"A guide for Indian students intending to study abroad in the USA"

"A guide for Indian students intending to study abroad in the USA"

Our intention is to provide a basic overview of student life in the USA for Indian students wishing to pursue higher education there. The section outlines basic aspects of the culture and lifestyle of America, in addition to discussing the eligibility criteria and other requirements for an Indian student to enroll for a course of study abroad in the USA.

A guide to studying and living in the US

1. American life and culture
2. Getting around in the USA
3. Higher education in the USA
4. Eligibility criteria
5. VISA guidelines
6. American embassies in India
7. Traveling to the US

To study abroad in USA is a dream for most Indian students. More than 650,000 International students go to study in the USA every academic year. A large percentage of them are Indian students.

The sheer number of world-class institutes of higher learning is one of the key issues which has made the USA the premiere destination for international students from all over the world. The global aspect of American universities coupled with the comprehensive curriculum offered at these institutions endears them to students and employers alike. Another major reason that draws international students in large numbers to study in the US is the wide array of choices with regard to the subject matter which ranges from the highly academic programs like nuclear physics to very creative courses like art and film direction. Added to this is the quality of teaching and the research facilities which are cutting-edge. The qualifications and credentials earned by studying in US colleges and universities are recognized in every part of the world. Some of the most famous universities in the world like Harvard University, Yale, Stanford, Cornell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Pennsylvania are all located in the USA.

The USA - a country of immigrants

Originally founded by immigrants from Europe, the United States has grown into a large and diverse country where virtually all nationalities and ethnicities are represented. Given the physical size and geography, one can find every type of climate and landscape in addition to different lifestyles and cultures. English Protestants form the majority of the population in parts of the Northeast, Middle Atlantic and in the Southern regions in places like New York, Washington DC, Connecticut and Florida. The Midwest and parts of the Middle Atlantic have a fair sprinkling of other European nationalities like the Dutch, Swedes, Norwegians and Germans in the regions of Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota, Illinois, etc. The west and southwest are primarily peopled by the Spanish. The native American Indians primarily live in places in and around California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.

American mainstream culture is largely derived from that of migrants from Western Europe, predominantly a mix of English, Irish, Dutch and German though other influences have long since made their presence felt. Mexican and native American Indian traditions, West African characteristics (from the slaves of the 19th century) and aspects of Asian influence go towards the making of what is a homogeneous culture, yet one in which immigrants and descendants retain their distinct identities.

Today, American arts and other creative endeavors are a mix of European finesse and local flavor. American 'popular' culture has been exported to all corners of the globe through sports, music and movies and continues to heavily influence the cultural make-up of many countries the world over.

Getting to and around the USA

The best option to get to the US is by air, if one is not from a neighboring country. Going by the amount of air traffic handled, New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles are the main international airports though there are plenty of smaller airports dotting the landscape. Canada and Mexico offer road and rail options also.

The options for travel within the country are vast starting with the cheap and efficient Greyhound bus service. Surprisingly, the interstate train services aren't very practical or comfortable, so the majority of the population prefers to travel by air, which is relatively inexpensive.

Car rentals however are the most popular option especially for neighboring states and are plentiful and readily available. Bicycles are also increasingly catching on as a safe and healthy option in and around smaller areas.

Higher Education in the USA

The vast resources of the US offer a wide range of opportunities to students for practical hands-on training and this experience is invaluable. This benefit may not be accrued to many students in universities elsewhere in the world. Students who study in America are exposed to the latest technologies, be it computers or other gadgets, and this proves highly beneficial when they step into the workplace.

Higher education in the USA is well known for its top quality, its easy accessibility and its vast variety - unfettered by the federal government's interference. The hierarchy of higher learning is a diverse mix of public and private institutions, some of which are autonomous. There are also Community colleges that conduct evening classes for students who have to work during the day. These establishments are normally open to accepting international students who wish to study in America. The schools run by the church, which are quite a few in number, too welcome students of all nationalities and religions with a preference for those of its own kind. However the degrees obtained from such schools are not recognized in many countries around the world.

The prerequisite for joining American colleges and universities is for the student to have completed 12 years, or its equivalent, of primary and secondary education prior to signing up for postsecondary (higher) education.

Qualification criteria and admission procedure

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination is an important part of the qualifying package for those aspiring to study abroad in the USA. The examination can be taken in a number of countries around the world. Other major examinations that need to be taken are the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), for undergraduate application, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), for Masters' applicants. Those applying for an MBA and other business related programs have to take up the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

The personal application form should contain, apart from details like a student's name address and citizenship, a well-written essay clearly outlining the student's academic ambitions, goals, achievements, interests and a comprehensive account of why they want to study in the USA (known as the statement of purpose) and their expectations from the chosen course of study. All universities and colleges in the US, without exception, require 'transcripts' (official records) of school-leaving and diploma certificates.

Here AECS World  helps its students to prepare this format in a professional way.

A favorable recommendation from a professor or a former employer, especially one who is familiar with the student's work and/or one who is/has been involved in a subject related to the student's chosen course of study, can go a long way in enhancing the student's admission prospects.

Studying in America - international visa requirements

First and foremost, the student visa applicant must be of sound physical and mental health. The visa officer reserves the right to reject applications on medical grounds, as in the case of HIV-positive students.

International students who wish to pursue any course of study in America must also agree to abide by all the laws of the U.S. failing which they risk deportation. They must also be agreeable to leaving the country once the course of study enrolled for is completed.

As is the case worldwide, applicants who wish to study in the USA must produce proof of ability to support themselves financially and need to furnish relevant documents to that effect.

The American consulate operates visa offices in India in the four metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

Traveling to the US

One needs to be aware of baggage rules to the USA as they are different from those followed by the rest of the world. A student traveling from India to the USA is normally entitled to carry two bags. This is comparatively much higher than what they may carry to other parts of the world. This type of baggage allowance is known as the piece concept. Baggage allowances for students vary from airline to airline. Most airlines are however usually particular about the weight of one individual piece of baggage not exceeding 23 kilograms. In addition to this students are also normally allowed to carry one piece of hand luggage. Students are advised to contact the airline directly to avoid excess baggage problems at the airport.

From research facilities to institutions of higher learning; from professors to employment opportunities, the US is a country, which has abundant numbers of everything. One can therefore see why a course of study in the USA is deemed invaluable by the international academic and student fraternity.

For more information about USA Student VISA/USA Education System,Please visit us at www.aecsworld.com


Abroad Education Consultancy Services World

Head Office: # 1, 1st Floor, 21st Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Near BDA Complex, Opp. Pizza Hut Bangalore - 560070, India

Phone: 080-42030300

Mobile: +91-9986790032

Chennai Office: #132, Sriram's Sterling Tower, Sterling Road, Opp Srilankan Embassy, above John Britto's Dance co Nungambakkam, Chennai- 630034.

Phone: 08015420655

Mobile: +91-9043023595

Higher Education System - USA

Higher Educational System

There are more than 3,500 colleges and universities in the United States. A college is usually for undergraduates, whereas a university is a collection of one or more colleges, plus a graduate school and various professional schools. Colleges mainly teach but universities, with their large numbers of graduate students, also place emphasis on research.

The American Higher Educational System can be divided into the following categories:

Public schools are funded by the state and the local government of the area in which they are located. Community colleges grant associate degrees after two years of study. Students who plan to earn Bachelor’s degrees can attend A. A. or A.S. degree programs which are designed to parallel the first two years of study in a four-year institution.

*2-year community college
*4-year state college
*Graduate university
*Some vocational schools

Proprietary Schools are usually operated by an individual or a corporate owner. These schools generally concentrate on specific academic programs such as computer programming, or specialized fields such as aviation, fashion design and so on.

Technical and Vocational schools

Academic Year: Many schools divide their academic year into two terms or semesters, but some have the trimester system, that is, they divide the year into three terms. Others use the quarter system, or four terms. The academic year begins in fall-end of August or beginning of September- and continues through to the end of May or beginning of June. Usually of nine months duration. Some schools offer optional summer terms for students who want to complete their programs quicker.

Credit: A unit of academic work successfully completed. Depending on the particular course, the time spent in class, or the difficulty of the subject, a course might be worth 1,2 or 3 credits. 3 credit classes are normal.

Faculty: The professors or teachers who are employed at the educational institution.

Graduate student: A student who has entered studies for his Master’s or Doctoral degrees.

Major: The subject in which a student specializes and, usually, the area in which a student plans a career.

Minor: The subject studied at a less concentrated lever and in order to round out an education. Many students have a major and a minor.

Placement Test: Most schools give these tests to new students in order to place them at a level of class most suited to their needs.

Undergraduate: An Associate or Bachelor’s degree. A student must have these degrees before continuing in a graduate program for a master’s or doctorate degrees.

Vacation

Winter Break: Two weeks in late December and early January. They include time off for Christmas holidays.

Spring Break: One week in March or April.

Other Vacation Time: Some schools and colleges may also close their doors for a variety of religious and national holidays. These holidays are short one or two day breaks.

Application Process

International students, apart from the usually academic standards, must meet certain financial and legal requirements. Each university has its own policies, but as a general rule, the information they will want from you will relate to one of the following items:

Personal Application form: Apart from your name, address and citizenship, the Admission Office will want to know something about your background, your character, your goals and academic ambitions. Present yourself in a clearly-written (typewritten is best) manner, stating your background, awards, achievements, interests (academic as well as general), sports trophies, hobbies, and life objectives.

It is important to complete all the parts of the Application for Admission form. Most applications will ask you to enter your “social security number”. If you do not have a nine digit social security number assigned to you by the U.S. or Canadian government, just write “none” in the blank space after this question.

Academic Records: All U.S. colleges and universities require official records of your previous study. It is very important to read the requirements sent to you with the school’s application for admission and to supply exactly the documents required and in the form required. Most colleges and universities will only accept the post-secondary school transcripts sent directly from university-to-university without passing through student hands.

Teacher Recommendations: A good, strong recommendation will go a long way to confirm the information you will be supplying. It would be wise to get a recommendation from a teacher who knows both you and your work well, and has taught you in a subject related to your chosen major.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language. Is required by a large number of institutions as part of your application package. This test can be taken in a number of countries.

Other Tests: SAT/AT, GRE, GMAT, MAT: Many colleges and universities require students to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Achievement Tests (AT). Usually graduate students are asked to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Those students applying for MBA and other graduate business programs may have to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Proof of Financial Ability: U.S. law requires schools to review evidence of your financial ability to live and study in the U.S. prior to issuing the Form I-20 or Form IAP-66 you will need to obtain a student visa and enter the U.S. to study. If you do not supply adequate documentation of financial ability, you may be denied the I-20 or IAP-66 even after meeting academic requirements and being granted admission.

On-campus employment: F-1 students may, work on the campus of the school they are attending provided they are employed by the school itself or by an outside agency or company providing services to students on the campus. No permission is required. Students may not work more than 20 hours per week except during vacation periods. J-1 students also may work on campus but require written permission from the responsible officer who is authorized to sign Form IAP-66.

Curricular practical training:- This is work that is part of your school’s academic program. Authorization is provided by the school’s foreign student adviser on the reverse of Form I-20 for F-1 students or in the form of an authorizing letter for J-1 students. This work may be either part-time or full-time, depending upon the school’s program. If you use a full 12 months of full-time F-1 curricular practical training, you will not be eligible for any other practical training.

Optional practical training:- There are two kinds of F-1 optional practical training, training during studies and training after studies. No more than one year of such training is permitted during your entire academic program.

Severe economic hardship employment:- This kind of employment is also authorized by the immigration Service upon a foreign student adviser’s written recommendation. You are eligible after one academic year of study only if you can show that your financial situation has changed for reasons entirely beyond your control or ability to plan.

There are two additional work programs: employment with a company that has certified to the U.S. government that part-time U.S. workers are not available, and work for an international organization. Both programs are very small and available only in certain parts of the U.S. F-2 and M-2 dependents are not permitted to work. J-2 dependents may apply to the Immigration Service for work permission, provided that the income will not be used to support the J-1 student, but such requests are not always granted.

Arriving on Campus

Most schools and colleges offer general orientation for all students and a special separate program for foreign students. Do not miss these programs. Orientation sessions will explain how the American education system works and will usually include a segment on your rights and obligations under the immigration regulations. Do not expect anything more than general answers about term papers, assigned books, reports, or examinations.

If you are looking for higher education in USA or you want any information related to overseas education then post your queries online now. We will be happy to give you with all the information at the earliest.

Please reach us at contact@aecsworld.com

For more information, Log into www.aecsworld.com .

Please feel free to call us for any further clarification on Overseas education.

Abroad Education Consultancy Services World (AECS World)

Head Office: Abroad Education Consultancy Services World # 6, 1st Floor, 21st Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Near BDA Complex, Opp. Pizza Hut Bangalore - 560070, India

Phone: 080-26716426 / 42030300

Mobile: +91-9986790032

Chennai Office: Abroad Education Consultancy Services World 187/238, 2nd Floor, Mylapore, Above Fresh Supermarket Near Ajantha Fly Over, Opp. Raymond Shop Chennai - 600004, India

Phone: 08015420655

Mobile: +91-9043023595

STUDY MS/MBA PROGRAM IN USA

BENEFITS OF STUDYING IN USA

The United States has more institutions of higher learning than any other country in the world. More importantly than that, however, is the quality of these academic bodies.

Students prefer USA because a degree from a US university is itself an Unique achievement and recognized globally. Because of the vast wealth of resources in America, the opportunities for practical training related to the field of study are vast.

Many universities incorporate the latest technology into their curriculum, encouraging students to obtain proficiency before they go out into the workplace.

Specialized technology, such as the newest equipment in Engineering Colleges, allows each student to maximize their true potential and gain experience that is marketable in the real world.

MS PROGRAM IN USA

Students prefer USA because a degree from a US university is recognized globally. It gives you a platform for excellent career growth.The United States is the premiere destination for international students from all over the world.

The United States has more institutions of higher learning than any other country in the world. More importantly than that, however, is the quality of these academic bodies. Most American colleges and universities offer top-notch education programs with highly qualified teaching staff.

The research at many of these universities is cutting-edge and often published in journals worldwide. The list of world-class learning institutions in the USA is endless and include, but are not limited to: Stanford University, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, California Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, John Hopkins, Northwestern University, etc.

Because of the vast wealth of resources in America, the opportunities for practical training related to your field of study are vast. Most college and universities have established affiliations with employers and researchers in different fields of study, thereby creating an avenue for students to obtain hands-on and invaluable experience.

Many universities incorporate the latest technology into their curriculum, encouraging students to obtain proficiency before they go out into the workplace. Specialized technology, such as the newest equipment in Engineering Colleges, allows each student to maximize their true potential and gain experience that is marketable in the real world.

More and more often, American colleges and universities are focusing on the global aspects of each subject, better preparing students with a worldwide view of their field. No longer can students merely focus on certain geographic areas when obtaining their academic training.

STUDYING MBA FROM USA

The MBA program in USA aims to meet the needs of companies by producing graduates who understand and can adapt to the changing global environment, and who can manage in a multicultural context.

Many MBA programs from top business schools around the globe are internationally recognized.

Earning your MBA degree in USA, however, does not limit your chances of working for big companies only in these countries.

Being a graduate of an USA B-School’s MBA Program is an unique achievement in itself and this distinction can alone get you multiple job offers even from other developed countries Such as Germany, Australia, Singapore, and Canada etc.

It is a reality that most MBA graduates from US schools would prefer to initially work for US & UK companies located in the big cities such as the financial capital New York and London.

But in the long term, you can still get hired by huge firms in other countries, all because of your MBA degree from USA.

ABOUT US

Abroad Education Consultancy Services World (AECS World) is a professional education Consultancy, and has years of experience as well as expertise to provide Career Guidance in the areas of TECHNICAL and MANAGEMENT for the students aspiring to take up their higher education in abroad and explore the opportunities.

Aecs World helps the students to take admission in the top Universities of USA,UK,Canada,Germany, Australia,New Zealand, Netherlands, Cyprus,Singapore,Sweden and many other overseas destinations.

If you are looking for higher education in USA or you want any information related to overseas education then post your queries online along with the necessary details,We will come out with the University and country list and will get back to you at the earliest.

Please reach us at contact@aecsworld.com

For more information, log into www.aecsworld.com.

You are just a call away to start your dream career in abroad.

Please feel free to call for any further clarification.


Abroad Education Consultancy Services World

Head Office: Abroad Education Consultancy Services World # 6, 1st Floor, 21st Main, Banashankari 2nd Stage Near BDA Complex, Opp. Pizza Hut Bangalore - 560070, India

Phone: 080-26716426 / 42030300

Mobile: +91-9986790032

Chennai Office: Abroad Education Consultancy Services World 187/238, 2nd Floor, Mylapore, Above Fresh Supermarket Near Ajantha Fly Over, Opp. Raymond Shop Chennai - 600004, India

Phone: 08015420655

Mobile: +91-9043023595