for the correct student visa.
Regulation requires all prospective F and M students to pay the I-901 Student and
Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee before the Department of State issues
you a visa.
After being accepted to an SEVP-certified school and getting a receipt for payment of
the I-901 fee, you can apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Why Study in USA
Top 5 Reasons Why Studying in the US
1. Qualifications Valued Around the World
World class learning institutions & Education Quality. US universities dominate all the
recognized global ranking tables.
2. Commitment to Excellence
One of the highest selling points of American education is perhaps its worldwide
reputation of commitment to excellence. Only the best students around the world are
admitted to the top schools in the US, where quality education is imparted to them by an
expertly trained faculty. This quality education is thereby upheld year after year and
the degrees that students attained in the US are not just widely recognized and
accepted, but also widely respected around the world.
3. Academic Flexibility
You will soon discover that the education system in the US is a lot different from your
home country. The US education system offers a kind of flexibility in terms of the
courses that are offered, which enables you select your choice of subject from a variety
of topics. You can now specialize in the area of your choice without having to take any
unnecessary classes. You also have the flexibility to choose a class at any time during
the academic year, since the some courses are offered multiple times during the academic
year.
The quarterly or semester system gives you a flexibility to complete your academic
program at your own pace and take additional time on a research project if required. For
instance, if you can complete the total number of courses required for you to graduate,
you can finish up your master’s degree within a year. You can also spread out your
course completion schedule in such a manner as to devote more time for research and
complete your course in a couple of years.
4. Internationalise and strengthen your CV
Studying and working abroad can make you stand out in the job market when you return to
your country.
5. Lucrative Job Opportunities
On completion of your degree, you are legally authorized to work in the US in your
related field for about a year. You need to apply for Optional Practical Training
Employment Authorization (OPT). Most international students get inducted into the
company that hires them during their OPT period, by sponsoring their H1-B or work visa.
The H1-B work visa is usually granted by employers if they are hiring international
students in specialty areas such as software, engineering, accountancy, teaching or
marketing. Once your employer grants your H1-B, you are allowed to work in the US
without returning to your home country.
Tuition & Living Cost
USA
Tuition Fee
The cost of studying in USA varies significantly across the states and huge difference
between Colleges and also “Ivy League” University. The combined costs of tuition fees
and living expenses of top institutions in big cities can reach over US$100,000
annually. The following is a guide only:
Private Institution: US$15,000 – US$30,000 per year
Public Institution: US$10,000 – US$20,000 per year
Community College: US$8000 – US $12,000 per year
Living Expenses
Accommodation: US$3,000 – US$7,500 per year for a single room
Books & Study Materials: US$500 – US$1,000 per year
Travel costs: US$300 – US$750 per year
Food: US$2,500 per year and up (standard meals)
Clothing: US$500 per year and more in some cold weather
states.
Other expenses: US$2,000 per year, which cover phone bills,
occasional outings, entertainment, etc.
Minimum funds requirement
Due to huge gap between institutional tuition fees and each city living standard, it is
hard to determine the exact amount of minimum funds requirement. As a guide, the minimum
funds required to study in USA is the tuition fee and also the living expenses for a
year of the chosen institution and the proposed city living standard, plus the return
trip airline fee.
The fund must come from an accredited bank account and from reliable source. If using a
sponsor, the person must sign an “affidavit of support” form guaranteeing that funds
will be available for your needs during your stay as part of your journey. Some
applicant may even requested to show fully funded their entire planned study period.
If you have any dependent, the officer may request much more fund for your stay.
Remember, the International Student’s dependent are NOT allowed to engage in any
employment during their stay in USA.