Overview :

U.S.A ranks nearly 1st nation among the countries in the World on the basis of overall educational performance. The American education system offers the most diverse set of education options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance. American education possibilities are almost endless! Being one of the fairly popular education destinations for overseas students, U.S.A comprises of thousands of prestigious UNIVERSITIES and Colleges fairly popular for quality education. About 5 of 10 top universities in the World are situated in the U.S.A. At about 7,175 education institutions are located in USA for the education service. A wide range of international students pursue their education career in the U.S.A as the country provides moderate education fees and sophisticated living priorities at a low cost rate. Upon the research, an approximation of 7, 00,000 overseas students were found to enroll at the diverse educational institutions in the USA including Universities and colleges for higher education. Nearly 60 % of the International students belong to Asia who pursue their higher studies curriculum in the USA.

About American Education :

The education in U.S.A is fairly expensive compared to Australia and although being a powerhouse of international education and research. In spite of the huge expense of the education, about 1.1 million international students prefer U.S.A as the education destination as per the latest research.

Some of the features of the education service in USA are briefed as below:

• The education cost for the preferred choice of study varies from $5000 to $50,000 per annum.
• The public colleges or universities offer two year scheme which costs around $3,660 on approximation.
• The private colleges or universities offer non profit four year schemes which costs around $35,830 on approximation.
• The scholarship schemes are awarded for non degree postgraduate studies as well as for the international students who pursue master’s or PhD degree.
• Scholarship programs like Fulbright scholarship, Rotary scholarships, Merit scholarships, and more are awarded to international students.

Living Expenses :

The living expense for international students is $10,000 to $12,000 per annum which is about $700 to $1000 per month on approximation. The costing includes accommodation costs/rentals, food expenses, transportation costs, entertainment and other general expectations.

Key Facts:

Top 7 Reasons to study in the United States

Many international students are attracted to U.S. colleges and Universities for many reasons. The surveys say that more than 600,000 international students are currently pursuing their higher education degrees in the U.S.  but the rate is slightly lower these days. However, the craze of studying in a dreamed country is not lower. Here are the top few reasons why Nepalese students choose U.S. Colleges and Universities as their study destination.

1. Excellent Academics

It is believed that world’s finest higher education is available in the U.S., especially in the field of technology and the career outcomes. U.S. degrees are accredited across the world and are considered to be among the most prestigious with high ranks & reputations.

2. Flexibility in Course Curriculum and its delivery:

Students often have the option to take courses (called “electives”) in other subject areas, based on their interests along with their major field of study and courses. In addition, the selection of course offerings at most Colleges and Universities is very large and diverse. Another beauty of US education is that sometimes students can even be able to “cross-register” or take courses at other nearby universities as part of their degree program simultaneously.

3. Financial Assistance

Based on the performance and skills on has, financial assistance is provided to international students as stipend, bursaries, scholarship and assistantships. Most of the Universities financially support international students either in the form of providing teaching or research assistantships which are based on academic merit, English Proficiency and Aptitude tests rather than financial needs. Awarded students will receive stipends, and/or either partial or full tuition waivers. Students also are entitled to get the opportunity to receive grants, loans, and scholarships depending on personal quality and capacity.

4. Internships

Like in many countries, Students are allowed to work as interns in their respective academic fields outside of the campus during summer vacation. Likewise, Internships are a valuable part of education as they help students gain practical experience along with theoretical one.

5. On-Campus Work Opportunities

The on-campus jobs are probable in some of the Universities for international students. Most colleges and universities allow international students to work on their campus as part-time employees and have some pocket money along with development of qualities. Students who are on F-1 student visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours a week in the summer or vacations. Generally, students are paid usually from US$ 8.00-US$15.00 per an hourly rate but this may differ as per one’s performance and leadership skills. Some example of jobs are as in library, student council, etc. where an English language as major factor may determine the job you get at the university sector such as library, student welfare committee while someone may work as lifeguard at the campus Aquatic Center who has associated certificate and skills.

6. Job Opportunities / Professional Training

Once students complete their degrees, they are authorized to work full-time for one year in a related field in order to gain practical experience especially after their MBAs or so. The program called the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program can be extended to some more months (As of 2008, students in certain fields can extend this to 17 months). But talented students are hired as a permanent employee after they complete their OPT period by securing sponsorship from their employers and they should apply for an H-1 visa. In addition, the H-1B visa is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Accounting, or Marketing. Students may continue their work without leaving the U.S. after the status change approval. And mostly earning areas are IT, Computing, Engineering, Software and so on.

7. Value of What You do and Study:

Success comes with the regular and right efforts one does with full dedication. The success of any student will be directly proportional to the amount of dedication and hard work he or she exercises. The variety of skills and cross-cultural environment can make the learning experience in U.S. universities a unique and life-changing one. With such diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, international students are better prepared for working with absolute ease anywhere in the world. Its because the U.S. offers a very high quality of education undoubtedly.