United State of America

The land of dreams and opportunities, the U.S. offers high-quality educational options for students from around the globe. Be it for the quality of education or the career prospects after graduation, the U.S. has monopolized the attention of most all study abroad aspirants. Let’s take a closer look at the world’s most preferred country for higher education.

Top 10 Reasons to study in the United States

U.S. colleges and universities are attractive to international students for many reasons. The surveys say that almost 600,000 international students are currently pursuing their higher education degrees in the U.S. Following are the top ten reasons why Nepalese

students choose U.S. colleges and universities:

• Excellent AcademicsIt is believed that world’s finest higher education is available in the U.S., especially in the field of technology. U.S. degrees are accepted across the world and are considered to be among the most prestigious.
• High Quality ResearchIf research is your passion, the U.S. is the right choice. There are numerous research opportunities in every field that allow students to gain practical experience during their studies. In addition, due to funding from the U.S. government and public and private corporations, students who work as research assistants often receive a waiver of tuition fees and are provided with a stipend to help with their living expenses.
• Flexibility in Course Curriculum OfferingsIn addition to their major field of study and courses, students often have the option to take courses (called “electives”) in other subject areas, based on their interests. In addition, the selection of course offerings at most colleges and universities is very large and diverse. Sometimes students may even be able to “cross-register” or take courses at other nearby universities as part of their degree program.
• Financial AssistanceIn some situations, financial assistance is provided to international students. Most of the universities financially support international students either in the form of providing teaching or research assistantships. These assistantships are based on academic merit, rather than financial need. Awarded students will receive stipends, and/or either partial or full tuition waivers. In some cases, a student’s education could turn out to be completely free if the student exhibits exceptional skills in his or her field of study. Students also have the opportunity to receive grants, loans, and scholarships from various organizations
• On-Campus Work OpportunitiesMost colleges and universities allow international students to work on their campus as part-time employees. 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 vacation periods. The students are usually paid an hourly rate (usually from US$ 8.00-US$15.00 an hour), and their earnings help to cover their living expenses. Students are placed in jobs based on their financial need and personal skills and experience. For example, an English major may be placed at the university library, while someone who has a lifeguard certification may be placed at the campus Aquatic Center.
• InternshipsStudents are allowed to work as interns in their respective academic fields outside of the campus during summer vacation. There are internship programs during the academic year as well. Internships are a valuable part of education as they help students gain practical experience while taking classes. Most universities also offer academic credit for internship experience.
• Job Opportunities / Professional TrainingOnce students complete their degrees, they are authorized to work full-time for one year in a related field in order to gain practical experience. (As of 2008, students in certain fields can extend this to 17 months.) This program is called the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Many talented students are hired as a permanent employee after they complete their OPT period by securing sponsorship from their employers for an H-1 visa. 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.
• International Student Affairs OfficesMost all U.S. colleges and universities have an international student affairs office with advisors who provide extraordinary support to international students to help them navigate the sometimes confusing university and immigration bureaucracy and to get the most out of their educational experience. In addition to immigration and academic advising, these offices also often host events and workshops to help international students meet other students and get involved in campus life.
• Cultural ExchangeApart from what is taught in the classroom, international students also get to interact with and learn from other students from many different countries and diverse religions, cultures, economic and ethnic backgrounds. This experience can be eye-opening for many international students and helps them to become true global citizens.
• ValueThe success of any student will be directly proportional to the amount of dedication and hard work he or she exercises. Undoubtedly, the U.S. offers a very high quality of education. The variety of skills and cross-cultural environment can make the learning experience in U.S. universities a rich and unique one. With such diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, international students are better prepared for working with absolute ease anywhere in the world.

Fast Facts of USAThe land of dreams and opportunities, the U.S. offers high-quality educational options for students from around the globe. Be it for the quality of education or the career prospects after graduation, the U.S. has monopolized the attention of most all study abroad aspirants. Let’s take a closer look at the world’s most preferred country for higher education.

Nearly 600,000 students from all over the world studied in the United States last year at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It goes without saying that America offers very high quality post-secondary education. There are more than 4,000 public and private colleges, universities, and community colleges in the United States, including over 600 public four-year colleges and universities and over 1,650 private four-year colleges and universities. These traditional institutions enroll nearly 15 million students. In addition, over 6,000 non-collegiate post-secondary institutions offer specialized vocational and technical training.

Political SystemThe United States is the longest-surviving constitutional republic with the oldest written constitution in the world. Its government operates as a representative democracy through a congressional system under a set of powers specified by its Constitution. There are three levels of government: federal, state, and local. Officials at all three levels are either elected by voters in a secret ballot or appointed by other elected officials.

TechnologyThe United States is an influential country in scientific and technological research and the production of innovative technological products. During World War II, the U.S. was the first to develop the atomic bomb, ushering in the atomic age. During the beginning of the Cold War, the U.S. began successes in space science and technology, leading to a space race, which led to rapid advances in rocketry, weaponry, material science, computers, and many other areas, culminating in the first visit of a man to the moon, when Neil Armstrong stepped off of Apollo 11 in July 1969.

In the sciences, the United States has a large share of Nobel Prizes, especially in the fields of physiology and medicine. The National Institutes of Health, a focal point for biomedical research in the United States, has contributed to the completion of the Human Genome Project. The main governmental organization for aviation and space research is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Major corporations, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, also play an important role.

EconomyThe U.S. has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $46,000 (2007). In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. U.S. business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals’ home markets than foreign firms face entering U.S. markets. The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $847 billion in 2007. Long-term problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable trade and budget deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower economic groups. Together, these problems caused a marked reduction in the value and status of the dollar worldwide in 2007.

HealthThe U.S. spends more on health care per capita than any other nation in the world. Yet, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a universal health care system. United States health care is provided by a diverse array of individuals and legal entities. Individuals are offered inpatient and outpatient services by commercial, charitable, or governmental entities. The health care system is not fully publicly funded but contains a mix of public and private funding. A new poll released by the American Cancer Society and Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) found that Americans ranked the flu epidemic, cancer and obesity as their leading health concerns. Life expectancy is relatively high (78 years) and infant mortality is high.

Society and Culture There are many stories, positive and negative, about American people and many have preconceived ideas from films and television programs that they have seen. It’s extremely difficult to categorize and describe ‘American culture’. American society is extremely diverse and complex and should not be reduced to stereotypes. Important differences exist between geographical regions, between rural and urban areas, and between social classes. In addition, the presence of millions of immigrants who came to the United States from all corners of the world with their own culture and values adds even more variety and flavor to American life.

Key Facts
1: Improve your EnglishOther languages are slowly catching on around the world but nothing can beat having a great grasp of the English language. Immersing yourself in an English speaking country, such as the United States, will definitely benefit you for the rest of your life regardless of what course of study you pursue.

2. Change of PerspectiveAs humans we tend to view things in terms of our own cultural understanding and references. Studying in a different country like the United States can give you a fresh new perspective on world topics.

3. Education OpportunitiesThe United States has wonderful education opportunities that expand across a variety of different disciplines. No matter what you are interested in studying, you will be able to find some kind of university or advanced degree program that offers the course of study you are interested in.

4. Well Respected DegreesThis goes along with Reason 3. A lot of programs in America are well respected within the discipline that they address. You can use reputable news sources, such as publications like Business Week, which rank degree programs from various universities against their competition. There is no shortage of programs that you can earn a well-respected degree from.

5. Diverse PopulationIt can be comforting for non-native students to know that most universities around the country have incredibly diverse populations. More than likely, you will be able to find an institution that values diversity. You will probably be able to locate other students from your home country that can help to keep you from getting too homesick.

6. Positive Exchange RateCurrently, most European countries have exchange rates on their native currency that makes it cheaper to purchase items in the United States as opposed to their home country. In some instances it can be significantly cheaper to finance a quality education in the U.S. instead of at home.

7. Travel OpportunitiesThere is an endless amount of travel opportunities for students who study in the United States. Regardless of where you are studying, students can check out tourist destinations or other great vacation spots without too much difficulty.

8. Life ExperienceStudying abroad is an excellent opportunity for anyone to expand their life experience. Anyone who travels from their home country and spends an extended amount of time away can learn a lot about themselves in the process.

10. Networking OpportunitiesTaking part in the global community at your education institution can make for great networking opportunities to give you a lot of options in the future. Being an international student means that you will be able to meet other individuals from around the world as well as native-born Americans in your field of study.

11. Career OpportunitiesStudying in the United States can open you up to a ton of career opportunities. You will be able to find potential jobs in the United States as well as careers in your home country.

12. Experience the American Way of Life

13. Improve your career chances

14. Get away from home

15. Become independent

16. Create a memory of a lifetime

17. Change your perspective

18. Improve your cultural understanding

19. Learn about yourself

General Information

• Full country name: United States of America (USA)
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Total Area: 9,630,000 sq km
• Official Language: Language: English (official), Spanish (other), Native American languages (other)
• Official Currency: US Dollar (US$)
• Population: 290,000,000
• Religion: Protestant (56%), Roman Catholic (28%), Jewish (2%), Muslim (1%)
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus one hour
• Country Dialing Code: +1
• Climate: The climate is temperate in most of the US. Generally, it gets hotter the further south you go and seasonally more extreme the further you are north and inland from the coasts. Winters in the northeast and upper Midwest can bring long periods below freezing even though it’s still warm enough to swim at the beaches in Florida and southern California.
• Spring – March to May
• Summer – June to Aug
• Fall- Sept to Nov
• Winter – Dec to Feb
• Major Cities: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, Washington DC, Houston, Seattle
• Popular States: Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Virginia

Fast Facts

• 1st Study abroad destination for all over the world
• One year job search visa after graduation
• Straight Forward Visa Application
• Best Education in the World
• Excellent Academics
• English Speaking Country
• Flexibility in Course Curriculum
• Choices, Reputation, Relocation
• Knowledge, Skill and Professionalism career begins from here

Education System in USAThe 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!

Type of InstitutionsThere is no central ministry of education in the U.S. and each institution can determine its own programs and admission standards. There are private as well as state funded colleges.

UniversityThey are academic institutions that include one or more undergraduate colleges, as well as any number of graduate and professional schools, i.e. schools offering study for a single profession such as law.

Four year collegesThey are undergraduate institutions offering academic programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.

Documentation Checklist for admission & Visa and other important information, USA

Offer letter

Visa Documentation

Dependent

• Not Allowed

Visa Type

• Student

Method of teaching

• English

InterviewFace to Face interview with visa counselor for visa decision

Intakes Fall Major Intake: Two intakes: September and October and Spring: January and February

Expenses