HUNSA is a Nepali made Japanese Organization for the Nepalese who are interested in studying in Japan
Aims & Objectives
- To act as a common forum of all Nepalese students in Hokkaido University to organize and co-ordinate students' welfare, cultural and academic activities.
- To facilitate exchange of views and promotion of mutual cooperation with other organizations.
- To help interested Nepalese to get information regarding study opportunities in Japan.
Background
The necessity of a common forum of Nepalese students and researchers at Hokkaido University was felt from very beginning. There were several student welfare activities and cultural programs organized before but it was mainly from personal initiations. So there was always a feeling that it is better to organize such activities through a common forum. Some students and researchers raised this matter seriously in informal gatherings that motivated all to think about it. It was decided to discuss this matter in common email forum. The discussion in email proposed following students to prepare a draft constitution for further discussion in a meeting arranged for January 20, 2002:
Mr. Hem Nath Ghimire
Mr. Prakash Ranjitkar
Mr. Kedar Adhikari
This committee prepared draft constitution and floated in common email for comments. The meeting on January 20, 2002 was attended by most of the students and researchers and approved formation of HUNSA. This meeting turned into the first General Assembly of HUNSA that approved name, aims & objective, draft of constitution (with some amendments) and formed the first Executive Committee of HUNSA consisted of five members.
President: Mr. Prakash Ranjitkar
General Secretary: Mr. Meghraj Bhandari
Treasurer: Mr. Kedar Adhikari
Executive Members: Mr. Sanjay Giri, Mr. Shreehari Gautam
The logo of HUNSA was designed by Mr. Dhananjay Regmi.
Constitution
We Nepalese students studying at Hokkaido University, Japan, hereby agreed to form ourselves into a non-political, non-profitable voluntary Student? Association to promote our academic welfare, cultural and other activities of mutual interests, adopting this Constitution. This constitution shall be in effect immediately after approval from the General Assembly.
Section I: Name and Objectives
1.1The Association shall be named as Hokkaido University Nepalese Student Association or HUNSA in short.
1.2 Objectives:1.2.1 To act as a common forum of all Nepalese students in Hokkaido University to organize and co-ordinate students' welfare, cultural and academic activities.
1.2.2 To facilitate exchange of views and promotion of mutual cooperation with other organizations.
1.2.3 To help interested Nepalese to get information regarding study opportunities in Japan.
1.3 The Logo of the Association shall be as shown in Annex I.
Section II: Membership
2.1 The Association can award four types of memberships; Regular, Associated, Affiliated and Honorary.
2.1.1 All the students enrolled in Hokkaido University shall be eligible for Regular Membership.
2.1.2 Spouse and family members of the Regular and Affiliated members shall be eligible for Associated Membership.
2.1.3 All Nepalese Alumni, researchers and those involved in academic activities in Hokkaido University shall be eligible for Affiliated Membership.
2.1.4 Honorary Membership may be awarded to any person proposed by the Executive Committee and approved by the General Assembly on the grounds of the individual's academic achievements and meritorious services to Nepal.
2.2 All members shall pay membership fee and other fees as approved by the General Assembly.
2.3 All members shall participate in the program and activities organized by the Association.
2.4 The voting rights and Executive committee positions shall be limited to Regular members only.
Section III: General Assembly (GA)
3.1 The General Assembly shall be the highest body to make decision about policy and principles of this Association. All members are eligible for participation but the voting right in the General Assembly is limited to Regular members only.
3.2 The regular meeting of the General Assembly of the association shall be held at least once in six month.
3.3 Upon the demand of at least one-fourth of the Association's Regular Member, the Executive Committee shall call a special General Assembly at the earliest.
3.4 All the Members of the Association shall be informed in advance about the meeting and the agenda by the Executive Committee.
3.5 Participation of at least two-third of the Regular Members in the General Assembly shall be considered a valid quorum. Incase this quorum is not fulfilled, the Executive Committee shall call another General Assembly at the earliest and this General Assembly shall be valid irrespective of the participation of the members.
3.6 Decision on any issue, except for those mentioned otherwise in this Constitution, shall be made on the basis of a simple majority vote cast by the Regular Members.
Section IV: Executive Committee
4.1 Formation
4.1.1 An Executive Committee shall be formed once in a year at the end of the tenure of the existing Committee by the GA from among the Regular Members of the Association.
4.1.2 The Executive Committee shall consist of a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and two Members.
4.1.3 The Executive Committee shall make nomination/s to fill vacant positions, if any, of the Association except that of the President, from among the Regular Members or from inside the Executive Committee. In case of President, the General Assembly will nominate from among the Regular Members. Duration of such nominee shall not outlast the term of the Executive Committee.
4.1.4 Any of Executive Committee positions shall be considered automatically vacant, if the member ceases to be the Regular Member of the Association.
4.1.5 The Executive Committee may also form different sub-committees to carry out specific tasks as and when necessary. The mandate and the tenure of such a sub-committee shall be announced by the Executive Committee at its formation.
4.2 Responsibilities and Functioning
4.2.1 The Executive Committee shall report to the General Assembly.
4.2.2 The Executive Committee shall make working policies and procedure to smoothly carry out its activities.
4.2.3 The Executive Committee shall be transparent and approachable to any member of the Association at any time.
4.2.4 The President shall be the Chief of the Association and shall preside over all the General Assembly meetings as far as possible.
4.2.5 The Secretary shall be acting as President temporarily in absence of President. S/he shall attend all the meetings, prepare the business thereof and keep record of all proceedings. S/he shall be in close contact with all the members and inform them about the activities of the Association.
4.2.6 The Treasurer shall keep all financial records of the Association and shall present a detailed annual report of all income and expenditures of the Association during the General Assembly.
4.3 Meeting
4.3.1 The Executive Committee shall meet at the request of either the President or the Secretary or on petition of any two Members of the Executive Committee.
4.3.2 The frequency and the operating procedures of the meeting shall be decided by the Executive Committee.
Section V: Finance
5.1 Financial sources
5.1.1 Membership fees from members of the Association; and
5.1.2 Fund raising programs organized by the Association if and when deemed necessary.
5.1.3 Financial assistance from any individuals, organizations etc.
5.2 The Executive Committee shall handle the fund for the functioning of Association? activities.
5.3 Bank account of the Association shall be jointly handled by the President and Treasurer.
Section VI: Amendment of the Constitution
This Constitution or any Sections/clauses/sub-clauses herein may be amended by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the GA meeting.
Section VII: Effectiveness of this Constitution
This constitution will come in effect from Sunday, January 20, 2002 (accordingly Magh 7, 2058).
First amendment
2002, Jan 20
The General Assembly has gone through section wise discussion on draft of constitution of the Association and passed constitution unanimously after making necessary amendments. It has come in effect immediately after passed by the GA on Jan 20, 2002.Membership Fees: The General Assembly has decided the HUNSA membership fees as follows:(a) Entrance fee 1000 Yen(b) Annual fee 1000 YenRelationship with HONESS, NESAJ and Other Organization: The General Assembly has recognized HONESS as a social welfare organization and NESAJ as an academic welfare organization.
Second amendment
2002, August 14
Constitutional Amendments: The General Assembly has decided to make amendments in the Constitution of HUNSA in the section V: Finance, 5.2 as follows:Section V: Finance5.2: Fund utilization: The executive committee shall utilize the fund on:5.2.1: Functioning of the association? activities.5.2.2: Student welfare activities.5.2.3: Social donations, if deemed necessary by the majority of members.
Third amendment
2006, January 6
Constitutional Amendments:
Section II:
Any interested student or Nepalese people inside Japan can get affiliated membership of HUNSA. The ex-com possesses complete authority to issue or terminate any affiliated membership.
Spouses of Active members of HUNSA are automatically regarded as affiliated members of HUNSA. But the membership is valid till they are in Japan. All the affiliate members can have access to HUNSA common mail.
About Alumni:
The ex-com was advised to initiate proper steps to establish HUNSA (Hokkaido University) Alumni association in Nepal by contacting with the alumni.
HUNSA Fund Regulation Act-2002
I. Introduction:
This act is formulated as per the article 5.2(4) of the constitution of HUNSA and is aimed for the utilization of HUNSA fund. This act will be in effect after approval from the executive committee of HUNSA. The HUNSA fund has to be utilized by the executive committee under the provision of this act.
II. Income of the Fund:
Hokkaido University International Festival (HOKUDAISAI)Any fund raising programs organized by HUNSADonation etc.
III. Potential Programs for Fund Utilization:
HOKUDAISAI evaluation gatheringExhibition related to NepalBuying goods related to Nepali exhibition and cultural activitiesCultural exchanges activitiesNepal day celebrationPublication of HUNSA's Annual BulletinWelcome and farewell of Nepali studentsDonation and social works with the consent of General Assembly, where related
IV. Execution of Programs:
The executive committee can nominate coordinator and members of the sub committee to conduct specific programs whenever deemed necessary.The coordinator shall submit the details of the assigned program to the executive committee with the expected expenditure.The executive committee shall approve the program (with necessary modification) and pass to the sub committee.The sub committee shall execute the program with the help of all members.
V. Amendment:
The General Assembly of HUNSA only can make any necessary amendments to this Fund RegulationAct-2002.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Scholarships for Nepal
The era of students heading off to Nepal to study is a relatively recent phenomenon and attributed to the new push for a larger international study arena. Today’s college student is not afraid of participating in far-flung and heretofore unheard of international programs. The international borders are more porous than ever. Students studying in Nepal have a rich vein of disciplines to tap, including the language, culture and socio-political environment, religion and bio-diversity.
Study in Nepal on the Federal Government’s Dime
The David L. Boren Scholarships sponsored by the National Security Education Program are extremely popular and competitive. Hundreds are awarded annually to top-notch undergrads and grad students whose focus is on international studies outside of the traditional choices. Students heading off to Nepal may be considered on the basis of academic merit and their future career goals. Preference is given to those who are interested in work within national security. In return for sizeable scholarships recipients are expected to work for the Department of Defense or Homeland Security upon graduation. Candidates must be pursuing a program that enables them to wholly experience the Nepali culture and language; critical needs areas as determined by the federal government.
The Benjamin L. Gilman International Scholarships are also funded by the federal government, but are focused on diversifying the pool of highly educated international business leaders. The Gilman Scholarships provide disadvantaged student whiz kids with the financial buttress necessary for their Nepalese studies. Interested candidates should not even fill out an application unless they are already recipients of the Pell Grant, a good measure of economic disadvantage. Further selection is also based on academic merit and other challenges to higher education. Up to $5,000 available to qualified applicants.
The Fulbright Scholarships are some of the most renowned and prestigious. Fulbright Scholars are recognized for their academic talent and motivation in international studies. Students participating in undergraduate and graduate level programs may apply through their international study abroad office. Fulbright Scholarships are awarded based on a number of variables including academics, financial need and projected international program. Preference is given to students whose command of the applicable language is advanced. Awards vary.
Study Abroad Organizations
The School for International Training (SIT) is a well-recognized provider of high-quality study abroad programs. Their program in Culture and Development in Nepal gives students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an elusive culture sandwiched between India and Tibet. Scholarships available for students pursuing the Nepal program include:Workum Fund is the signature scholarship program for students studying in the “Indian subcontinent.” Funds are awarded based on both academic and financial criteria.SIT Funds are the flagship scholarship program, providing a wide range of scholarships to students in all SIT programs.Compton Fund scholarships go to students engaged in “sustainable development” programs.Diversity Fund provides scholarships to those students who are most underrepresented in international studies.HBCU Fund is specially designed for students enrolled in a Historically Black College participating in a SIT program.
College Scholarships Ph.D. students at the University of Virginia whose dissertation research may require travel to Nepal may apply for Pre-Dissertation Fellowships. These funds are specifically designed to support social science and political science post-graduates with funding for short-term research in Nepal. Awards are around $4,000.
Private Funds Ambassadorial Scholarships, funded by Rotary International, are available to students wishing to study in Nepal. Candidates whose focus of study is on humanitarian issues or peace studies are preferred. Eligible applicants must possess top academics to compete in these very in-demand scholarships. Recipients are expected to share their experiences with Rotarians upon completion of their program. Awards are up to $26,000.Scholarships for Nepalese Students
Fairmont State University in West Virginia offers generous scholarship opportunities for Nepali students who wish to study in the U.S. The well-known Nepal Scholarship Program is the result of a combined effort of a few Nepali organizations. Nepalese students may attend FSU. Awards are typically up to $5,000.
Study Opportunities Worldwide
In Norway, in addition to the study programmes offered at our four campuses, our students can take the decentralised programmes in Pre-School Teacher Education and General Teacher Education in Drammen (Buskerud), and Social Education in Borre (Vestfold).
In Russia, Telemark University College runs a study programme in business studies at the Novgorod State University.
Together with Gateway College we offer the exam philosophicum (introductory level) and one semester programmes in Bali, Cuba, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and in Paris. These programmes are administered and organised by Gateway College while Telemark University College has the academic responsibility.
Students who wish to study from home may choose from our increasing range of traditional and internet based distance learning programmes.
Study Abroad
Telemark University College has a wide international network and agreements in many countries both in Europe and world-wide, offereing our students good opportunities to take part of their education abroad.
Within the framework of Nordplus and Erasmus our institution can provide additional grants to study in a partner institution in other Scandinavian or in memeber states of the European Union. In Europe our exchange agreements cover institutions in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Greece, Serbia, Bosnia, Slovakia, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Worldwide out collaboration agreements cover institutions in China, USA, Canada, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bali, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Mauritius with opportunities to study there.
The Norwegian State Education Loan Fund covers authorised exchange study on the same basis as study here in Norway. See more about possibilities for study abroad under specific
programmes in the study catalogue.
In Russia, Telemark University College runs a study programme in business studies at the Novgorod State University.
Together with Gateway College we offer the exam philosophicum (introductory level) and one semester programmes in Bali, Cuba, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and in Paris. These programmes are administered and organised by Gateway College while Telemark University College has the academic responsibility.
Students who wish to study from home may choose from our increasing range of traditional and internet based distance learning programmes.
Study Abroad
Telemark University College has a wide international network and agreements in many countries both in Europe and world-wide, offereing our students good opportunities to take part of their education abroad.
Within the framework of Nordplus and Erasmus our institution can provide additional grants to study in a partner institution in other Scandinavian or in memeber states of the European Union. In Europe our exchange agreements cover institutions in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Greece, Serbia, Bosnia, Slovakia, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Worldwide out collaboration agreements cover institutions in China, USA, Canada, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bali, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Mauritius with opportunities to study there.
The Norwegian State Education Loan Fund covers authorised exchange study on the same basis as study here in Norway. See more about possibilities for study abroad under specific
programmes in the study catalogue.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Taking The TOFEL: Study In USA
If you want to study in the USA, you will almost certainly have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL was taken by over 900,000 people around the world during the 1997-98 year, and although US universities and colleges are starting to accept a broader range of English language proficiency tests, TOEFL still remains the most widely recognised test for admission to degree programmes and many other college courses. TOEFL is also accepted by some universities outside the US.
If you are not a native speaker of English but have studied in an English-speaking country for at least three years, US colleges will probably waive the TOEFL requirement. However, this is done on a case-by-case basis, and you must check with each individual institution rather than assume that you do not have to take the test.
The TOEFL Information Bulletin
If the colleges you are applying to require a TOEFL score, the first thing you need to do is obtain the TOEFL information bulletin. This free booklet provides information on how to register for the TOEFL, fees and payment methods, registration forms, a list of test centres, what happens on the test day, scoring information, and some sample questions. As it contains so much information, the booklet is quite long, but a thorough reading will pay off in terms of following the correct registration procedures and a clear understanding of the test. The bulletin is available on the TOEFL Website at www.toefl.org, and is also available by mail from the test administrators (or from their local representatives in some countries), as well as from US educational advising centres around the world. To find the closest source to you, either consult the TOEFL Website or contact a US Embassy or Consulate for details of your nearest US educational advising centre.
The TOEFL is currently offered in most countries as a computer-based test. This does not mean you can sit down at any computer to take the test - that would make it very easy for someone to take the test on your behalf! Rather, it means that the test is offered at secure testing centres in various cities around the world where there a number of people taking the test at the same time on computer workstations with headphones. The TOEFL is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the test software will adapt the questions to the ability of the test taker - so if you are doing well it will feed you harder questions, if you are not doing so well it will feed you easier questions! You get more points for getting the harder questions right.
The computer-based test has an introductory tutorial session and four mandatory sections which assess listening (30-50 questions), structure (20-25 questions), reading (44-60 questions), and writing skills (you will be required to write an essay). In total the test session is around four hours long.
There are some countries where the TOEFL is offered as a paper-based test. For further information, consult the TOEFL Website and the TOEFL bulletin.
You can register for TOEFL by mail, fax or telephone, and currently the test costs US$100. There are eight registration centres worldwide, whose details are in the TOEFL bulletin. To register by fax or telephone, you need a credit card. Payments by mail can be made by cheque in US dollars or a number of other currencies, by credit card or by other methods, all of which are detailed in the information bulletin.
Although you can theoretically register as late as two days before you wish to take the test, sometimes certain test centres are so busy that it is not possible to take the test for two months or more, so register as far in advance as possible. At a minimum, you need to take the TOEFL four weeks before the application deadline for your colleges in order for the scores to reach the school on time (longer if you want to handwrite rather than type the test essay).
At the time of registration you can indicate your first two preferences for a test centre, and your first five preferences for a test date. Once your registration has been processed, you will be told your actual test date and the full test centre address. In many countries there are strict security procedures on the day of the test, so make sure you know what identification you will have to take with you to the test centre.
Preparing for the TOEFL
At the very least, it is wise to familiarise yourself with the test format and practice some test questions before you arrive at the test centre. The amount of practice you will need to do will depend on your English language ability, the time available before you take the test, and how familiar you feel with the test format. While the TOEFL information bulletin provides some sample questions, there are also various TOEFL preparation materials produced by both the test administrators (the Educational Testing Service) and by independent test preparation companies. The test administrators' materials focus on practising actual past questions and complete tests, while the latter are independent companies which aim to help students improve their performance on the test using a variety of strategies and techniques. Materials are available for purchase on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, and may also be available in bookstores or from your nearest US educational advising centre. Before buying materials, check the contents to find out whether they provide preparation for the computer-based or paper-based TOEFL.
In addition, a number of organisations offer test training courses or private tuition for the TOEFL for a fee. US educational advisory centres can usually provide you with a list of test trainers, but many trainers advertise in educational publications. Some things to consider before signing up for a course include how many hours of tuition are provided, whether the tuition is provided on videotape or by a 'live' teacher, what training and experience the teachers have, and how they measure your improvement throughout the course. If the course is offered at an English language school, check what accreditation the school holds. If you are not sure about a course, ask if you can sit in on a class as an observer, or speak to past participants.
The scoring system for the TOEFL was changed in 1998 when the test moved from a paper-based to a computer-based format. You will now receive three scores, each from 0 to 30, for the listening, structure/writing, and reading sections of the test. An essay score from 0 to 6 is incorporated into the structure/writing score. You will also receive a total score for the TOEFL from 40 to 300 (equivalent to a range of 310 to 677 on the paper-based test).
On the day of the test you will be given the choice of viewing your scores or cancelling them. Unfortunately you cannot view the scores and then cancel them! If you view your scores you will only see a possible range for structure/writing, as the final score will be determined once your essay is marked.
At this point you can also designate up to four colleges to receive your scores free of charge, so it is a good idea to take with you the list of institution codes given in the TOEFL information bulletin. Alternatively, you can wait until later to see to see your final scores before designating any recipients.
Around two weeks after you take the test (five weeks if you handwrite your essay), your scores will be mailed to you and any institutions you have designated. For those candidates who can't wait for the scores to arrive by post, scores are available by telephone the day they are mailed, for an extra fee.
What score do you need for entry into a US degree programme? This will vary, with each college setting it's own minimum score usually somewhere between 133 and 250 (equivalent to between 450 and 600 on the paper-based test). Check in each college catalog or on the university website for specific requirements.
English language test scores are just one part of the admission process for colleges, but an important part. Plan ahead, read the registration information thoroughly and give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the test and for the scores to reach the colleges. For further information on the TOEFL consult www.toefl.org, or contact your nearest US educational advising centre for help with this and other aspects of applying to study in the USA.
If you are not a native speaker of English but have studied in an English-speaking country for at least three years, US colleges will probably waive the TOEFL requirement. However, this is done on a case-by-case basis, and you must check with each individual institution rather than assume that you do not have to take the test.
The TOEFL Information Bulletin
If the colleges you are applying to require a TOEFL score, the first thing you need to do is obtain the TOEFL information bulletin. This free booklet provides information on how to register for the TOEFL, fees and payment methods, registration forms, a list of test centres, what happens on the test day, scoring information, and some sample questions. As it contains so much information, the booklet is quite long, but a thorough reading will pay off in terms of following the correct registration procedures and a clear understanding of the test. The bulletin is available on the TOEFL Website at www.toefl.org, and is also available by mail from the test administrators (or from their local representatives in some countries), as well as from US educational advising centres around the world. To find the closest source to you, either consult the TOEFL Website or contact a US Embassy or Consulate for details of your nearest US educational advising centre.
The TOEFL is currently offered in most countries as a computer-based test. This does not mean you can sit down at any computer to take the test - that would make it very easy for someone to take the test on your behalf! Rather, it means that the test is offered at secure testing centres in various cities around the world where there a number of people taking the test at the same time on computer workstations with headphones. The TOEFL is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the test software will adapt the questions to the ability of the test taker - so if you are doing well it will feed you harder questions, if you are not doing so well it will feed you easier questions! You get more points for getting the harder questions right.
The computer-based test has an introductory tutorial session and four mandatory sections which assess listening (30-50 questions), structure (20-25 questions), reading (44-60 questions), and writing skills (you will be required to write an essay). In total the test session is around four hours long.
There are some countries where the TOEFL is offered as a paper-based test. For further information, consult the TOEFL Website and the TOEFL bulletin.
You can register for TOEFL by mail, fax or telephone, and currently the test costs US$100. There are eight registration centres worldwide, whose details are in the TOEFL bulletin. To register by fax or telephone, you need a credit card. Payments by mail can be made by cheque in US dollars or a number of other currencies, by credit card or by other methods, all of which are detailed in the information bulletin.
Although you can theoretically register as late as two days before you wish to take the test, sometimes certain test centres are so busy that it is not possible to take the test for two months or more, so register as far in advance as possible. At a minimum, you need to take the TOEFL four weeks before the application deadline for your colleges in order for the scores to reach the school on time (longer if you want to handwrite rather than type the test essay).
At the time of registration you can indicate your first two preferences for a test centre, and your first five preferences for a test date. Once your registration has been processed, you will be told your actual test date and the full test centre address. In many countries there are strict security procedures on the day of the test, so make sure you know what identification you will have to take with you to the test centre.
Preparing for the TOEFL
At the very least, it is wise to familiarise yourself with the test format and practice some test questions before you arrive at the test centre. The amount of practice you will need to do will depend on your English language ability, the time available before you take the test, and how familiar you feel with the test format. While the TOEFL information bulletin provides some sample questions, there are also various TOEFL preparation materials produced by both the test administrators (the Educational Testing Service) and by independent test preparation companies. The test administrators' materials focus on practising actual past questions and complete tests, while the latter are independent companies which aim to help students improve their performance on the test using a variety of strategies and techniques. Materials are available for purchase on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, and may also be available in bookstores or from your nearest US educational advising centre. Before buying materials, check the contents to find out whether they provide preparation for the computer-based or paper-based TOEFL.
In addition, a number of organisations offer test training courses or private tuition for the TOEFL for a fee. US educational advisory centres can usually provide you with a list of test trainers, but many trainers advertise in educational publications. Some things to consider before signing up for a course include how many hours of tuition are provided, whether the tuition is provided on videotape or by a 'live' teacher, what training and experience the teachers have, and how they measure your improvement throughout the course. If the course is offered at an English language school, check what accreditation the school holds. If you are not sure about a course, ask if you can sit in on a class as an observer, or speak to past participants.
The scoring system for the TOEFL was changed in 1998 when the test moved from a paper-based to a computer-based format. You will now receive three scores, each from 0 to 30, for the listening, structure/writing, and reading sections of the test. An essay score from 0 to 6 is incorporated into the structure/writing score. You will also receive a total score for the TOEFL from 40 to 300 (equivalent to a range of 310 to 677 on the paper-based test).
On the day of the test you will be given the choice of viewing your scores or cancelling them. Unfortunately you cannot view the scores and then cancel them! If you view your scores you will only see a possible range for structure/writing, as the final score will be determined once your essay is marked.
At this point you can also designate up to four colleges to receive your scores free of charge, so it is a good idea to take with you the list of institution codes given in the TOEFL information bulletin. Alternatively, you can wait until later to see to see your final scores before designating any recipients.
Around two weeks after you take the test (five weeks if you handwrite your essay), your scores will be mailed to you and any institutions you have designated. For those candidates who can't wait for the scores to arrive by post, scores are available by telephone the day they are mailed, for an extra fee.
What score do you need for entry into a US degree programme? This will vary, with each college setting it's own minimum score usually somewhere between 133 and 250 (equivalent to between 450 and 600 on the paper-based test). Check in each college catalog or on the university website for specific requirements.
English language test scores are just one part of the admission process for colleges, but an important part. Plan ahead, read the registration information thoroughly and give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the test and for the scores to reach the colleges. For further information on the TOEFL consult www.toefl.org, or contact your nearest US educational advising centre for help with this and other aspects of applying to study in the USA.
Graduate Education
Graduate study in the United States is usually comprised of long hours of work, deferred pleasures, and a series of opportunities which help to fashion a future career, either as an academic or as an 'applied academic' - one who works outside the university environment, whilst using the training they received in the course of post-baccalaureate study.
Because of the serious investment of time and resources, both intellectual and economic, it is important that the potential graduate student carefully selects the programs to which they wish to apply. Once accepted, however, the graduate student's life will be configured by certain factors, which are usually constant from one university to another. Below is a brief illustration of what the international student studying in the United States will experience.
Graduate study and the life of the mind
Generally, most programs are composed of three levels of achievement: classroom and/or fieldwork courses; examinations; and master's thesis/doctoral dissertation. Classwork is usually comprised of three to five courses during each semester, depending on the assigned programs in a department. The aim of the coursework is to assist the student in broadening their understanding of the field, as well as allowing them to experience various styles of teaching from their professors.
The semesters devoted to coursework are also occasions during which the student can sharpen their analytical and critical skills, as well as delve more deeply into the literature of the particular field or its subspecialty. During this period, a student needs to become 'self-starting', taking the initiative in researching areas without faculty class requirements. In other words, a student must begin to read broadly, scan and read journal articles pertinent to your field of interest, and begin to look at topics which may generate articles, and eventually their future dissertation. Reading for the sake of class preparation may have been enough on the undergraduate level, but not so for graduate school. Breadth and depth of knowledge are two prerequisites for a successful course of study.
Many college or university graduates will readily admit that comprehensive examinations were far from their most pleasant memories of graduate school. Frequently, part of a department's comprehensive exam schedule is devoted to field exams, requiring knowledge about the major issues, debates, figures, and concerns of the departmental field, whereas major/minor examinations question the student about the particulars of their sub-specialties. Preparation for these exams really begins on the first day of your first class in graduate school. Syllabi and lists of books and references become major tools by which students can prepare for the comps. Most graduate students hold on to most of their books and notes until they finish their studies at a college - and many retain them even afterwards. The challenge to students is to filter out the 'gold' from the 'dross', and to use their notes, references, and syllabi/lists effectively in preparing for the comprehensives.
Examinations may be written, or a combination of written and oral tests. Requirements for languages (especially German and French) may also be satisfied with written or oral exams. In all cases, it is suggested that a student facing the comps solicits information from other students experienced in taking them, concerning suggestions and strategies. Also, the formation of peer groups for study and socialization may lessen the tension of taking the field exams.
The Dissertation
Early in the doctoral program, a student may wish to approach a preferred professor about the possibility of mentoring the dissertation. Besides the professor's expertise, it is recommended that the student choose a mentor in whom full confidence can be expressed, and who will be both challenging and supportive throughout the process. The graduate student must always be aware that the writing of the dissertation is a solo work, which entails a great deal of time alone from friends and family. The research and study which goes into the dissertation are commitments to sacrifice and dedication. No matter who the mentor is, the student must remember that work done on the dissertation is an original piece of research, and it must be able to stand on its own. Your oral defence of the thesis is more than just the completion of a doctoral requirement. It is the moment during which a student asserts their place in the academic profession, and demonstrates that the completed work is worthy of respect.
The successful conclusion of the dissertation and its defence is both exhausting and exhilarating - many doctoral recipients liken the process to a woman's childbirth, including the experience by some of emptiness or even depression once 'the great work' is done. In any event, the event is a rite of passage for the former graduate student, as they are now looked upon as a peer in the profession.
Afterwards…
Once the academic work is completed, the field of possibilities can be wide. Professional positions in teaching may be limited, depending on the geographical location as one is searching for a job. It is always advisable to look whilst still in the program, but alternatives to teaching should also be researched. Your mentor, graduate advisor, and the placement service of your school may help you discover alternatives, until the position that you desire emerges. But as so many doctoral recipients have discovered, doors should never be shut on any opportunity until you have explored the possibilities inherent in the position. A sense of realism, as well as imagination, flexibility, and good humour become keys to reaching that point.
Because of the serious investment of time and resources, both intellectual and economic, it is important that the potential graduate student carefully selects the programs to which they wish to apply. Once accepted, however, the graduate student's life will be configured by certain factors, which are usually constant from one university to another. Below is a brief illustration of what the international student studying in the United States will experience.
Graduate study and the life of the mind
Generally, most programs are composed of three levels of achievement: classroom and/or fieldwork courses; examinations; and master's thesis/doctoral dissertation. Classwork is usually comprised of three to five courses during each semester, depending on the assigned programs in a department. The aim of the coursework is to assist the student in broadening their understanding of the field, as well as allowing them to experience various styles of teaching from their professors.
The semesters devoted to coursework are also occasions during which the student can sharpen their analytical and critical skills, as well as delve more deeply into the literature of the particular field or its subspecialty. During this period, a student needs to become 'self-starting', taking the initiative in researching areas without faculty class requirements. In other words, a student must begin to read broadly, scan and read journal articles pertinent to your field of interest, and begin to look at topics which may generate articles, and eventually their future dissertation. Reading for the sake of class preparation may have been enough on the undergraduate level, but not so for graduate school. Breadth and depth of knowledge are two prerequisites for a successful course of study.
Many college or university graduates will readily admit that comprehensive examinations were far from their most pleasant memories of graduate school. Frequently, part of a department's comprehensive exam schedule is devoted to field exams, requiring knowledge about the major issues, debates, figures, and concerns of the departmental field, whereas major/minor examinations question the student about the particulars of their sub-specialties. Preparation for these exams really begins on the first day of your first class in graduate school. Syllabi and lists of books and references become major tools by which students can prepare for the comps. Most graduate students hold on to most of their books and notes until they finish their studies at a college - and many retain them even afterwards. The challenge to students is to filter out the 'gold' from the 'dross', and to use their notes, references, and syllabi/lists effectively in preparing for the comprehensives.
Examinations may be written, or a combination of written and oral tests. Requirements for languages (especially German and French) may also be satisfied with written or oral exams. In all cases, it is suggested that a student facing the comps solicits information from other students experienced in taking them, concerning suggestions and strategies. Also, the formation of peer groups for study and socialization may lessen the tension of taking the field exams.
The Dissertation
Early in the doctoral program, a student may wish to approach a preferred professor about the possibility of mentoring the dissertation. Besides the professor's expertise, it is recommended that the student choose a mentor in whom full confidence can be expressed, and who will be both challenging and supportive throughout the process. The graduate student must always be aware that the writing of the dissertation is a solo work, which entails a great deal of time alone from friends and family. The research and study which goes into the dissertation are commitments to sacrifice and dedication. No matter who the mentor is, the student must remember that work done on the dissertation is an original piece of research, and it must be able to stand on its own. Your oral defence of the thesis is more than just the completion of a doctoral requirement. It is the moment during which a student asserts their place in the academic profession, and demonstrates that the completed work is worthy of respect.
The successful conclusion of the dissertation and its defence is both exhausting and exhilarating - many doctoral recipients liken the process to a woman's childbirth, including the experience by some of emptiness or even depression once 'the great work' is done. In any event, the event is a rite of passage for the former graduate student, as they are now looked upon as a peer in the profession.
Afterwards…
Once the academic work is completed, the field of possibilities can be wide. Professional positions in teaching may be limited, depending on the geographical location as one is searching for a job. It is always advisable to look whilst still in the program, but alternatives to teaching should also be researched. Your mentor, graduate advisor, and the placement service of your school may help you discover alternatives, until the position that you desire emerges. But as so many doctoral recipients have discovered, doors should never be shut on any opportunity until you have explored the possibilities inherent in the position. A sense of realism, as well as imagination, flexibility, and good humour become keys to reaching that point.
Your Ticket to the United States
Choosing a course at the right university is a big decision. However, once this has been decided there are many important things you should know before arriving in the United States. Entry into the U.S. should be your first priority and this article deals with matters relating to your Visa.
I already have a passport. Is this enough for entry into the United States?
In simple terms ......No! - However, your passport is an equal part of the package. Your passport is your governments permit for you to leave and re-enter your country. Keep your passport valid. The validity date should be at least six months beyond the applicants intended period of stay in the United States. The U.S. government requires your passport to be valid for entry.
A visa is also needed. A visa is a stamp placed in your passport by a U.S. Consular officer in your country. It simply notes the purpose of your visit. One of the most important aspects of a visa, for immigration purposes, is the last date you can enter the U.S. the number of entries allowed and, of course, the length at which you will be permitted to stay!
How do I obtain a Visa?
For a student visa you should generally apply to your U.S. Embassy or Consulate at your home of permanent residence. Your visa is the final product of a number of forms. Once you have applied and accepted on a course of full-time study the International Officer there will send you through the post a I-20 or IAP-66 form. This known as a Certificate Of Eligibility. These forms will provide all the information for you to obtain not only a visa, but the right visa for you.
The I-20 ID is the second part of the I-20 form. It is the official immigration identification document for students of F-1 status (see below) The form records all immigration information: identification numbers, school of approved study, school transfers and employment authorisation.
The I-20 or IAP-66 is an extremely important document. The Immigration and Naturalization service (INS) expects you to keep hold of this document and to have it to hand at all times. DO NOT GIVE THE DOCUMENT UP ON A TEMPORARY DEPARTURE FROM THE UNITED STATES. Not only will it be needed to re-enter the country but you will also need it for potential employers to prove your eligibility to work
F.J,M-1? There are so many types of Visa's. Which one relates to me?
As an international student you will be classed as a nonimmigrant and there are a potential three visa's that you may be eligible for F-1, J-1 and M-1.
The F-1 visa is for most international students. It is for international students in full-time study. Once you have completed your Certificate Of Eligibility, in this case a I-20 A-B, the International Officer at the university of your choice will process the documents. To satisfy the Immigration and Naturalization Service you must be able to prove that you are in an approved full time course of study (12 hours of class time per semester) and that there are sufficient financial resources for you to support yourself. This may be submitted on a I-134 form which is an affidavit of financial support from family or another person.
The J-1 visa is for international students who are sponsored by their government, their foreign University, an international organisation or a source that is other than personal ( ( an IAP-66 form needs to be completed) These are known as exchange visitors. Please note that with J-1 visa holders there are often strict guidelines for leaving the country after their studies. Please check the terms and conditions that you are contracted to by the people you are funded by.
An M-1 visa is for students who are admitted for vocational and technical training programmes (For I-20 M-N must be completed) Once again through the same system as F-1 you must prove that you are in full-time study and have adequate financial support. It is important to check full details of all you visa restrictions and requirements at your local U.S. Embassy or consulate so that you maintain your visa status.
How do I maintain my visa status?
This is very easy. Just follow the procedures and you should have no problems. However, it is important to know that if you have any immigration problems your International Officer is there to help you with any problems that you may have. To maintain your visa status simply keep to the minimum amount of hours in a full time course. Changing your status may mean you have to change your visa. to remain as F-1 status and to stop attending your course is seen as a violation of your visa requirements and may move towards immediate deportation.
What documents do I need to keep hold of?
I already have a passport. Is this enough for entry into the United States?
In simple terms ......No! - However, your passport is an equal part of the package. Your passport is your governments permit for you to leave and re-enter your country. Keep your passport valid. The validity date should be at least six months beyond the applicants intended period of stay in the United States. The U.S. government requires your passport to be valid for entry.
A visa is also needed. A visa is a stamp placed in your passport by a U.S. Consular officer in your country. It simply notes the purpose of your visit. One of the most important aspects of a visa, for immigration purposes, is the last date you can enter the U.S. the number of entries allowed and, of course, the length at which you will be permitted to stay!
How do I obtain a Visa?
For a student visa you should generally apply to your U.S. Embassy or Consulate at your home of permanent residence. Your visa is the final product of a number of forms. Once you have applied and accepted on a course of full-time study the International Officer there will send you through the post a I-20 or IAP-66 form. This known as a Certificate Of Eligibility. These forms will provide all the information for you to obtain not only a visa, but the right visa for you.
The I-20 ID is the second part of the I-20 form. It is the official immigration identification document for students of F-1 status (see below) The form records all immigration information: identification numbers, school of approved study, school transfers and employment authorisation.
The I-20 or IAP-66 is an extremely important document. The Immigration and Naturalization service (INS) expects you to keep hold of this document and to have it to hand at all times. DO NOT GIVE THE DOCUMENT UP ON A TEMPORARY DEPARTURE FROM THE UNITED STATES. Not only will it be needed to re-enter the country but you will also need it for potential employers to prove your eligibility to work
F.J,M-1? There are so many types of Visa's. Which one relates to me?
As an international student you will be classed as a nonimmigrant and there are a potential three visa's that you may be eligible for F-1, J-1 and M-1.
The F-1 visa is for most international students. It is for international students in full-time study. Once you have completed your Certificate Of Eligibility, in this case a I-20 A-B, the International Officer at the university of your choice will process the documents. To satisfy the Immigration and Naturalization Service you must be able to prove that you are in an approved full time course of study (12 hours of class time per semester) and that there are sufficient financial resources for you to support yourself. This may be submitted on a I-134 form which is an affidavit of financial support from family or another person.
The J-1 visa is for international students who are sponsored by their government, their foreign University, an international organisation or a source that is other than personal ( ( an IAP-66 form needs to be completed) These are known as exchange visitors. Please note that with J-1 visa holders there are often strict guidelines for leaving the country after their studies. Please check the terms and conditions that you are contracted to by the people you are funded by.
An M-1 visa is for students who are admitted for vocational and technical training programmes (For I-20 M-N must be completed) Once again through the same system as F-1 you must prove that you are in full-time study and have adequate financial support. It is important to check full details of all you visa restrictions and requirements at your local U.S. Embassy or consulate so that you maintain your visa status.
How do I maintain my visa status?
This is very easy. Just follow the procedures and you should have no problems. However, it is important to know that if you have any immigration problems your International Officer is there to help you with any problems that you may have. To maintain your visa status simply keep to the minimum amount of hours in a full time course. Changing your status may mean you have to change your visa. to remain as F-1 status and to stop attending your course is seen as a violation of your visa requirements and may move towards immediate deportation.
What documents do I need to keep hold of?
- Your passport and visa
- Your I-20 form
- Also your I-94. This is a record of arrival and departure from the United States and is a form stapled into your passport. It notes the length of stay permitted. F-1 visa holders will have "D/S" instead of a specific date put on the form. This means Duration Of Status, which means you may stay in the country whilst you are of F-1 Status.
I am a Postgraduate Student. does this mean I have any other additional requirements?
Not really. However, find out the nature of your course to help determine what visa you will need. A full time course may vary at post graduate level. However, generally for visa maintenance you will need to be in at least 9 hours of credited study per semester. You must also show the financial resources to support yourself. Ask your International Officer for any advice on employment restrictions.
What if I want to change my University or my course. Will that change my visa status?
Not necessarily. As long as you are in full time study you should still continue to be of F-1 status. It is important to not that in all cases a fresh I-20 form must be completed and processed through the International Officer at each school.
Obtaining a visa is a simple and straight forward procedure. For more useful information ECIBA recommends that you contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or the International Officer at the university of your choice. It is important to remember that the INS has the authority to refuse entry to the United States. It is only until your visa has been signed by the INS official at your chosen port of entry that you are given full visa status into the United States. However, if you prepare yourself with all the information you may need, entry into the United States should be a simple and painless procedure
Is USA Right For You
If you find yourself reading this article, then the chances are that you are now seriously considering the possibility of studying in America. A chain of events you cannot exactly describe changed your path towards international education. All of a sudden, you arrived to the conclusion that studying in your own country did not seem challenging enough, and you are telling yourself you need more. You know for a fact that there are excellent universities in your homeland but you still want something different. Moreover, you ask yourself: how did I arrive to a decision to study in a foreign land and how am I going to go about it?.
Some of the answers are very simple: for example, you know that you have the "foreign studies bug", and there is not much in terms of a cure. Second, you know that it feels like a major turning point in your life. Third, you are determined to be an International Student in the United States, even if you know little about how to get there. Corroborating these feelings, your heart has been telling you that:... "you have what it takes to succeed". If this is how you feel about yourself, let me welcome you to the challenging world of Higher Education in the United States.
This unscientific way of discovery occurs more frequently than you might think and is an excellent beginning. In short, you have decided all by yourself that you have the intelligence and drive to succeed. It is a fact that intelligence and drive are the most important factors that will bring home a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral Degree when you return from the United States. It is also a fact, that money alone will not buy either, and if you are convinced that you have both, it is likely that you will succeed. At this point, I would suggest: to go back to square one, and seriously re-formulate the same questions. If you can come up with the same answers and are still determined to start the long journey of studying abroad, then you are ready. Now your work begins in full, and a good dose of honesty is needed to move forward with real answers.
If English is your second language
In searching for the truth you need to ask yourself the following questions: First: Am I a good reader, listener and writer of English?. In reality, where do I stand in each of those areas?. If I were to sit in a classroom at an American University how would I perform?. The bottom line is; you need to find out if you can follow a lecture on an academic topic at university level. This should include the necessary give and take to answer questions, participate in class discussion, and produce original papers. If you have not done so, you need to take a TOEFL test as soon as possible to have a first unbiased measure of your ability. The test will also serve as a measure of future progress.
As a norm, I would seriously recommend to view a TOEFL score of 660 as a mark that will guarantee some degree of confidence on the ability to keep up with the daily demands of university studies. Many Colleges such as Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachusetts accept students with TOEFL scores around the 600 mark, requiring participation in their English as a Second Language Program, as a precondition for admission. This important step allows students to combine ESL instruction with academic courses. The obvious advantage is that it does not delay admission to a program of study leading towards a Bachelor's Degree.
In deciding course selection for the first semester, the College's guiding principle is to protect your chances for success. We all know that nobody wins, if a student fails academically. It is your job as an applicant, to find out if your level of English matches your aspirations, and the admission guidelines of the Colleges you are applying to. Suffice to say here that a great number of Colleges and Universities alsd require the SAT test from Secondary School graduates. As a general rule, it is better to prepare yourself for a while taking intensive English courses, than to risk a denial letter from the College you are seeking admission to.
Can I afford it?
The second question in order of importance is: Can I afford the College of my choice in the United States?. The truth is, unless you have a demonstrated ability and a steady "star student" record, it is unlikely that you will obtain a grant covering all your expenses at some of your preferred Colleges.
By law, Federal (government) money is not accessible to International students, unless they also hold a U.S. citizenship or a U.S~ resident card. Many good candidates will be denied financial aid assistance for this reason. Or they will receive an offer from the College to take their own "Grant" (gift) money, that in reality is still short of the amount the student really needs. Again, check your past academic achievements, and type of funds you can realistically obtain from your favorite College. Sometimes, you will need to make adjustments looking for institutions that better match your ability to pay. Don't count on universities largesse, count on your own resources and your ability to pay. If some money comes along the way as a gift, see it as an added benefit.
For the most part American Universities can only give their "own money", not government money, to International students and they will decide to whom and how much there is to give. Confronting reality early is a great time saving device, when searching for the right College. The good news is that there are a wide range of institutions available, both academically viable and affordable. Look for what you can afford. For example, Endicott College decided to reduce tuition as a way to evenly benefit a wide range of International and Domestic applicants. As a result, their tuition compares most favorably with other Boston area Colleges, averaging savings of eight thousand dollars per year. When we multiply by four years, it represents some serious savings for an international student.
Use the resources available
If you pass the "Motivation" test, the "English" test, and the
"Reality" test, and you can show a reasonable academic record, you are on your way to finding a good match at a U.S. College. The next steps will become a little easier. Having a good idea of what your academic interests are, you can now move along rather fast. Word of mouth advice from alumni/e, advice from USIS and Fulbright Commission representatives in your country, and advice from counselors at International Schools are still paramount and irreplaceable in a search for the perfect College.
Make use of these resources, that for the most part are free. For example, you can contact the Education section of the U.S. Embassy, the offices of AMIDEAST in the Middle East, the Institute of International Education, the Fulbright Commission, and International Schools in your area.
Also International College Fairs in your area should be common occurrence. In addition, Asian, South American, European and Middle Eastern countries are frequently visited by College's International recruiters. You should call the College of your choice, to find out when their International recruiter will be visiting your City.
The application process
Presenting your application to any College or University should be a serious affair. Please do not take it lightly, as this is the biggest mistake many applicants make. Remember that admissions counselors only see essays and grades and do not have the opportunity to interact with international applicants when they are processing their applications. If you are tired or busy, continue to complete your application or finish your essay the next day. Type and correct everything. Do not act on impulse, anything that you mail is impossible to retrieve, and it will reach the admission office even if you change your mind. Be obsessive, use the best available paper, avoid wrinkles, triple check your grammar, margins, etc.
After all is said and done, what you write will be your best or worst credential. Your essays are extremely important. Think what you write. Show a logical progression. With the English language -at least in America-, "more is less", meaning that less clutter and making a point while being grammatically correct is highly valued. Essays are a good opportunity to explain unforeseen events that have occurred in your life, and they can influence a reader towards a positive decision on your application. Do not lie, report facts and circumstances that have affected you, or major accomplishments worth noting. Universities always check, and lies are hard to keep up with.
After you are accepted Finally, remember that U.S. Colleges and Universities are "writing intensive". You will write many papers during your stay. Ask native speakers to correct and edit every paper you send out. Make it a habit. Also research your papers yourself at the library. It is much easier to defend your point if you have done your own research. And besides, it is the right thing to do. In the end you will remember more for your final examinations and you will get your money 5 worth. It will also build confidence for the next step, be it a Master's or Doctoral Degree or your first well remunerated job. The more you learn about Americans, and can communicate by writing, the better off you will be. It is a fact that most of us after College, will have sooner rather than later a manager regularly reading our reports.
Lastly, beware of plagiarism. In America it represents a serious breaking of academic rules, and can lead to very uncomfortable situations, and in some cases to dismissal from courses and even the University itself.
In the end, the reward for your journey will be your effort, sense of personal accomplishment, mastery of a foreign language and culture, memories and friends left behind. But still the most valued reward will be, the diploma that you will see hanging behind you in your office and the thought..." I did take the challenge all by myself and for now, nothing seems impossible".
Going back to the very beginning, my best advice remains: set your course and stay at the helm for the duration of your journey. It certainly will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I can only wish the best of luck to you, and all those daring students making plans to come to the United States, one step at a time. Don't give up and follow your plan to the end.
Some of the answers are very simple: for example, you know that you have the "foreign studies bug", and there is not much in terms of a cure. Second, you know that it feels like a major turning point in your life. Third, you are determined to be an International Student in the United States, even if you know little about how to get there. Corroborating these feelings, your heart has been telling you that:... "you have what it takes to succeed". If this is how you feel about yourself, let me welcome you to the challenging world of Higher Education in the United States.
This unscientific way of discovery occurs more frequently than you might think and is an excellent beginning. In short, you have decided all by yourself that you have the intelligence and drive to succeed. It is a fact that intelligence and drive are the most important factors that will bring home a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral Degree when you return from the United States. It is also a fact, that money alone will not buy either, and if you are convinced that you have both, it is likely that you will succeed. At this point, I would suggest: to go back to square one, and seriously re-formulate the same questions. If you can come up with the same answers and are still determined to start the long journey of studying abroad, then you are ready. Now your work begins in full, and a good dose of honesty is needed to move forward with real answers.
If English is your second language
In searching for the truth you need to ask yourself the following questions: First: Am I a good reader, listener and writer of English?. In reality, where do I stand in each of those areas?. If I were to sit in a classroom at an American University how would I perform?. The bottom line is; you need to find out if you can follow a lecture on an academic topic at university level. This should include the necessary give and take to answer questions, participate in class discussion, and produce original papers. If you have not done so, you need to take a TOEFL test as soon as possible to have a first unbiased measure of your ability. The test will also serve as a measure of future progress.
As a norm, I would seriously recommend to view a TOEFL score of 660 as a mark that will guarantee some degree of confidence on the ability to keep up with the daily demands of university studies. Many Colleges such as Endicott College, in Beverly, Massachusetts accept students with TOEFL scores around the 600 mark, requiring participation in their English as a Second Language Program, as a precondition for admission. This important step allows students to combine ESL instruction with academic courses. The obvious advantage is that it does not delay admission to a program of study leading towards a Bachelor's Degree.
In deciding course selection for the first semester, the College's guiding principle is to protect your chances for success. We all know that nobody wins, if a student fails academically. It is your job as an applicant, to find out if your level of English matches your aspirations, and the admission guidelines of the Colleges you are applying to. Suffice to say here that a great number of Colleges and Universities alsd require the SAT test from Secondary School graduates. As a general rule, it is better to prepare yourself for a while taking intensive English courses, than to risk a denial letter from the College you are seeking admission to.
Can I afford it?
The second question in order of importance is: Can I afford the College of my choice in the United States?. The truth is, unless you have a demonstrated ability and a steady "star student" record, it is unlikely that you will obtain a grant covering all your expenses at some of your preferred Colleges.
By law, Federal (government) money is not accessible to International students, unless they also hold a U.S. citizenship or a U.S~ resident card. Many good candidates will be denied financial aid assistance for this reason. Or they will receive an offer from the College to take their own "Grant" (gift) money, that in reality is still short of the amount the student really needs. Again, check your past academic achievements, and type of funds you can realistically obtain from your favorite College. Sometimes, you will need to make adjustments looking for institutions that better match your ability to pay. Don't count on universities largesse, count on your own resources and your ability to pay. If some money comes along the way as a gift, see it as an added benefit.
For the most part American Universities can only give their "own money", not government money, to International students and they will decide to whom and how much there is to give. Confronting reality early is a great time saving device, when searching for the right College. The good news is that there are a wide range of institutions available, both academically viable and affordable. Look for what you can afford. For example, Endicott College decided to reduce tuition as a way to evenly benefit a wide range of International and Domestic applicants. As a result, their tuition compares most favorably with other Boston area Colleges, averaging savings of eight thousand dollars per year. When we multiply by four years, it represents some serious savings for an international student.
Use the resources available
If you pass the "Motivation" test, the "English" test, and the
"Reality" test, and you can show a reasonable academic record, you are on your way to finding a good match at a U.S. College. The next steps will become a little easier. Having a good idea of what your academic interests are, you can now move along rather fast. Word of mouth advice from alumni/e, advice from USIS and Fulbright Commission representatives in your country, and advice from counselors at International Schools are still paramount and irreplaceable in a search for the perfect College.
Make use of these resources, that for the most part are free. For example, you can contact the Education section of the U.S. Embassy, the offices of AMIDEAST in the Middle East, the Institute of International Education, the Fulbright Commission, and International Schools in your area.
Also International College Fairs in your area should be common occurrence. In addition, Asian, South American, European and Middle Eastern countries are frequently visited by College's International recruiters. You should call the College of your choice, to find out when their International recruiter will be visiting your City.
The application process
Presenting your application to any College or University should be a serious affair. Please do not take it lightly, as this is the biggest mistake many applicants make. Remember that admissions counselors only see essays and grades and do not have the opportunity to interact with international applicants when they are processing their applications. If you are tired or busy, continue to complete your application or finish your essay the next day. Type and correct everything. Do not act on impulse, anything that you mail is impossible to retrieve, and it will reach the admission office even if you change your mind. Be obsessive, use the best available paper, avoid wrinkles, triple check your grammar, margins, etc.
After all is said and done, what you write will be your best or worst credential. Your essays are extremely important. Think what you write. Show a logical progression. With the English language -at least in America-, "more is less", meaning that less clutter and making a point while being grammatically correct is highly valued. Essays are a good opportunity to explain unforeseen events that have occurred in your life, and they can influence a reader towards a positive decision on your application. Do not lie, report facts and circumstances that have affected you, or major accomplishments worth noting. Universities always check, and lies are hard to keep up with.
After you are accepted Finally, remember that U.S. Colleges and Universities are "writing intensive". You will write many papers during your stay. Ask native speakers to correct and edit every paper you send out. Make it a habit. Also research your papers yourself at the library. It is much easier to defend your point if you have done your own research. And besides, it is the right thing to do. In the end you will remember more for your final examinations and you will get your money 5 worth. It will also build confidence for the next step, be it a Master's or Doctoral Degree or your first well remunerated job. The more you learn about Americans, and can communicate by writing, the better off you will be. It is a fact that most of us after College, will have sooner rather than later a manager regularly reading our reports.
Lastly, beware of plagiarism. In America it represents a serious breaking of academic rules, and can lead to very uncomfortable situations, and in some cases to dismissal from courses and even the University itself.
In the end, the reward for your journey will be your effort, sense of personal accomplishment, mastery of a foreign language and culture, memories and friends left behind. But still the most valued reward will be, the diploma that you will see hanging behind you in your office and the thought..." I did take the challenge all by myself and for now, nothing seems impossible".
Going back to the very beginning, my best advice remains: set your course and stay at the helm for the duration of your journey. It certainly will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I can only wish the best of luck to you, and all those daring students making plans to come to the United States, one step at a time. Don't give up and follow your plan to the end.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Study in USA
International Students in the USA!
Abroadplanet is the freshest place to connect with fellow students, your home country, your community, and your culture: a web destination for students from all parts of the world who currently call America home. You'll also get free web pages, email, message boards, and lots of other stuff that no student should be without.
Accommodation Housing
One of your first jobs after arriving in the United States will be to find a place to live. This section provides you with a few tips to make your search a happy one. Temporary AccommodationsWhen you first arrive on campus you will need a place to live while you look for permanent accommodations. Many schools will provide temporary housing for international students who arrive before the semester begins. Ask the foreign student advisor or housing office for information about temporary housing.Another option if you know a student at the school is to ask them to let you stay with them for a few days. New graduate students, can often find someone in their department with room for a temporary guest. You may have to sleep on a couch, but at least you will have a roof over your head. You will also be able to ask questions of someone who is familiar with the area.Most major cities have a Council for International Visitors or similar organization to help incoming international visitors. They can often arrange for you to stay with a local family for a few days, but such arrangements must be made in advance. They also are a good source of information for international students and may provide hospitality and social events. Look for them in the telephone book, or ask at the Traveler's Aid desk when you arrive. Every major airport, bus station, and train station has a Traveler's Aid desk.Many cities also have a youth hostel. Hostels are a good place to stay for a few days while you look for a permanent place to live. They provide dormitory style accommodations, sometimes with bunk beds in large rooms. The cost is $5 to $25 a night. You will be able to stay at the youth hostel at low cost if you are a member of the International Youth Hostel Federation. The US branch is called Hostelling International - American Youth Hostels (HI-AYH). A one year membership is $25 ($10 if you are under age 18). For more information, call 1-202-783-6161, fax 1-202-783-6171, or send email to hiayhserv@hiayh.org. Your travel agent should be able to help you become a member. A good source of information about hostels is the Internet Guide to Hosteling.Lastly, you can always stay in a hotel or motel. This is the most expensive option, and you will need to make a reservation with a credit card to guarantee a room. Parking is expensive at hotels, and there is often a large tax on long distance telephone calls placed from your room.
The available options include renting an apartment, renting a house, or buying a house. Most international students cannot afford to buy a house, so we will not discuss this option.Most university students in the US live on or near campus. Students who live off-campus generally find a place less than a mile or two away. Not only is this convenient for getting to and from campus, but much of the social life occurs on campus. The US educational experience is not confined to the classroom, and you will find yourself learning as much from your fellow students as from the faculty.If the school offers on-campus accommodations for international students, you should seriously consider living on-campus, at least for the first year. Since this is probably your first trip to the United States and your first time living alone, on-campus housing will help soften the transition to life in the United States. Later, when you are more familiar with the neighborhood, you can consider moving off-campus.Renting a house is usually a viable option only if you will be sharing it with several roommates. You will certainly get more for your money if you rent a house. But most communities have limits on the number of unrelated people who can live together, with most cities having a limit ranging from 3 to 5. These laws are intended to prevent overcrowding for health and safety reasons. In any event, the process for renting a house is similar to renting an apartment.The cost of renting an apartment varies considerably depending on the part of the country and the local supply and demand. A one bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh might cost $400 a month while the same apartment in Boston or San Jose will cost $1,200 or more. The school's housing office or financial aid office can provide you with an estimate of the annual cost of renting an off-campus apartment.
Finding an Apartment
Some schools provide on-campus housing for international students. Most, however, do not. If your college provides on-campus housing for international students, we strongly recommend taking advantage of it, even though the rent may be higher than an off-campus apartment. This will give you time to become familiar with the neighborhood before committing to a lease.Most schools have an off-campus housing office to help students find an apartment. The housing office will have listings of available apartments and information about the neighborhoods near campus. They may provide a bulletin board for students looking for roommates and run social events to help you find a good roommate. They will probably have pamphlets with information about popular restaurants, shopping areas, parks and recreation, and public transportation.The public library will also have information about local neighborhoods. Ask for this information at the reference desk.You should do a few things before you begin your search for an apartmentAsk the housing office and current students which neighborhoods are safe and which should be avoidedDecide whether you want to save by sharing an apartment with a roommate or twoGet a detailed street map for the neighborhoods you are considering. You should be able to buy a map in the college bookstore. Another good source for maps is the AAA (American Automobile Association). AAA maps and guidebooks are free to members, one of many reasons to join the auto club even if you do not drive a car. Spend a few hours walking around the neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the area. Note the location of grocery stores and restaurants, since your most frequent trips will be to school and to buy food. Also note the location of bus stops and other public transportation. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk a mile and 5 minutes by bike.When looking for an apartment, ask friends and fellow students if they know of a good apartment. Sometimes they will know someone who is moving out of a good apartment or may be moving themselves. Such good apartments are rarely advertised because they are rented very quickly.The school may have a bulletin board with apartment listings. The bulletin board may be on a wall near the housing office, on the campus computer. It will include listings from local landlords as well as students looking for someone to sublet or take over their lease.The local newspaper will also have apartment listings. Buy a copy of the Sunday newspaper. It will have more apartment listings than a mid-week issue of the newspaper. You may be able to buy the Sunday newspaper as early as Saturday afternoon. There may also be a free weekly advertising circular that lists apartments. You can usually find such apartment listings at grocery stores, newsstands, and real estate offices.The last resort is to contact a real estate agent. You are often better off going through the classified advertisements yourself. Under no circumstances pay for a list of available places, since such lists are often out-dated.You will probably need to look at only 3 or 4 apartments before you find one that you like and which matches your budget. But if you do not find a good apartment quickly, keep trying.The best time to start looking for an apartment is the first Sunday in August.
In the US, house numbers tend to be even on one side of the street and odd on the other. Other than that, there is usually no rhyme or reason to the addressing scheme.Understanding Apartment ListingsRental costs depend primarily on the size, condition, and location of the apartment, and whether utilities are included. Larger apartments and apartments which are closer to the school or shopping will cost more.The first distinguishing characteristic is the size of the apartment. The different sizes are defined as follows:Sleeping Room - A sleeping room is a single room, usually furnished, located in a private home, with a shared bedroom and kitchen. This is the least expensive option, but provides little privacy. Efficiency - An efficiency is a single room with a private bathroom. The room will include a small space that serves as a kitchen and should provide a stove, refrigerator, sink, and cabinet space. Studio - A studio is somewhat larger than an efficiency, and has a separate kitchen and eating area. One, Two, or Three Bedroom - Regular apartments include a separate kitchen, bathroom, living room and/or dining room, and the number of bedrooms advertised.The next important consideration is what is included in the rent and what is notUtilities - If the advertisement says that utilities are included, that usually means electricity, heat/gas, and water/sewage, but not telephone or cable TV. If the advertisement does not specify any utilities, presume that you will be responsible for paying for them. Heat will cost you an extra $500 to $1,000 a year in the snow belt and electricity a similar amount. If heat is included, this sometimes means that the landlord controls the temperature, not you. Water and sewage fees are usually paid by the landlord, except if you are renting a house. Furnished or Unfurnished - A furnished apartment will include a bed, chest of drawers or dresser, a couch or sofa, and a dining room table and chairs. A furnished apartment will also include a stove and refrigerator. An unfurnished apartment will include a stove and refrigerator but nothing else. A furnished apartment will cost you an extra $50 a month. You are probably better off renting an unfurnished apartment and buying used furniture. Graduating students often sell their furniture to incoming students. Most apartments are rented unfurnished. Parking - If you intend to own a car, an apartment that includes a garage or off-street parking is better than one that does not. It is sometimes difficult to find a parking space on the street, especially if many students with cars live nearbyYou should also ask whether there are any laundry facilities. In apartment buildings there is usually a coin operated washer and dryer, but not always.Expect the rent to increase by about 5% per year. LeasesA lease is a written contract between the tenant (you) and a landlord which allows you to use a dwelling for a specific period of time in exchange for monthly rent payments. The lease outlines the restrictions on the use of the dwelling and the responsibilities of tenant and landlord. A lease is a legal document and should be read carefully before signing.The lease should specify at least the following: The amount of the monthly rent and when it should be paid. The lease might mention how the rent will increase in subsequent years. · Whether utilities are included in the rent, and if so which ones. Heat and electricity are the most important. The time period covered by the lease, usually one year. Restrictions on the number of unrelated people who may occupy the dwellingThe amount of the security deposit, which must be paid in addition to the first month's rent when you sign the lease. Restrictions on pets, children, and noise. Many landlords do not permit pets because of the potential for damage and noise. The lease may also contain a provision prohibiting noise from musical instruments, stereo systems, loud parties, and other sourcesLandlord responsibilities, such as repairs to heating and plumbing facilities and fire or water damage A clause about terminating the leaseA clause about eviction proceedings. This clause describes the rights of tenant and landlord should the landlord want to force the tenant out of the property during the term of the lease. The most common reasons for an eviction include failure to pay the rent when due or causing significant damage to the propertyIf the lease includes a wear and tear clause, this allows the landlord to charge you for repainting the apartment at the end of the lease.When you pay for the rent and security deposit, get a receipt. Get a separate receipt for the rent and security deposit. It is best to pay the rent by check, and to use a separate check for the security deposit. You will need this at the end of the lease in order to recover your security deposit. To get your security deposit returned when you move out, return the key to the landlord and provide a forwarding address. We recommend sending this by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you have proof the key and forwarding address were received by the landlord. The landlord then has 30 days to return your deposit or send you a list of the repairs, their actual cost, and any money left in the security deposit. Moving In UtilitiesIf the rent does not include utilities, you will have to get the utilities turned on when you move in. The landlord can provide you with the name and telephone numbers of the gas, electric, and telephone companies that service your apartment. They may be able to schedule service over the phone, or they may require you to visit their offices. If you do not have a good credit history, they may require you to pay a security deposit. The security deposit will be refunded (with interest) after one year if your bills are paid promptly.The gas and electric companies typically provide two payment options. The first requires you to pay the full amount due each month. The other lets you pay an estimated budget amount each month, with any difference being reconciled at the end of the year. Some people find this more convenient, since gas and electricity bills can otherwise vary considerably during the summer and winter months.Most utilities have programs which allow you to have the monthly bill automatically deducted from your bank account. You still receive a copy of the bill, but save the cost of a stamp to mail in the payment.
General Information
This section describes the Entertainment ,Tourist Attractions in US etc.EntertainmentMajor cities often have one or more guidebooks that list the local attractions. It is worth buying a copy of this book. You should be able to find it at local bookstores. The AAA provides free guidebooks for members. The Sunday newspaper will include a section on arts, music, theater, movies, and other forms of entertainment.
Discounts
Many museums and tourist attractions offer discounted admission to students. You will need to show your student identification card. A college ID works fine. You can also get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $20. Membership includes a booklet listing available discounts and a 24-hour help-line (1-800-626-2427). For more information send email to isicinfo@istc.org. Tourist AttractionsDuring your stay in the United States, you may wish to do a little touring. The US has a lot to offer the international visitor.
Tourist season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the off season the attractions will not be as crowded and hotels won't be as full. But some attractions, such as amusement parks, shut down when school is in session.Some of the more famous attractions for international visitors include: Niagara Falls The Smithsonian Institution Disney World The Grand Canyon Yellowstone National Park Statue of Liberty Maine Lobster Mall of America
There are also several cities worth visiting for their rich of museums, culture, events, attractions, and history.
They include: Boston, Massachusetts Chicago, Illinois Hollywood, California Las Vegas, Nevada Miami, Florida New York City San Francisco, California Washington, DC
Scholarship for International Student
You will certainly encounter several scholarship matching services that, for a fee, will offer to search a database of scholarships for awards that match your profile. Unfortunately, the vast majority of awards in these databases are only for US citizens and permanent residents. Do not waste your money on such services.A word of caution: If a scholarship has an application fee, do not apply. If you have to pay money to get money, it is probably a scam. For more information about scholarship scams, the unclaimed aid myth, and related topics, see the Scholarship Scams section of the FinAid site.
Universities in USA
GRE
GRE : Graduate Record ExaminationsADMINISTERED BY : ETS (Educational Testing Service) REQUIRED FOR : Candidates seeking admission in a Masters Degree program in fields other than management are required to take the GRE. Most Universities require GRE for PhD. programs. WEBSITE : http://www.gre.com/ or http://www.ets.org/ VALIDITY : The score is generally valid for 5 years. REPORTING : The score is sent to 4 universities free of cost at the time of GRE exam. ETS charges fees for scores sent to universities later. REGISTRATION : By phone, fax or mail. ADDRESS: PROMETRIC TESTING PRIVATE LIMITED2nd Floor,DLF Infinity Tower - A,Sector 25, Phase II,DLF City Gurgaon,HARYANA - 122 002.Phone No.0124-5147700Fax:0124-5147773 / 0124-5147774.Email: india.rrc@thomson.com
FORMS : Forms are available at USEFI (U.S. Education Foundation in India) or they can be downloaded from the website. REQUIREMENTS FOR PHONE / FAX
REGISTRATION : Name as in the Passport, Address, Credit Card Number, Name of the Cardholder, Expiry date of the card. (The card has to be an International Card). CENTRE : Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Trivandrum.
CONFIRMATION : A registration no is given as terms of confirmation.All the scores and dates are sent to the universities if the test is taken more than once.Scores can be cancelled before coming out of the test.
(A) GENERAL GRE Fees: $140 RESCHEDULING : An intimation is to be given to ETS 7 days prior to the examination date. The necessary rescheduling fee has to be paid.
CANCELLATION :An intimation is to be given to ETS 7 days prior to the examination date. The necessary cancellation fee is applicable.
MODE : The GRE test is a computer adaptive test (CAT).
NUMBER OF TESTS : Only 1 test can be given in a calender month. A total of 5 tests can be given in a year. However many universities may average the scores if more that 1 test is given.
SCORE : Total score is out of 1600 marks(Verbal=800 & Quantitative=800), Analytical Writing Assessment (Essays) is scaled from 0 - 6. Format of GRESection Questions Time(min.) Verbal 3030Quantitative 2845Analytical Writing Assessment 2 Essays45+30Total150 (B) SUBJECT GRE Fees: $150
MODE : Subject test is a paper based test. NUMBER OF TESTS : The test can be given as often as they are offered.
SUBJECT OFFERED: Biochemistry Cell & Molecular Biology, Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, English Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics. Benefits of a High GRE Score : A high score will increase the chances of admission in top ranked Universities.Chances of getting Scholarships / Financial Aid are bright with a high GRE score.Visa Officers also give weightage to high GRE scores while considering Visa applications.
TOEFL
TOEFL : Test of English as a Foreign Language.
ADMINISTERED BY : ETS ( Educational Testing Service )
WEBSITE : http://www.toefl.org/ or http://www.ets.org/
VALADITY : The score is valid for 2 years.
FEES : $130
REPORTING : The score is sent to 4 universities by ETS free of cost at the time of exam. ETS charges additionally for scores sent to universities later.
REGISTRATION : By phone, fax or mail. ADDRESS: PROMETRIC TESTING PRIVATE LIMITED2nd Floor,DLF Infinity Tower - A,Sector 25, Phase II,DLF City Gurgaon,HARYANA - 122 002.Phone No.0124-5147700Fax:0124-5147773 / 0124-5147774.Email: india.rrc@thomson.com
FORMS : Forms are available at USEFI (US Education Foundation in India) or they can be downloaded from the website.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PHONE / FAX REGISTRATION : Name as in the Passport, Address, Credit Card Number, Name of the Cardholder, Expiry date of the card. (The card has to be an International Card).
CENTRES : Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Trivandrum.
CONFIRMATION : A registration no is given as terms of confirmation.
RESCHEDULING : An intimation is to be given to the ETS 3 days prior to the examination date. The necessary rescheduling fee has to be paid.
CANCELLATION : An intimation is to be given to the ETS 3 days prior to the examination date. A cancellation fee is applicable.
MODE : The TOEFL test is a computer adaptive test (CAT) in India.
NUMBER OF TESTS : Only of 1 test can be given in a calender month.
SCORES : Total score is out of 300 (Computer Based). If the test is taken more than once, all the scores and the dates are sent to the universities. Scores can be cancelled before coming out of the test.
Abroadplanet is the freshest place to connect with fellow students, your home country, your community, and your culture: a web destination for students from all parts of the world who currently call America home. You'll also get free web pages, email, message boards, and lots of other stuff that no student should be without.
Accommodation Housing
One of your first jobs after arriving in the United States will be to find a place to live. This section provides you with a few tips to make your search a happy one. Temporary AccommodationsWhen you first arrive on campus you will need a place to live while you look for permanent accommodations. Many schools will provide temporary housing for international students who arrive before the semester begins. Ask the foreign student advisor or housing office for information about temporary housing.Another option if you know a student at the school is to ask them to let you stay with them for a few days. New graduate students, can often find someone in their department with room for a temporary guest. You may have to sleep on a couch, but at least you will have a roof over your head. You will also be able to ask questions of someone who is familiar with the area.Most major cities have a Council for International Visitors or similar organization to help incoming international visitors. They can often arrange for you to stay with a local family for a few days, but such arrangements must be made in advance. They also are a good source of information for international students and may provide hospitality and social events. Look for them in the telephone book, or ask at the Traveler's Aid desk when you arrive. Every major airport, bus station, and train station has a Traveler's Aid desk.Many cities also have a youth hostel. Hostels are a good place to stay for a few days while you look for a permanent place to live. They provide dormitory style accommodations, sometimes with bunk beds in large rooms. The cost is $5 to $25 a night. You will be able to stay at the youth hostel at low cost if you are a member of the International Youth Hostel Federation. The US branch is called Hostelling International - American Youth Hostels (HI-AYH). A one year membership is $25 ($10 if you are under age 18). For more information, call 1-202-783-6161, fax 1-202-783-6171, or send email to hiayhserv@hiayh.org. Your travel agent should be able to help you become a member. A good source of information about hostels is the Internet Guide to Hosteling.Lastly, you can always stay in a hotel or motel. This is the most expensive option, and you will need to make a reservation with a credit card to guarantee a room. Parking is expensive at hotels, and there is often a large tax on long distance telephone calls placed from your room.
The available options include renting an apartment, renting a house, or buying a house. Most international students cannot afford to buy a house, so we will not discuss this option.Most university students in the US live on or near campus. Students who live off-campus generally find a place less than a mile or two away. Not only is this convenient for getting to and from campus, but much of the social life occurs on campus. The US educational experience is not confined to the classroom, and you will find yourself learning as much from your fellow students as from the faculty.If the school offers on-campus accommodations for international students, you should seriously consider living on-campus, at least for the first year. Since this is probably your first trip to the United States and your first time living alone, on-campus housing will help soften the transition to life in the United States. Later, when you are more familiar with the neighborhood, you can consider moving off-campus.Renting a house is usually a viable option only if you will be sharing it with several roommates. You will certainly get more for your money if you rent a house. But most communities have limits on the number of unrelated people who can live together, with most cities having a limit ranging from 3 to 5. These laws are intended to prevent overcrowding for health and safety reasons. In any event, the process for renting a house is similar to renting an apartment.The cost of renting an apartment varies considerably depending on the part of the country and the local supply and demand. A one bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh might cost $400 a month while the same apartment in Boston or San Jose will cost $1,200 or more. The school's housing office or financial aid office can provide you with an estimate of the annual cost of renting an off-campus apartment.
Finding an Apartment
Some schools provide on-campus housing for international students. Most, however, do not. If your college provides on-campus housing for international students, we strongly recommend taking advantage of it, even though the rent may be higher than an off-campus apartment. This will give you time to become familiar with the neighborhood before committing to a lease.Most schools have an off-campus housing office to help students find an apartment. The housing office will have listings of available apartments and information about the neighborhoods near campus. They may provide a bulletin board for students looking for roommates and run social events to help you find a good roommate. They will probably have pamphlets with information about popular restaurants, shopping areas, parks and recreation, and public transportation.The public library will also have information about local neighborhoods. Ask for this information at the reference desk.You should do a few things before you begin your search for an apartmentAsk the housing office and current students which neighborhoods are safe and which should be avoidedDecide whether you want to save by sharing an apartment with a roommate or twoGet a detailed street map for the neighborhoods you are considering. You should be able to buy a map in the college bookstore. Another good source for maps is the AAA (American Automobile Association). AAA maps and guidebooks are free to members, one of many reasons to join the auto club even if you do not drive a car. Spend a few hours walking around the neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the area. Note the location of grocery stores and restaurants, since your most frequent trips will be to school and to buy food. Also note the location of bus stops and other public transportation. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk a mile and 5 minutes by bike.When looking for an apartment, ask friends and fellow students if they know of a good apartment. Sometimes they will know someone who is moving out of a good apartment or may be moving themselves. Such good apartments are rarely advertised because they are rented very quickly.The school may have a bulletin board with apartment listings. The bulletin board may be on a wall near the housing office, on the campus computer. It will include listings from local landlords as well as students looking for someone to sublet or take over their lease.The local newspaper will also have apartment listings. Buy a copy of the Sunday newspaper. It will have more apartment listings than a mid-week issue of the newspaper. You may be able to buy the Sunday newspaper as early as Saturday afternoon. There may also be a free weekly advertising circular that lists apartments. You can usually find such apartment listings at grocery stores, newsstands, and real estate offices.The last resort is to contact a real estate agent. You are often better off going through the classified advertisements yourself. Under no circumstances pay for a list of available places, since such lists are often out-dated.You will probably need to look at only 3 or 4 apartments before you find one that you like and which matches your budget. But if you do not find a good apartment quickly, keep trying.The best time to start looking for an apartment is the first Sunday in August.
In the US, house numbers tend to be even on one side of the street and odd on the other. Other than that, there is usually no rhyme or reason to the addressing scheme.Understanding Apartment ListingsRental costs depend primarily on the size, condition, and location of the apartment, and whether utilities are included. Larger apartments and apartments which are closer to the school or shopping will cost more.The first distinguishing characteristic is the size of the apartment. The different sizes are defined as follows:Sleeping Room - A sleeping room is a single room, usually furnished, located in a private home, with a shared bedroom and kitchen. This is the least expensive option, but provides little privacy. Efficiency - An efficiency is a single room with a private bathroom. The room will include a small space that serves as a kitchen and should provide a stove, refrigerator, sink, and cabinet space. Studio - A studio is somewhat larger than an efficiency, and has a separate kitchen and eating area. One, Two, or Three Bedroom - Regular apartments include a separate kitchen, bathroom, living room and/or dining room, and the number of bedrooms advertised.The next important consideration is what is included in the rent and what is notUtilities - If the advertisement says that utilities are included, that usually means electricity, heat/gas, and water/sewage, but not telephone or cable TV. If the advertisement does not specify any utilities, presume that you will be responsible for paying for them. Heat will cost you an extra $500 to $1,000 a year in the snow belt and electricity a similar amount. If heat is included, this sometimes means that the landlord controls the temperature, not you. Water and sewage fees are usually paid by the landlord, except if you are renting a house. Furnished or Unfurnished - A furnished apartment will include a bed, chest of drawers or dresser, a couch or sofa, and a dining room table and chairs. A furnished apartment will also include a stove and refrigerator. An unfurnished apartment will include a stove and refrigerator but nothing else. A furnished apartment will cost you an extra $50 a month. You are probably better off renting an unfurnished apartment and buying used furniture. Graduating students often sell their furniture to incoming students. Most apartments are rented unfurnished. Parking - If you intend to own a car, an apartment that includes a garage or off-street parking is better than one that does not. It is sometimes difficult to find a parking space on the street, especially if many students with cars live nearbyYou should also ask whether there are any laundry facilities. In apartment buildings there is usually a coin operated washer and dryer, but not always.Expect the rent to increase by about 5% per year. LeasesA lease is a written contract between the tenant (you) and a landlord which allows you to use a dwelling for a specific period of time in exchange for monthly rent payments. The lease outlines the restrictions on the use of the dwelling and the responsibilities of tenant and landlord. A lease is a legal document and should be read carefully before signing.The lease should specify at least the following: The amount of the monthly rent and when it should be paid. The lease might mention how the rent will increase in subsequent years. · Whether utilities are included in the rent, and if so which ones. Heat and electricity are the most important. The time period covered by the lease, usually one year. Restrictions on the number of unrelated people who may occupy the dwellingThe amount of the security deposit, which must be paid in addition to the first month's rent when you sign the lease. Restrictions on pets, children, and noise. Many landlords do not permit pets because of the potential for damage and noise. The lease may also contain a provision prohibiting noise from musical instruments, stereo systems, loud parties, and other sourcesLandlord responsibilities, such as repairs to heating and plumbing facilities and fire or water damage A clause about terminating the leaseA clause about eviction proceedings. This clause describes the rights of tenant and landlord should the landlord want to force the tenant out of the property during the term of the lease. The most common reasons for an eviction include failure to pay the rent when due or causing significant damage to the propertyIf the lease includes a wear and tear clause, this allows the landlord to charge you for repainting the apartment at the end of the lease.When you pay for the rent and security deposit, get a receipt. Get a separate receipt for the rent and security deposit. It is best to pay the rent by check, and to use a separate check for the security deposit. You will need this at the end of the lease in order to recover your security deposit. To get your security deposit returned when you move out, return the key to the landlord and provide a forwarding address. We recommend sending this by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you have proof the key and forwarding address were received by the landlord. The landlord then has 30 days to return your deposit or send you a list of the repairs, their actual cost, and any money left in the security deposit. Moving In UtilitiesIf the rent does not include utilities, you will have to get the utilities turned on when you move in. The landlord can provide you with the name and telephone numbers of the gas, electric, and telephone companies that service your apartment. They may be able to schedule service over the phone, or they may require you to visit their offices. If you do not have a good credit history, they may require you to pay a security deposit. The security deposit will be refunded (with interest) after one year if your bills are paid promptly.The gas and electric companies typically provide two payment options. The first requires you to pay the full amount due each month. The other lets you pay an estimated budget amount each month, with any difference being reconciled at the end of the year. Some people find this more convenient, since gas and electricity bills can otherwise vary considerably during the summer and winter months.Most utilities have programs which allow you to have the monthly bill automatically deducted from your bank account. You still receive a copy of the bill, but save the cost of a stamp to mail in the payment.
General Information
This section describes the Entertainment ,Tourist Attractions in US etc.EntertainmentMajor cities often have one or more guidebooks that list the local attractions. It is worth buying a copy of this book. You should be able to find it at local bookstores. The AAA provides free guidebooks for members. The Sunday newspaper will include a section on arts, music, theater, movies, and other forms of entertainment.
Discounts
Many museums and tourist attractions offer discounted admission to students. You will need to show your student identification card. A college ID works fine. You can also get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $20. Membership includes a booklet listing available discounts and a 24-hour help-line (1-800-626-2427). For more information send email to isicinfo@istc.org. Tourist AttractionsDuring your stay in the United States, you may wish to do a little touring. The US has a lot to offer the international visitor.
Tourist season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the off season the attractions will not be as crowded and hotels won't be as full. But some attractions, such as amusement parks, shut down when school is in session.Some of the more famous attractions for international visitors include: Niagara Falls The Smithsonian Institution Disney World The Grand Canyon Yellowstone National Park Statue of Liberty Maine Lobster Mall of America
There are also several cities worth visiting for their rich of museums, culture, events, attractions, and history.
They include: Boston, Massachusetts Chicago, Illinois Hollywood, California Las Vegas, Nevada Miami, Florida New York City San Francisco, California Washington, DC
Scholarship for International Student
You will certainly encounter several scholarship matching services that, for a fee, will offer to search a database of scholarships for awards that match your profile. Unfortunately, the vast majority of awards in these databases are only for US citizens and permanent residents. Do not waste your money on such services.A word of caution: If a scholarship has an application fee, do not apply. If you have to pay money to get money, it is probably a scam. For more information about scholarship scams, the unclaimed aid myth, and related topics, see the Scholarship Scams section of the FinAid site.
Universities in USA
GRE
GRE : Graduate Record ExaminationsADMINISTERED BY : ETS (Educational Testing Service) REQUIRED FOR : Candidates seeking admission in a Masters Degree program in fields other than management are required to take the GRE. Most Universities require GRE for PhD. programs. WEBSITE : http://www.gre.com/ or http://www.ets.org/ VALIDITY : The score is generally valid for 5 years. REPORTING : The score is sent to 4 universities free of cost at the time of GRE exam. ETS charges fees for scores sent to universities later. REGISTRATION : By phone, fax or mail. ADDRESS: PROMETRIC TESTING PRIVATE LIMITED2nd Floor,DLF Infinity Tower - A,Sector 25, Phase II,DLF City Gurgaon,HARYANA - 122 002.Phone No.0124-5147700Fax:0124-5147773 / 0124-5147774.Email: india.rrc@thomson.com
FORMS : Forms are available at USEFI (U.S. Education Foundation in India) or they can be downloaded from the website. REQUIREMENTS FOR PHONE / FAX
REGISTRATION : Name as in the Passport, Address, Credit Card Number, Name of the Cardholder, Expiry date of the card. (The card has to be an International Card). CENTRE : Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Trivandrum.
CONFIRMATION : A registration no is given as terms of confirmation.All the scores and dates are sent to the universities if the test is taken more than once.Scores can be cancelled before coming out of the test.
(A) GENERAL GRE Fees: $140 RESCHEDULING : An intimation is to be given to ETS 7 days prior to the examination date. The necessary rescheduling fee has to be paid.
CANCELLATION :An intimation is to be given to ETS 7 days prior to the examination date. The necessary cancellation fee is applicable.
MODE : The GRE test is a computer adaptive test (CAT).
NUMBER OF TESTS : Only 1 test can be given in a calender month. A total of 5 tests can be given in a year. However many universities may average the scores if more that 1 test is given.
SCORE : Total score is out of 1600 marks(Verbal=800 & Quantitative=800), Analytical Writing Assessment (Essays) is scaled from 0 - 6. Format of GRESection Questions Time(min.) Verbal 3030Quantitative 2845Analytical Writing Assessment 2 Essays45+30Total150 (B) SUBJECT GRE Fees: $150
MODE : Subject test is a paper based test. NUMBER OF TESTS : The test can be given as often as they are offered.
SUBJECT OFFERED: Biochemistry Cell & Molecular Biology, Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, English Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics. Benefits of a High GRE Score : A high score will increase the chances of admission in top ranked Universities.Chances of getting Scholarships / Financial Aid are bright with a high GRE score.Visa Officers also give weightage to high GRE scores while considering Visa applications.
TOEFL
TOEFL : Test of English as a Foreign Language.
ADMINISTERED BY : ETS ( Educational Testing Service )
WEBSITE : http://www.toefl.org/ or http://www.ets.org/
VALADITY : The score is valid for 2 years.
FEES : $130
REPORTING : The score is sent to 4 universities by ETS free of cost at the time of exam. ETS charges additionally for scores sent to universities later.
REGISTRATION : By phone, fax or mail. ADDRESS: PROMETRIC TESTING PRIVATE LIMITED2nd Floor,DLF Infinity Tower - A,Sector 25, Phase II,DLF City Gurgaon,HARYANA - 122 002.Phone No.0124-5147700Fax:0124-5147773 / 0124-5147774.Email: india.rrc@thomson.com
FORMS : Forms are available at USEFI (US Education Foundation in India) or they can be downloaded from the website.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PHONE / FAX REGISTRATION : Name as in the Passport, Address, Credit Card Number, Name of the Cardholder, Expiry date of the card. (The card has to be an International Card).
CENTRES : Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Trivandrum.
CONFIRMATION : A registration no is given as terms of confirmation.
RESCHEDULING : An intimation is to be given to the ETS 3 days prior to the examination date. The necessary rescheduling fee has to be paid.
CANCELLATION : An intimation is to be given to the ETS 3 days prior to the examination date. A cancellation fee is applicable.
MODE : The TOEFL test is a computer adaptive test (CAT) in India.
NUMBER OF TESTS : Only of 1 test can be given in a calender month.
SCORES : Total score is out of 300 (Computer Based). If the test is taken more than once, all the scores and the dates are sent to the universities. Scores can be cancelled before coming out of the test.
5 Benefits of student loan consolidation
Are you sick of paying interest on your monthly student loans with no end in sight? Afraid of cash-flow problems that may prevent you from paying your student loans on time? I know I was and there is a solution to this problem. It is called student loan consolidation.
What is Student Loan Consolidation?
Student loan consolidation simply means consolidating all your student loans into a single loan with a monthly payment plan. Effectively, all your previous student loans are written off and a new student loan is created which you have to pay off monthly.
Benefits of Student Loan Consolidation
Here are some of the benefits of student loan consolidation
1. Lower monthly payments
By consolidating all your student loans into one loan, you only need to pay off one loan monthly instead of several student loans monthly. Thus, your monthly payment is lower
2. Pay only one loan monthly instead of several student loans monthly
It is a lot easier if you have to manage only one student loan instead of several student loans with different payment deadlines. Also, sometimes with many student loans, you may ended up forgetting to pay one student loan.
3. Low, fixed interest rate
By consolidating your student loans, you will be able to take advantages of low, fixed interest rates. Currently, by law, student loan consolidation rates cannot exceed 8.25%. Furthermore, national interest rates are at a 40-year low therefore this is a good time to get one.
4. No credit card check or processing fees
No credit card check is required during the application of a student loan consolidation. The payment plans and terms are usually quite flexible in that they can customize it according to your financial standing.
5. Make monthly student loan payment electronically
While it is not necessary to make payment electronically, most lenders will knock 0.25% off your student loan rates if you make payment electronically. Also, using direct debit from your bank account will prevent you from forgetting to make a payment.
Sometimes it can get quite confusing as to the qualification of applying for a student loan consolidation. The official stand from the government is that students who are still in their grace period or who are still studying in school may qualify for government student loan consolidation
The government student loan consolidation nowadays are quite competitive compared to private sector, therefore I would recommend going for a government student loan consolidation. With so many benefits of getting a student loan consolidation, it is quite obvious to save money in the long run is to get one.
What is Student Loan Consolidation?
Student loan consolidation simply means consolidating all your student loans into a single loan with a monthly payment plan. Effectively, all your previous student loans are written off and a new student loan is created which you have to pay off monthly.
Benefits of Student Loan Consolidation
Here are some of the benefits of student loan consolidation
1. Lower monthly payments
By consolidating all your student loans into one loan, you only need to pay off one loan monthly instead of several student loans monthly. Thus, your monthly payment is lower
2. Pay only one loan monthly instead of several student loans monthly
It is a lot easier if you have to manage only one student loan instead of several student loans with different payment deadlines. Also, sometimes with many student loans, you may ended up forgetting to pay one student loan.
3. Low, fixed interest rate
By consolidating your student loans, you will be able to take advantages of low, fixed interest rates. Currently, by law, student loan consolidation rates cannot exceed 8.25%. Furthermore, national interest rates are at a 40-year low therefore this is a good time to get one.
4. No credit card check or processing fees
No credit card check is required during the application of a student loan consolidation. The payment plans and terms are usually quite flexible in that they can customize it according to your financial standing.
5. Make monthly student loan payment electronically
While it is not necessary to make payment electronically, most lenders will knock 0.25% off your student loan rates if you make payment electronically. Also, using direct debit from your bank account will prevent you from forgetting to make a payment.
Sometimes it can get quite confusing as to the qualification of applying for a student loan consolidation. The official stand from the government is that students who are still in their grace period or who are still studying in school may qualify for government student loan consolidation
The government student loan consolidation nowadays are quite competitive compared to private sector, therefore I would recommend going for a government student loan consolidation. With so many benefits of getting a student loan consolidation, it is quite obvious to save money in the long run is to get one.
Consolidation Student
Student loan consolidation:-Student loan consolidation are the best source for the students for their higher education. Sometimes when students want to study at higher level there is a problem of money that's why a lot of students leave their college due to the burden of debt. Even when they get the loan fron different lenders they have to pay diff. repayment to every lender due to the reason they have to pay thousands of dollars in interest. Consolidation loan sort out the problem.
What is consolidation:-Now every body wants to know that what is loan consolidation. Suppose you have taken more than one loans, so you have to pay diff. repayment to diff. lenders consolidation means it consolidate all of your loans into single loan with less interest i.e. you have to pay single repayment to the lender.
Benefits of Student loan consolidation :-
1) Loan consolidation offers to make all of your repayment in single repayment. 2) Lowers your loan interest.3) Less your monthly repayment.
How much interest rate you have tp pay:-The interest rate for your loan is calculated by finding the average interest rate of all the loans that that are being consolidated and then the one-eighth of the interest is find, the max. interest rate is 8.25 percent which is very less.
When you can consolidate your loans:-You can consolidate your loans any time in your grace period means when you start repaying your loan, as at this time you will get consolidation at lower interest rate. But, if you loose the chance in the grace period then you must wait till the 5 th month of the grace period before consolidating. Consolidation process takes 30-45 days.
Type of Student loan consolidation :-There are several types of consolidation but 2 are most famous: 1) Federal Stafford Loans.2) Private Student Loans.
Federal Stafford Loans:-This is the most famous student loan consolidation as it is Govt. authorized loans and handled by the govt. also they provides a lots of benefits:1). Less interest rate.2). Easy installments.3). More repayment period.
Also provides many benefits time to time as sometimes it reduce your monthly interest rate nearly zero under some conditions. That's the reason federal loans are more famous.
Private Student Loans: Sometimes the Stafford loans does not fulfill the requirements of the students for their higher education. So, they have to go for the private loans. These are the loans which are provided by the private banks and societies. Even they have the high interest rate, sometimes these are not affordable by the student. But although private loans have some benefits as the provide you the long repayment period upto 25 years also, that is upto 10 years in Stafford loans.But then also i will say the Private loan consolidation must not be the first choice of the student.
What is consolidation:-Now every body wants to know that what is loan consolidation. Suppose you have taken more than one loans, so you have to pay diff. repayment to diff. lenders consolidation means it consolidate all of your loans into single loan with less interest i.e. you have to pay single repayment to the lender.
Benefits of Student loan consolidation :-
1) Loan consolidation offers to make all of your repayment in single repayment. 2) Lowers your loan interest.3) Less your monthly repayment.
How much interest rate you have tp pay:-The interest rate for your loan is calculated by finding the average interest rate of all the loans that that are being consolidated and then the one-eighth of the interest is find, the max. interest rate is 8.25 percent which is very less.
When you can consolidate your loans:-You can consolidate your loans any time in your grace period means when you start repaying your loan, as at this time you will get consolidation at lower interest rate. But, if you loose the chance in the grace period then you must wait till the 5 th month of the grace period before consolidating. Consolidation process takes 30-45 days.
Type of Student loan consolidation :-There are several types of consolidation but 2 are most famous: 1) Federal Stafford Loans.2) Private Student Loans.
Federal Stafford Loans:-This is the most famous student loan consolidation as it is Govt. authorized loans and handled by the govt. also they provides a lots of benefits:1). Less interest rate.2). Easy installments.3). More repayment period.
Also provides many benefits time to time as sometimes it reduce your monthly interest rate nearly zero under some conditions. That's the reason federal loans are more famous.
Private Student Loans: Sometimes the Stafford loans does not fulfill the requirements of the students for their higher education. So, they have to go for the private loans. These are the loans which are provided by the private banks and societies. Even they have the high interest rate, sometimes these are not affordable by the student. But although private loans have some benefits as the provide you the long repayment period upto 25 years also, that is upto 10 years in Stafford loans.But then also i will say the Private loan consolidation must not be the first choice of the student.
College Scholarship Programmes
College Scholarships: How To Find Money For School
Many potential college students don't end up attending university due to a lack of money, however there are thousands of college scholarship programs available. Here is a list of the most common types of college scholarships that students can apply for:
• Private organisations• Corporate awards• College-specific awards• Athletic award• Union funded scholarship• Military scholarship• Academic scholarship• Departmental awards
College scholarships awarded by the college that a student is attending are subject to strict terms of acceptance. This type of college scholarship is constantly re-evaluated throughout the length of the course that the student is funded for and can be withdrawn if the student fails to keep to the agreed terms.
An athletic scholarship is fairly self-explanatory but this type of college scholarship is probably the hardest for a student to obtain. There are hundreds of thousands of highly gifted athletes from a range of sports every year that apply for an athletic college scholarship and the numbers awarded are extremely low. It is worth bearing in mind that only the top flight schools will offer an athletic college scholarship.
The academic scholarships are one of the few that do not actually require the student to apply for them. This is because the college normally awards an academic scholarship based on the college application alone. Obviously, the very nature of an academic scholarship means that a student will require outstanding academic potential to be offered a full academic college scholarship and it is more common for a particle college scholarship to be awarded.
A departmental scholarship is most commonly awarded by a specific department of a college to either attract or retain students for courses run by that particular department. The individual department will provide information as to whether they offer any type of special scholarship or not.
There are many private organisations that offer some form of partial college scholarship. These often depend on the area that a student lives in but national organisations may also offer a student a college scholarship but the competition for these can be fierce.
On the other hand, many corporations actually have a college scholarship program but fail to award them because of a lack of applicants. The corporations may offer a college scholarship to students to attract them into the particular line of work that the corporation is in or simply to offer students in their community the chance to attend college.
Unions have a large amount of money allocated to a college scholarship fund. These are usually aimed at students who are going to enter a field of study related to the type of union.
Finally, the various branches of the military all have an extensive college scholarship program. A military college scholarship is often extremely generous but is awarded in exchange for a pre-agreed length of service after graduation in the particular branch that sponsored the student
Many potential college students don't end up attending university due to a lack of money, however there are thousands of college scholarship programs available. Here is a list of the most common types of college scholarships that students can apply for:
• Private organisations• Corporate awards• College-specific awards• Athletic award• Union funded scholarship• Military scholarship• Academic scholarship• Departmental awards
College scholarships awarded by the college that a student is attending are subject to strict terms of acceptance. This type of college scholarship is constantly re-evaluated throughout the length of the course that the student is funded for and can be withdrawn if the student fails to keep to the agreed terms.
An athletic scholarship is fairly self-explanatory but this type of college scholarship is probably the hardest for a student to obtain. There are hundreds of thousands of highly gifted athletes from a range of sports every year that apply for an athletic college scholarship and the numbers awarded are extremely low. It is worth bearing in mind that only the top flight schools will offer an athletic college scholarship.
The academic scholarships are one of the few that do not actually require the student to apply for them. This is because the college normally awards an academic scholarship based on the college application alone. Obviously, the very nature of an academic scholarship means that a student will require outstanding academic potential to be offered a full academic college scholarship and it is more common for a particle college scholarship to be awarded.
A departmental scholarship is most commonly awarded by a specific department of a college to either attract or retain students for courses run by that particular department. The individual department will provide information as to whether they offer any type of special scholarship or not.
There are many private organisations that offer some form of partial college scholarship. These often depend on the area that a student lives in but national organisations may also offer a student a college scholarship but the competition for these can be fierce.
On the other hand, many corporations actually have a college scholarship program but fail to award them because of a lack of applicants. The corporations may offer a college scholarship to students to attract them into the particular line of work that the corporation is in or simply to offer students in their community the chance to attend college.
Unions have a large amount of money allocated to a college scholarship fund. These are usually aimed at students who are going to enter a field of study related to the type of union.
Finally, the various branches of the military all have an extensive college scholarship program. A military college scholarship is often extremely generous but is awarded in exchange for a pre-agreed length of service after graduation in the particular branch that sponsored the student
Student Loan Consolidation
What Is Student Loan Consolidation?
Nearly half of all college graduates have reported taking out some sort of student loan in order to help finance their education. Since most graduates do take out loans to pay for their college, many are choosing to use student loan consolidation to help relieve their financial burden after graduation. The following paragraphs will take a closer look at what student loan consolidation is, as well as discuss the interest rates associated with student loan consolidation.
Student loan consolidation is the act of combining more than one student loan into one loan, then repay all of the initial student loans with just one monthly payment. Commonly with this is, the monthly payment will be lower than the payments of the combined unconsolidated loans, as well as student loan consolidation rates of interest. You can also chose time limits up to 30 years to repay the new loan. While this is all beneficial thus far, there is one clear disadvantage associated with college loan consolidation.
It is a true fact that you get a longer time period for repayment when you consolidate loans, and most commonly a lower monthly payment, but that means you will be paying back far more interest than you would have paid with your original student loan agreements. In other words, you will get have more time to pay back your debt, with a lower interest rate, but you will be required to pay this interest for the entire duration of you student loan consolidation agreement.
Currently, the common loan rates are fixed for the life of the loan, which is another advantage. Most private student loan rates are variable, and can change at any time during the loan contract. Having a fixed rate means you will have the same interest rate throughout the duration of your loan agreement; it will never change.
So, while you will likely have to pay back more interest when you consolidate student loans, there are many advantages that can outweigh that disadvantage. If you are considering this, first do your research to ensure you get the best loan suited for your individual needs.
If you need more information on the subject, you can use the internet. By utilizing your favorite search engine, you can generate a list of links that can help you to determine if student loan consolidation can help you. Just enter "student loan consolidation" into the search engine to generate the list.
Student loan consolidation has helped many people after graduation to help manage the debt they incurred through student loans.
Nearly half of all college graduates have reported taking out some sort of student loan in order to help finance their education. Since most graduates do take out loans to pay for their college, many are choosing to use student loan consolidation to help relieve their financial burden after graduation. The following paragraphs will take a closer look at what student loan consolidation is, as well as discuss the interest rates associated with student loan consolidation.
Student loan consolidation is the act of combining more than one student loan into one loan, then repay all of the initial student loans with just one monthly payment. Commonly with this is, the monthly payment will be lower than the payments of the combined unconsolidated loans, as well as student loan consolidation rates of interest. You can also chose time limits up to 30 years to repay the new loan. While this is all beneficial thus far, there is one clear disadvantage associated with college loan consolidation.
It is a true fact that you get a longer time period for repayment when you consolidate loans, and most commonly a lower monthly payment, but that means you will be paying back far more interest than you would have paid with your original student loan agreements. In other words, you will get have more time to pay back your debt, with a lower interest rate, but you will be required to pay this interest for the entire duration of you student loan consolidation agreement.
Currently, the common loan rates are fixed for the life of the loan, which is another advantage. Most private student loan rates are variable, and can change at any time during the loan contract. Having a fixed rate means you will have the same interest rate throughout the duration of your loan agreement; it will never change.
So, while you will likely have to pay back more interest when you consolidate student loans, there are many advantages that can outweigh that disadvantage. If you are considering this, first do your research to ensure you get the best loan suited for your individual needs.
If you need more information on the subject, you can use the internet. By utilizing your favorite search engine, you can generate a list of links that can help you to determine if student loan consolidation can help you. Just enter "student loan consolidation" into the search engine to generate the list.
Student loan consolidation has helped many people after graduation to help manage the debt they incurred through student loans.
Student Visa for USA
Students are Encouraged to Apply Early
Overview When Do I Need to Apply for my Student Visa?What is SEVIS and SEVP? What Should you Know About it?What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?
Additional InformationEntering the U.S.- Port of EntryStaying Beyond Your Authorized Stay in the U.S. and Being Out of StatusWhat Items Do Returning Students Need?Students Away from Classes for More Than Five MonthsHow Long May I Stay on my F-1 Student Visa?Public School
Student Applicants (for F-1 and M-1 visas) - Overview
If you are going to the U.S. primarily for tourism, but want to take a short course of study of less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so on a visitor visa. You should inquire at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa. Please read this information for general information on how to apply for an F1 or M1 student visa. For additional student related information, visit the EducationUSA website created by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, financial aid, testing, admissions, and much more.
In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult Embassy web sites or call for specific application instructions.
Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy. To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below, as well as any other documents that might help establish their ties to the local community.
Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national security. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.
When Do I Need to Apply for My Student Visa?
Students are encouraged to apply for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing. Students may apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so. The consular officer may need to get special clearances depending on the course of study and nationality of the student. This can take some additional time. For more information on applicants who may have additional processing requirements see Special Processing Requirements. Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue your student visa 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary special clearances or other processes that may be required. Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S. A student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry. Before beginning any studies, he or she must obtain a change of classification, filing Form I-539, Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, and also submit the required Form I-20 to the Department of Homeland Security office where the application is made. Please be aware that there is an additional fee of $140 for this process, and that one may not begin studies until the change of classification is approved. What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State better monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select SEVIS to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more.
All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail.See SEVIS-901 Fee or SEVIS for further information on how to pay the fee.
What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?
As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide is available on our website at Visa Wait Times , and on most embassy websites. During the visa application process, usually at the interview, a quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.
All applicants for a student visa must provide:
Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students.You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, I-20, which was provided to you by your school.You and your school official must sign the I-20 form. All students, as well as their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors and their dependents (F/M-2 visa holders). Your school is responsible for entering your information for the I-20 student visa form into SEVIS. Students will also have to pay an SEVIS I-901 fee for each program of study. Questions regarding your exchange program should be directly to your program sponsor; A completed application, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport. The DS-156 must be the March 2006 date, electronic "e-form application." Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156. An interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. During the visa interview, a quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States. One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements; A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee if applicable (Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Table ) and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.While all F visa applicants must pay the MRV fee, including dependents, only the F-1 principal applicants must pay the SEVIS fee. All applicants should be prepared to provide:
Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended; scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.; financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements. Applicants with dependents must also provide:
Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.); it is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents. Additional Information
No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued. Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, if the traveler has a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport, do not remove the visa page from the expired passport. You may use it along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. Entering the U.S. - Port of Entry
A visa allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the U.S. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94). Since Form I-94 documents your authorized stay in the U.S., it’s very important to keep in your passport. Student visitors must have their Form I-20 in their possession each time they enter the United States. Upon arrival (at an international airport, seaport or land border crossing), you will be enrolled in the US-VISIT entry-exit program. In addition, some travelers will also need to register their entry into and their departure from the U.S. with the Special Registration program. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection internet site offers additional information on Admissions/Entry requirements.
Staying Beyond Your Authorized Stay in the U.S. and Being Out of Status
You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures under U.S. immigration laws. It is important that you depart the U.S. on or before the last day you are authorized to be in the U.S. on any given trip, based on the specified end date on your Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. Failure to depart the U.S. will cause you to be out-of-status. Additional information on successfully maintaining your immigration status while a student or exchange visitor can be found on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. Staying beyond the period of time authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and being out-of-status in the United States is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the U.S. Select Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas to learn more. Staying unlawfully in the United States beyond the date Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authorized--even by one day--results in your visa being automatically voided, in accordance with INA 222(g). Under this provision of immigration law, if you overstay on your nonimmigrant authorized stay in the U.S., your visa will be automatically voided. In this situation, you are required to reapply for a new nonimmigrant visa, generally in your country of nationality. For nonimmigrants in the U.S. who have an Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94 with the CBP admitting officer endorsement of Duration of Status or D/S, but who are no longer performing the same function in the U.S. that they were originally admitted to perform (e.g. you are no longer working for the same employer or you are no longer attending the same school), a DHS or an immigration judge makes a finding of status violation, resulting in the termination of the period of authorized stay.
What Items Do Returning Students Need?
All applicants applying for renewals must submit:
A passport valid for at least six months; an application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices and on the Visa Services website under Visa Applications Forms; a receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent’s passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed; a new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months. All applicants applying for renewals should be prepared to submit:
A certified copy of your grades from the school in which you are enrolled; financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of your schooling. Students Away from Classes More Than Five Months
Students in or outside the U.S., who have been away from classes for more than five months, will likely need a new visa to enter the U.S.
How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?
When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:
F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school. M-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program. As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2001, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2001 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Public School
There are certain restrictions on attending public school in the U.S. Persons who violate these restrictions may not receive another visa for a period of five years.
The restrictions apply only to students holding F-1 visas. They do not apply to students attending public school on derivative visas, such as F-2, J-2 or H-4 visas. The restrictions also do not apply to students attending private schools on F-1 visas.
The restrictions are:
Students who attend public high schools in the U.S. are limited to twelve months of study. Public school attendance in the U.S. prior to November 30, 1996 does not count toward this limit. F-1 visas can no longer be issued to attend public elementary or middle schools (Kindergarten - 8th grade) or publicly-funded adult education programs. Before an F-1 visa for a public school can be issued, the student must show that the public school in the U.S. has been reimbursed for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of the education as calculated by the school. Reimbursement may be indicated on the I-20. Consular officers may request copies of canceled checks and/or receipts confirming the payment as needed. June 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Other Government WebsitesUSA Gov Service Locator
Department of Homeland Security
The White House
more >
We Want You to Know2008 DV Lottery Instructions
Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Student Visas
Business Visa Center
Safety & Security of U.S. Borders/Biometrics
Website Fraud Warning
It's Important to Apply Early
Special Visa Processing Procedures - Travelers from State Sponsors of Terrorism
Suspension of Transit Without Visa and ITI Programs
TWOV - Frequently Asked Questions
This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites should not beconstrued as an endorsement of the views contained therein. Copyright Information Disclaimers
Overview When Do I Need to Apply for my Student Visa?What is SEVIS and SEVP? What Should you Know About it?What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?
Additional InformationEntering the U.S.- Port of EntryStaying Beyond Your Authorized Stay in the U.S. and Being Out of StatusWhat Items Do Returning Students Need?Students Away from Classes for More Than Five MonthsHow Long May I Stay on my F-1 Student Visa?Public School
Student Applicants (for F-1 and M-1 visas) - Overview
If you are going to the U.S. primarily for tourism, but want to take a short course of study of less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so on a visitor visa. You should inquire at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa. Please read this information for general information on how to apply for an F1 or M1 student visa. For additional student related information, visit the EducationUSA website created by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, financial aid, testing, admissions, and much more.
In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult Embassy web sites or call for specific application instructions.
Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy. To the extent possible, students should bring the documents suggested below, as well as any other documents that might help establish their ties to the local community.
Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national security. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel departure date.
When Do I Need to Apply for My Student Visa?
Students are encouraged to apply for their visa early to provide ample time for visa processing. Students may apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so. The consular officer may need to get special clearances depending on the course of study and nationality of the student. This can take some additional time. For more information on applicants who may have additional processing requirements see Special Processing Requirements. Students should note that Embassies and Consulates are able to issue your student visa 120 days or less, in advance of the course of study registration date. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your start date or registration date as provided on the Form I-20, the Embassy or Consulate will hold your application until it is able to issue the visa. Consular officials will use that extra time to accomplish any of the necessary special clearances or other processes that may be required. Students are advised of the Department of Homeland Security regulation which requires that all initial or beginning students enter the U.S. 30 days or less in advance of the course of study start/report date as shown on the Form I-20. Please consider this date carefully when making travel plans to the U.S. A student who wants an earlier entry into the U.S. (more than 30 days prior to the course start date), must qualify for, and obtain a visitor visa. A prospective student notation will be shown on his/her visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the U.S. immigration inspector at port of entry. Before beginning any studies, he or she must obtain a change of classification, filing Form I-539, Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Status, and also submit the required Form I-20 to the Department of Homeland Security office where the application is made. Please be aware that there is an additional fee of $140 for this process, and that one may not begin studies until the change of classification is approved. What is SEVIS and SEVP? What should you know about it?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is designed to help the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State better monitor school and exchange programs and F, M and J category visitors. Exchange visitor and student information is maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students (F and M visa), exchange visitors (J visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet, to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS) throughout a student or exchange visitor's stay in the United States. Select SEVIS to go to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internet site and learn more.
All student applicants must have a SEVIS generated I-20 issued by an educational institution approved by DHS, which they submit when they are applying for their student visa. The consular officer will need to verify your I-20 record electronically through the SEVIS system in order to process your student visa application. Unless otherwise exempt, participants whose SEVIS I-20 was issued on or after September 1, 2004 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security for each individual program. The fee may be paid either through a special website, via Western Union, or by mail.See SEVIS-901 Fee or SEVIS for further information on how to pay the fee.
What is Needed to Apply for a Student Visa?
As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by embassy or consulate. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa. Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. Embassy or Consulate worldwide is available on our website at Visa Wait Times , and on most embassy websites. During the visa application process, usually at the interview, a quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.
All applicants for a student visa must provide:
Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students.You will need to submit a SEVIS generated Form, I-20, which was provided to you by your school.You and your school official must sign the I-20 form. All students, as well as their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an Internet-based system that maintains accurate and current information on non-immigrant students and exchange visitors and their dependents (F/M-2 visa holders). Your school is responsible for entering your information for the I-20 student visa form into SEVIS. Students will also have to pay an SEVIS I-901 fee for each program of study. Questions regarding your exchange program should be directly to your program sponsor; A completed application, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport. The DS-156 must be the March 2006 date, electronic "e-form application." Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access the electronic version of the DS-156. An interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. During the visa interview, a quick, two-digit, ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken, as well as a digital photo. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply. A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States. One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in nonimmigrant photograph requirements; A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee if applicable (Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Table ) and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.While all F visa applicants must pay the MRV fee, including dependents, only the F-1 principal applicants must pay the SEVIS fee. All applicants should be prepared to provide:
Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended; scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.; financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements. Applicants with dependents must also provide:
Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.); it is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents. Additional Information
No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued. Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, if the traveler has a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport, do not remove the visa page from the expired passport. You may use it along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. Entering the U.S. - Port of Entry
A visa allows a foreign citizen coming from abroad, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission to enter the U.S. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the U.S., the CBP official will determine the length of your visit on the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94). Since Form I-94 documents your authorized stay in the U.S., it’s very important to keep in your passport. Student visitors must have their Form I-20 in their possession each time they enter the United States. Upon arrival (at an international airport, seaport or land border crossing), you will be enrolled in the US-VISIT entry-exit program. In addition, some travelers will also need to register their entry into and their departure from the U.S. with the Special Registration program. The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection internet site offers additional information on Admissions/Entry requirements.
Staying Beyond Your Authorized Stay in the U.S. and Being Out of Status
You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures under U.S. immigration laws. It is important that you depart the U.S. on or before the last day you are authorized to be in the U.S. on any given trip, based on the specified end date on your Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. Failure to depart the U.S. will cause you to be out-of-status. Additional information on successfully maintaining your immigration status while a student or exchange visitor can be found on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. Staying beyond the period of time authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and being out-of-status in the United States is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the U.S. Select Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas to learn more. Staying unlawfully in the United States beyond the date Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authorized--even by one day--results in your visa being automatically voided, in accordance with INA 222(g). Under this provision of immigration law, if you overstay on your nonimmigrant authorized stay in the U.S., your visa will be automatically voided. In this situation, you are required to reapply for a new nonimmigrant visa, generally in your country of nationality. For nonimmigrants in the U.S. who have an Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94 with the CBP admitting officer endorsement of Duration of Status or D/S, but who are no longer performing the same function in the U.S. that they were originally admitted to perform (e.g. you are no longer working for the same employer or you are no longer attending the same school), a DHS or an immigration judge makes a finding of status violation, resulting in the termination of the period of authorized stay.
What Items Do Returning Students Need?
All applicants applying for renewals must submit:
A passport valid for at least six months; an application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices and on the Visa Services website under Visa Applications Forms; a receipt for visa processing fee. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent’s passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed; a new I-20 or an I-20 that has been endorsed on the back by a school official within the past 12 months. All applicants applying for renewals should be prepared to submit:
A certified copy of your grades from the school in which you are enrolled; financial documents from you or your sponsor, showing your ability to cover the cost of your schooling. Students Away from Classes More Than Five Months
Students in or outside the U.S., who have been away from classes for more than five months, will likely need a new visa to enter the U.S.
How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?
When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:
F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school. M-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program. As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2001, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2001 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.
Public School
There are certain restrictions on attending public school in the U.S. Persons who violate these restrictions may not receive another visa for a period of five years.
The restrictions apply only to students holding F-1 visas. They do not apply to students attending public school on derivative visas, such as F-2, J-2 or H-4 visas. The restrictions also do not apply to students attending private schools on F-1 visas.
The restrictions are:
Students who attend public high schools in the U.S. are limited to twelve months of study. Public school attendance in the U.S. prior to November 30, 1996 does not count toward this limit. F-1 visas can no longer be issued to attend public elementary or middle schools (Kindergarten - 8th grade) or publicly-funded adult education programs. Before an F-1 visa for a public school can be issued, the student must show that the public school in the U.S. has been reimbursed for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of the education as calculated by the school. Reimbursement may be indicated on the I-20. Consular officers may request copies of canceled checks and/or receipts confirming the payment as needed. June 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Other Government WebsitesUSA Gov Service Locator
Department of Homeland Security
The White House
more >
We Want You to Know2008 DV Lottery Instructions
Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Student Visas
Business Visa Center
Safety & Security of U.S. Borders/Biometrics
Website Fraud Warning
It's Important to Apply Early
Special Visa Processing Procedures - Travelers from State Sponsors of Terrorism
Suspension of Transit Without Visa and ITI Programs
TWOV - Frequently Asked Questions
This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites should not beconstrued as an endorsement of the views contained therein. Copyright Information Disclaimers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
