Is your dream to study in the U.S.? Did you know that many students who get their degree in the U.S. go on to find jobs in the country? Not only that, but those who study in the U.S. often go back to their countries and achieve high levels of success, thanks to a solid education.
However, there are several factors to take into account before starting your educational journey in the land of opportunity. Here are a few things to know when wanting to study in the U.S.:
The U.S. is massive
You are probably aware of this, but for some who are accustomed to seeing the same cities portrayed in Hollywood, the size of the U.S. can be overwhelming. If you asked, “how many colleges are in the US?”, there are thousands! So, don’t just look at Yale, Harvard, or Stanford. Check out all of the available options around the country that offer great programs for your area of interest.
Make sure you research the city that you may want to study international business in, because, of course, you also want to have a good experience wherever you may end up going.
You’ll need to have an advanced level of fluency in English
While you don’t have to speak perfect English to get by in the U.S., it will make it a lot easier for you to get accepted into the school of your choice when you have an advanced level. If you feel like your written and spoken English fluency could be better, consider taking some English tutoring before you apply to make sure it’s up to standard for the university you want to study at and get the most out of your study plan.
You need the right visa
To study in the U.S., you’ll need either an F-1 or an M-1 student visa, depending on what you hope to study in the U.S. This could be a vocational program or a program with a four-year degree in mind.
For the F-1 Student visa, you’ll have to be enrolled in a college or university that provides a degree or diploma at the end of the program and that is allowed by the government to accept international students. Reach out to a visa lawyer to learn everything you need to know.
Make sure you can prove financial health
Because you’ll need to show you can take care of yourself while living in the U.S., you’ll need to show that you or your family has the means to support you during your time studying in the U.S. This will be something you’ll need to prepare for when hoping to study at a university.
Keep in mind that textbooks can be quite expensive, so you’ll want to have extra money before that or consider shopping around for used textbooks from graduated students. However, you may not always be able to find the version you need or there are no older books of what your professor wants you to study.
Ensure you have all of the right documentation
Before you apply to a school in the U.S. and for your U.S. visa, you want to make sure you have everything in order to get accepted in the college of your choosing, as well as for your student visa. The last thing you want is to start the process and find that you’re not entirely prepared.
From academic records to evidence of grades and test scores to financial statements, there is a multitude of paperwork to prove your ability to succeed at a U.S. school and support yourself while there.
In Conclusion
If your dream is to study in the U.S., there are plenty of schools there that can provide you with the place for you to achieve that dream. While it’s a complex process, there are thousands of international students achieving their goals at U.S. schools today, and you can be one of them.