Everything you need to know to study abroad in USA:

The USA dream is a dream many see as it is also one of the best destinations to learn, work and live in. The USA has ample work opportunities, is safe and gives you a unique chance to witness different cultures such as Mexican, Asian, and European, that will eventually grow your understanding of the world.Every year many students move to USA to pursue higher education and the global opportunities.

In the USA, depending on whether you go to a public or private university, the fees can vary between $8000 to $55000 per year.

The other expenses such as application fees and Visa Application fees are additional.

Contact a VidyaEdify counselor today to know about the exact cost of studying in the USA at your chosen university.

Cost of Living in USA

The estimated average living cost for Indian students in the USA for a student is $1000 to $1500 per month. However, it depends on an individual lifestyle. Students can cover these costs by either taking an education loan or studying in the USA with a scholarship. Deserving students with extraordinary profiles stand a high chance to get a scholarship.

The USA allows students to work while studying, but only students with F1 and M1 visas can work. F1 Visa is for academic students, while the M1 visa is for vocational students.

F1 visa holders can't work off-campus until the completion of their first year of studies. In their second year, they can apply for work off-campus. Students need to apply for one of the following programs to be able to work in the USA:

• OPT or Optional Practical Training offers work extension for up to 12 months before or after graduation.
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics/STEM OPT offers a stay-back extension for up to 24 months.
• Curriculum OPT offers work options while studying. The internship must be closely related to the course and may also count as course credit.

Scholarship

There are multiple scholarships available for India students to study in USA. Some of the more popular ones are: Fulbright Foreign Student Program,InlaksShivdasani Foundation Scholarships, Stanford Reliance DhirubhaiFellowships for Indian Students, Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship, American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, Tata Scholarships for Cornell University.

Contact Us to know about the eligibility and process for getting a full or partial scholarship.

Work Permit after Study in USA

Students can work in the USA using a post-completion OPT issued after the students have officially completed their education. Using this permit, students can take up a job in the USA directly related to their field of education. The time duration for students to find a job is 90 days.

However, only F1 visa holders are eligible for post-completion OPT. Additionally, students must be enrolled in a certificate course from a recognized university to apply for OPT.

The Education system in the USA has four levels – Elementary, Middle (also popularly called Junio high), high school and Higher Education.

Higher Education has the following qualifications:

• Associate Degree are Job oriented programs for 2 years.
• Bachelor's Degree is for 3-4 years. It is equivalent to the bachelor's degree in India – This is a basic qualification which a student requires for many jobs as well as for pursuing higher education.
• Master's Degree (Professional or Academic) is for 1-3 years, depending on the course, this allow a student or a professional to specialise in their subject, and opens up higher level of job opportunities and also the option to pursue a Ph.D.
• The Ph.D (doctorate) is the highest level of education, which takes about 5-8 years to complete in the USA.

Contact Us today to help you choose the right course and a public or private university depending on your goals and aspirations.

Top Courses in USA

Intakes in USA

American universities accept students in 3 intakes, which they refer to as 'Terms' - Fall/Summer/Spring.

According to Times Higher Education, the US is home to more than 250 top-ranked universities and colleges.

Following are the requirements for Indian students to study in the USA:
USA universities ask for 16 years of education for post-graduate degrees.

International students have to pass one of the English proficiency tests to study in the USA:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
• C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English Advanced)

Universities also ask students to clear General Tests like GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, etc. These tests evaluate a candidate's quantitative, reasoning, and verbal aptitude. For more details, click here.

The next thing is essential documents like SOP, LOR, and Essays. These essential documents each convey why and how the students are fit for the said program. To understand more about these documents, book a free counseling session with our seasoned counselors here.

Now, you can apply to the universities of your choice with requisite documents and academic transcripts. You can expect an offer letter within a few weeks. After receiving the official confirmation of admission, students need to apply for a visa. After getting the visa, it's time to fly abroad.

Studying in the USA has the potential to change the lives of Indian students for good. Apart from international exposure and a degree from a reputable university, the following reasons should answer - why study in the USA?

Flexible Curriculum
Students can choose the course subjects and structure. Hence, students have more opportunities to explore their interests before choosing a specialization.

Vibrant Campus
Given the multicultural environment of the country and stress on extra-curricular activities, students will surely enjoy and learn a lot during overseas education.

Excellent International Student Support
Besides the academic excellence and top universities, the USA offers support and guidance to students. The universities help students adjust to new educational and social changes.

The United States is a popular destination as it is a place where all your dreams can come true. The country of 50 states is huge in terms of land and opportunities. The most innovation and businesses are created in the US as it is a global finance and culture centre and the centre of influence. It has some of the largest industries and many work options.

It is also a preferred travel destination as it has all kinds of natural and man-made wonders and offers many experiences.

India - USA Relations

India and the USA share bilateral, cordial relations. The link between these countries has become more robust, thanks to a vast Indian diaspora of about 44 lakhs. Overseas Indians are an influential ethnic group in terms of education and earning in the USA.

Contact Us today to know more about studying in the USA.