STUDY IN ABROAD

There are many reasons that students like to come to the USA to study at the undergraduate and graduate level - learn more about what the USA has to offer an international student. This section will help you focus on the main factors that students should consider when deciding whether to pursue an education in the USA.

Total cost of Masters degree | MS in U.S. Universities. Here's the simple table we created to collate all the expenses.

Cost of living for MS students

If you are still recovering from that earlier blow, we aren't done yet. Once you arrive in the land of dreams, there are other activities that you'd get involved in which cost money. Like living (rental costs), eating (if you've read the newspapers, the days of surviving on Maggi are gone), drinking (your phoren classmates won't appreciate your home-made nimbu paani).

For shared rentals and a modest lifestyle, let's assume that the cost of living in USA for MS students is roughly $1000 a month, prices varying based on the state, city, and conditions you choose to live in. Over two years, that adds up to $24,000 (~ INR 16 lakhs).

Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, it requires thorough preparation, starting with a successful application. This is a brief guide to help you in your application process. For more detailed information, you should consult the full guide on the United States of America.

Work permits in the USA

In order to work in the US, you must have an appropriate visa. The most common visa for international students in the US in the F1 student visa. In order to be eligible for an F1 visa, you must be enrolled full-time at an academic institution or language-training program in the US, show sufficient financial support to complete the study, and you must prove that you do not intend to abandon your foreign residency.

All visas have to be applied for at the American embassy in your home country. Details can be obtained from the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US Department of State. For more information about student visas, check out our Visa and Immigration Center.

The application procedure in the USA

The Internet is the main source for vacancies and information concerning job applications. Search services such as LinkedIn and even Craigslist can be integral in your job search. However, avoid using job search services that charge you a fee. Most reputable services are free of charge.

Carefully read any job listings you come across before applying. It is also a good idea to cast a wide net by applying to any jobs you can see yourself in even if you don't meet all of the requirements. At worst, you will be turned down and at best, you'll get an interview!

The application letter in the USA

The application letter or cover letter should be typed in a short and professional style. Start with "Dear Mr./Ms X," if you know the addressee"s name, and end your letter with "Yours sincerely". Try to avoid phrases such as 'To whom it may concern' and 'Dear Sir or Madam'; you should almost always be able to find the name of the person to whom you are sending your application, and doing so demonstrates that you have put care and research into your application. The last paragraph of your cover letter should include multiple ways to get in touch with you, including your phone number and email address. Most importantly, keep your letter short no longer than a single page.

The interview

The interview is by far the most nerve-wracking part of the job search process. The most important thing you can do to prepare for an interview is to research the company. Make sure you are familiar with the company's goals and values; if you can, try to memorize a few key words from the company's mission statement and use them in your interview. Another helpful way to prepare for interviews is the mock interview. Ask a friend or family member to ask you questions you're likely to be asked during your interview, and practice your answers. This will help you remain cool and calm during your actual interview.

The day of your interview, remember to dress your best, and bring several copies of your resume along with you. Provide specific examples and stories of your achievements when answering questions, and avoid criticizing former employers. Be pleasant and polite, but not too personal. Follow up your interview with a short thank you letter to your interviewer.

Application Process

The application process for US colleges and universities can be extensive and confusing, and many international students are intimidated by the number of steps required. From SATs, TOEFL and other tests, to essay writing, credential evaluation and more, we have created an easy-to-follow timeline and breakdown to help you through the application process.

When setting your timetable, always remember that starting the process early is the best way forward. You will need to allow yourself sufficient time to thoroughly research the institution and/or program that will best serve your academic and professional goals. Then you must meet the application deadlines of the universities to which you apply, which may be up to ten months before the beginning of the school term.

Especially for schools with competitive admissions, the application process takes a significant amount of time and effort. You will need to write personal statements and request recommendations from teachers or others who know you well. Even if you are applying on line via the Common Application, you will want to get started early. University websites and other academic Internet sites may provide quick and convenient access to the required application forms, but you still need time to research your options, contact teachers and institutions to provide recommendations and transcripts, and sign up for required entrance exams in time to meet application deadlines.

F1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic program or English Language Program at a US college or university. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program, unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Program.

F1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) which is provided by the US college or university that the student has been accepted to and will attend.