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The United States of America is the world’s #1 study destination for a reason. Learn all about the USA, and how to begin your study journey there, with the information on this page.
The United States of America is the world’s #1 study destination for a reason. Learn all about the USA, and how to begin your study journey there, with the information on this page.
Known for its academic excellence, the United States boasts one of the very best university systems on the planet.
A significant majority of the world’s top-rated universities are located in the USA, and the country’s many acclaimed colleges, universities, and technical institutes are revered worldwide for their quality. Graduates from American institutions can often leverage that expertise to work and live anywhere in the world. If you’re ready to compete to be one of the best of the best in your field, an American education might just be your ticket.
As a huge and geographically diverse country with 50 unique states to choose from, the USA has plenty to offer any student whether you plan to study in a big city or a small student town! Although you might think of studying in big, famous cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, many of the best student opportunities exist in smaller, growing (and more affordable) communities.
The US has countless growing cities in smaller major population zones—and these up-and-coming regions need talented international student graduates to support their local economies! Take advantage of a more personalized study experience with smaller class sizes at any number of incredible colleges across the country, then work in in-demand fields to kickstart your career.
For most international students, a great education abroad is a stepping stone to an exciting lifelong career. Thankfully, in the USA, many study programs offer real practical training elements, helping you get crucial early experience working in your specific field.
In their first year of studies, F-1 visa students may work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular full-time semesters. Then, students who find work in their particular field may exercise OPT (Optional Practical Training) for up to 12 months before and/or after finishing their academic program without getting a new visa. Plus, graduates from STEM programs are eligible for an extension of up to two additional years.
What Are CPT and OPT?
What Are OPT and CPT?
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) trains you in your field of study. It must fulfill an academic credit or be part of your degree requirements, and must be completed before your program’s end date. Examples of CPT include paid or unpaid internships, co-operative education jobs, and practicums.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that allows you to work in jobs related to your academic program for up to one year, either before or after you graduate. To be eligible, you must have active F-1 student status and must have studied for at least one academic year already
The United States is a global cultural powerhouse, and nearly everyone on the planet has been exposed to American media in some format. So, chances are good you have an idea of the quintessential “American” college experience from movies, shows, and other famous cultural exports.
Well, although you shouldn’t believe everything you see on TV, it’s true that USA-bound students are likely to enjoy a vibrant student life and make new friends on busy, sprawling campuses! Many students want nothing more than to have the full American experience and make exciting new lifelong connections while they begin the rest of their lives. Are you one of them?
Proof of English Proficiency in the USA
You will need to prove your English language proficiency to be accepted into most American colleges or universities. Test score requirements vary by program and other factors, so check program and institution language requirements very closely.
Widely-accepted English language proficiency tests in the USA include TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo, among others.
Proof of English Proficiency in the USA
You will need to prove your English language proficiency to be accepted into most American colleges or universities. Test score requirements vary by program and other factors, so check program and institution language requirements very closely.
Widely-accepted English language proficiency tests in the USA include TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo, among others.
Those who study in the USA will enjoy the benefits of a high-quality education system offering internationally recognized credentials—and a large part of that great experience comes from the chance to study, work, and research with some of the best professors in their fields.
Whether you’re interested in studying engineering, healthcare, economics, sciences, law, or the arts, many of the world’s premier minds gather and teach at academic institutions across the country. So, if you’re ambitious, highly career- or academically-oriented, and want to strive to be among the top performers in your field, there’s no better place to start.
To study in the US, most students will apply for an F-1 student visa, which is reserved for students planning to study at a college or university in the US (or planning to study English at an English language institute).
After being accepted by an approved school in the United States, you’ll be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the I-901 fee. Your school will issue you a Form I-20 to complete. After completing these steps, you can apply at a US Embassy or Consulate to take your F or M student visa interview.
Average Visa Cost: $510 USD
Study in the USA and Achieve Your Dreams
Ready to launch your study abroad journey? It can be intimidating, but we’re here for you! Follow in the steps of 1M+ other students and trust ApplyBoard’s team of experts to guide your way.
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Ready to launch your study abroad journey? It can be intimidating, but we’re here for you! Follow in the steps of 1M+ other students and trust our experts to guide your way.
