The United States of America is one of the best and most opportunity-driven places in the world. In general, studying overseas introduces the proposed candidate to new languages, cultures, literature, living variety, new people, new ways of teaching methods, courses, new friends and a sense of individuality. New challenges and opportunities arise every day, as the new country awaits. One learns every day, with a better understanding and importance of what one generally takes for granted. The learnings from these times will help in the survival and growth in the future of the individual, with setting up a decent life, with social and economic parity. Every country provides these opportunities, But the USA is the best available option, in terms of development, modernization and the economy of the world. It possesses every chance of career-making, with authentic affiliation and good infrastructure. These universities also offer extracurricular activities, to make it a habit in these budding minds.

Every year, many international students migrate and hibernate in search of making their future, learning new courses and getting the best curriculums and study patterns. The most number of students choose the United States, for the same. It is because the schools and universities of the United States are some of the finest in the world. The systems, curriculum and variety of courses are the highest in the schools of America.

With the pandemic age, new additions in terms of virtual courses are also taking a major paradigm shift as the parameters of the study. Traditionally, American study programmes in different colleges, universities and schools offer excellent undergraduate, postgraduate, Diploma, Certificate, Doctorates, PhD and other levels of programs. Several disciplines, and new emerging fields as per the requirements of society and marketing trends, are developed to give the opportunity of learning the professional way, with the finest and the most interesting environment. With learning, some of the Universities in the USA for foreign students as well as the natives offer the chance to exclusively and implicitly research and develop. The major benefit to study in the U.S. is that the degrees and certificates offered are recognized all over and sometimes even preferred over other countries because of the highly competitive edge, and reality-based learning scope. With the liberal arts system and strongly built educational curriculum like the STEM programs, and others the U.S. students are well educated and trained in multiple disciplines and show values.

The higher education system of the country is mind-blowing and effective. It incorporates the best resources in terms of top students, no barrier of financial or money and grants related matter, and the best faculty. Though the curriculum is hard enough to be able to be adopted by many national students of the country. The curriculum and courses are the best in the world, with universal applicability and leaders of every field. Extracurricular activities like sports, dance, cultural languages, arts, fine arts, instrument learning etc are also available. With the best guidance, there are many courses for the full time of the same.

1. Variety of Educational courses and curriculums offering scope for various Opportunities

Thousands of schools, colleges and universities, are a part of the United States. On average, the country 10times more campuses than the other world universities. Since it is one of the most developed regions of the globe, the offerings for the same are the highest. They inculcate the practice of dynamic learning, with environment peer groups. Some of the subjects are

• Broad educational principles
• Practical learning, reality-based.
• Employment-related skills
• Specialization in Arts, Social sciences, Literature or Technical fields.

2. Cutting-Edge Technology

The U.S. is the biggest superpower in the world. This implies the country leads in every front and is a boon or the bane for every possible attribute be it an opportunity or positive or negative sphere. The country also holds the most relevant infrastructure for research and development, tools and machinery, technology, natural and human resources etc. Hence one learns in the best state of the art facilities, and the best guidance of the world.

3. Opportunity for Research and development, while teaching and training and supporting one’s finances

Research-based profiles to further learn and assist in one’s education with every kind’s economic and financial help. Many programmes offer the ability and opportunity to people to teach, assist professors and bring new ways of expanding knowledge and deep analysis and exploration on any particular subjects. The international students from abroad bring new values, ways and culture to the methodologies and procedures of training and learning that this practice has become the best exercise from US universities.

4. Practicality

The educational component is future based with regular and daily updates. Relevant teachers and course materials give a better understanding to the students and also make them grow to new heights. The insights are used in forming and evolving world education. And thus the Country leads in various frontiers.

5. Flexibility

From the traditional approaches of the well established and highly structured and specifically elaborated framework of course indexes and study data; the world is growing in complexity and the features of restlessness. Hence the millennial courses are being offered according to current marketing trends with opportunities for hand-picking and choosing from amongst the variety being offered.

The only goal and aim are to be authentic with what one needs to learn, with no baggage of other irrelevant subjects, being incorporated in the material and thus tested.

6. Support Services

For international students, to get adjusted to the new normal, and get acquainted with the new environment, these services are being offered. This is because of the cultural, educational, technical, lingual or any other major gap and change. It thus helps in rewarding and assisting students with new structures while orienting them to miss their residential town much less.

7. Global Education with applicability everywhere and Long-Term Career Prospects

Gaining experience and knowledge from US education become the new marketable source to set up an entrepreneurial or business setup, or get relevant and dream jobs. The degrees and courses offered are among the highly accessible and widely recognized courses of the universe and accepted by every university and industry. Basic features being taught in addition to what a potential candidate can learn is

• Communication
• Negotiation
• Conducting business across different cultures
• Advantages of living in different cultures.

Strong candidates from American universities are being hired all over the world, apart from the states themselves. Development of self-confidence, dynamic approaches, independence and cross-cultural values, strong literature, creativity and technical knowledge are some of the attributes considered worldwide.

8. Campus Life Experience

Apart from offering an educational framework, American universities also provide various other horizons, which are based on campus life and extracurricular activities. Cultural experience is widely developed in an individual to attain interests and desires to pursue after the study hours, to give motivation and experience other than formal learning. This gives them a creative edge over other things.

9. Perfect the English language, the communication and grammatical faults are reduced to null, as the students are taught in the same language throughout and communicated altogether.

1. Engineering and computer science courses

The future of all jobs and services

• Computer science engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Software Development
• Web Designing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Software quality assurance analysing and testing
• Machine Learning
• Research and Development
• Computer Engineers & Computer systems analysts
• Aerospace/aeronautical engineering
• Electrical/electronic engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Engineering management
• Artificial Intelligence(AI)
• Machine Learning
• Solar Photovoltaic Installers
• Wind Turbine Service Technicians
• Biomedical Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Industrial Engineers
• Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
• Petroleum Engineers
• Surveyors
• Information Security Analysts
• Computer and Information Research Scientists

Some of the best and top institutions and universities, and schools in America for education are:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• Harvard University
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

2. Business management courses

All the courses related to trade and management of purchase, sale or service providings. Several new courses and subjects are evolving as per the demands of society like,

• Business Intelligence Administrators
• Database Architect.
• Database Engineer
• Business Systems Analyst Managers
• Accounting Management
• Actuarial analyst
• Arbitrator
• Business adviser
• Business analyst
• Business development manager
• Chartered management accountant
• Corporate investment banker
• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Forensic accountant
• Insurance underwriter
• Management consultant
• Project manager
• Risk manager
• Stockbroker
• Supply chain manager
• Construction manager
• Cost lawyer
• External auditor
• Human resources officer
• Logistics and distribution manager
• Marketing executive
• Retail manager
• Sales executive
• Systems analyst
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biometrics
• Computer Game Design
• Petroleum Engineering

Some of the universities offering business courses are

• University of Pennsylvania
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of California
• University of Michigan
• New York University
• University of Southern Indiana
• American University
• Felician University
• Harvard University

3. Life sciences and medical courses

Numerous courses are available for education in America, which are based on the current skills and trends of employment. Some of them are

• Biochemist
• Biomedical scientist
• Clinical Research Associate
• Industrial pharmacist
• Advocate for environmental change
• Doctor MBBS
• Forensic experts
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sport Science
• Nursing and midwifery
• Nutrition
• Psychiatry and Neurosurgery
• Speech Pathology
• Health Administration
• Research and Development
• Pharmacy
• Medical representatives
• PhDs and others.

Out of 5 best colleges and universities in the world, 3 are from the United States of America

• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A few more out of the box courses gaining importance are,

1. Communication and journalism

For dynamic and fast-paced career opportunities

2. Fine and Applied Arts

Art is helping in bringing creativity and design theory.

3. Application of science courses

4. Social science and politics

5. Liberal Arts and Science

6. Film Making

7. Cinematography

8. Media studies

9. Fashion and technology

10 Product styling and many more

The basic requirements to Study In the USA

Proper Documentation as per the course one wants to study in

• Completed application form (For personal and professional details).
• Proof of Secondary School Completion (Class 12th mark sheet, only in case of studying for graduation)
• Proof of Undergraduate Programs (Aggregate Marksheet of Graduation years)
• Proof for Post graduation (for further doctorates and PhDs, as per requirement)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), well written which crucially illustrates who one is, his/her beliefs, career growth prospects, plans, strengths and weakness, the reason to study in a particular university, future goals after completion of that particular course and education. It is a long-form, based on which an individual is judged. All social, environmental, and work experience are extensively mentioned in the same. All these are given rewarding points, which are added to generate the final allotment of admission seats.
• Transcripts, from colleges to be attached.
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Test Scores (Any exam for admission or particular university or if the USA takes in any country)
• Visa (Student Visa)
• Correct stamps and Passport verified

• Academic certificates

  All academic certificates including 10th-grade mark sheets, relevant mark sheets, Competitive exams if any, degrees and certificates etc.

• Entrance exam scores

  Every university or particular stream of subjects have various competitive exams, after the clearance of which a certificate is issued. According to the cut-offs of these scores one is selected in a college, and a particular seat is allotted for the course. Some examples of these world-famous tests are GMAT, GRE, ELSAT, etc.

• Passport size photographs

  WIth certain backgrounds, pixels, quality, smile etc. Otherwise, a potential candidate can get rejected out of the authentic and professional photo.

• Photo ID

  Either PAN card, voter’s ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, 10th Marksheet etc.

• Work experience documents

  For some courses like undergraduate or postgraduate courses, most universities and colleges prefer candidates with experience. Hence it is advisable to have the proper experience, before applying to the colleges. And these need to be duly attested and submitted with the forms. This is to generate all-around exposure of a person.

• Recommendation letters

  It increases the weightage and chances to be chosen and selected in the particular seat.

• Travel documents

  Valid passport, authentic visa, International student ID card and even college acceptance letter, as proof that one is going on a student visa.

• Financial documents

  Student loan statement, credit scores (for funds and statement of liabilities proof with the financial condition of the family members or the person asking for loans), scholarship letter, if attained in any way, Sponsorship proofs (Any individual, government department in regards to prices, company or agency if earned or won in any tests under any schemes; who are willing to financially support the candidate. These can be more than one individual etc. One’s family economic proof is also required.

• Health certificates

  The USA and other world countries seek a health insurance card, some relevant test results and other vaccination certificates. The USA and other countries are very particular about checkups and human resources of their country, and hence they take precautionary steps in the same. And more importantly, much more effective after the pandemic age.

• Certification of language proficiency for English, as it is the medium of conversation in the state (usually IELTS or TOEFL) Apart from all these the proper submission of all these, the dates and times of submission, how and the whereabouts of the same are also necessary. Procedures for the same are,

  • Step 1. Decide and make relevant choices for the universities to apply to. First segregate the interest and desires, so the vision is clear as to what one needs to study. After the choice of subjects, look for countries offering the best education in that sector. Most probably, the USA will offer every subject one desires for. But first, get it confirmed. Look for colleges in the same department and streams.
  • Step 2. Collect all the information regarding the country, college ranking, courses offered, cultural duties, faculties, quality of courses, any alumni or someone related to the college. For information, anyone can seek advice and help from their websites or contact the academic advising centre, a government-established statutory body of the United States.
  • Step 3. Contact the Office of relevant and shortlisted universities for their admission process before time, and request for their prospectus, also since these are different for different colleges, one has to take extra efforts in looking for this information.
  • Step 4. Start arranging for the above-mentioned documents, and building up financial scores with bank statements.
  • Step 5. With the wait and research time, write exams for IELTS, TOEFL, and other exams mandatory for that particular school. Some important exams are
    • English as a Second Language (ESL)
    • Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I)
    • American College Testing (ACT) Assessment
    • SAT II
  • Step 6. Subsequently, complete all the details and documents required for the application of the school and university one decides to pursue. Then finally collect all the records. Marksheets, statements, documents and submit them before the deadline of the particular secession.
  • Step 7. Then send in the applications forms and the relevant application fees as per the school or university chose. Instructions for the same can be checked from forms or if one is taking any coaching for tests or tuition for preparation. This must be done under the appropriate time schedules and dates mentioned. Early bird offerings are also present in some schools of America.
  • Step 8. Now is the time for some patience. The application and procedures for university admission, is going on where each candidate is screened and verified, with all the other applicants. So the university and college might take some time. One must wait until the universities finally make their decisions about selection or rejection of the application. Till that time prepare mentally, about how to adjust in a new country and new people.
  • Step 9. When all the applications and profiling is checked and the one gets selected, an offer letter will be provided from the college and institution. With that, another form or document called I-20, which is the certificate of eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status and is issued by the designated school official (DSO). It helps in the procurement of Student Visa.
  • Step 10. All the documents with this offer letter and I-20 form, updated passport with financial statements to support the economic conditions of the family must be provided to the US embassy, in New Delhi or another tier-one city, duly timed and scheduled. Complete the Visa application process, as per the rules mentioned by the embassy.
  • Step 11. A Consular interview will be conducted, by the embassy officials, to offer Visa legitimately to the potential candidate. For the same one must be prepared by being fluent in English, clear on the purpose of admission and schooling, reasons for attaining education via US schools or universities etc. For the slot, date and time of the interview, one must refer to the immigration officials from the embassy.
  • Step 12. After the interview, it generally takes five to six weeks to approve the application. After it, the Visa is generated.
  • Step 13. Now finally one is ready to board and get to the United States of America, just book the tickets and arrange for flights to connect.
  • Step 14. Look for the stay and food arrangements of the area, if one has any contacts or else via college, or after entering the territory.

To choose the most affordable variety, the knowledge of all the possible options is a must. All this can be attained only with due research.

Generally, the fees are divided into 2 types of universities,

• State university systems or Public universities, with different rates for State residents and Outsiders. The far away resident students have a more expensive fee structure
• Private universities, which offer the same costs for residents and non-residents of the country.

Cost of Studying

The major share of the financial and money related attribute of foreign education, especially in countries like the United States of America is the Tuition fee, college fees structure and other educational fees of the college campus, for extracurricular activities or various infrastructural points. The prime and the foremost expenditure, which will be charged and can not be minimized in any way possible. The fees are charged according to various segregations of the American Schools like

• As per the division of the types of Universities of The States, the fees are charged. Like the basic divisions are Public/State and Private Universities. The public/state universities are government institutions and are for public welfare, which is part of the infrastructure of the country. The cost of such schools and colleges is comparatively less. While the other division is private Universities, owned by Individuals, solely or in a partnership or with a trust, to provide quality education for candidates, who want to study privately. These are set up to provide excellent infrastructure and quality to students and are also known for high fees.
• Apart from the ownership, the universities can be divided into the types of courses and subject streams like Engineering, Medical schools and sciences, Management, Media, Law and others. Generally, subjects of humanities, arts and social sciences are cheaper than the more elaborated and popular subjects of sciences like medicine and engineering.
• All courses have separate fees structure, with the types of programmes, filling in for admissions like Full time, distance, degree, diploma, certificate, evening schools or others. The financial liability of every of these is different. Generally, postgraduate level education has more tuition fees than the rest of the other types.
  MBA programs are often the most expensive, of all kinds and are referred to as top B_Schools of the country. Approx. $35,000 yearly is the tentative amount for the course.
• The ranking of the university also plays a major role. The more popular the school is the more is the affordability of the same.
• History, no. of years it has completed in its establishment etc. than that of a private institution.

For expenditure cover of the tuition fee approx. $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) a year is the basic expense. It can grow more and more, a range of which has no bar. More additions in the facilities, infrastructural element and others are spinning the amount every time too.

Tentative amount of Tuition costs of various Schools, Subjects and Programmes are,

• English language studies with $700 to $2,000 a month.
• Community colleges with $6,000 to $20,000 per year.
• Undergraduate or Bachelor degree with $20,000 to $40,000 per year.
• Graduate programs with $20,000 to $45,000 per year.(Post Graduation)
• Doctoral degree with $28,000 to $55,000 per year(Including PhDs)

Though 100% of funds can be made available to the Doctorates and PhDs through research and development, teaching and assistantships. Various grants and aids are available through government schemes of various countries for the creamiest minds of the country, several international organizations or via reserves and provident funds of research aid and bursaries. With that scholarships are also handily available, to prospective students.

Cost of living

The expenses born for accommodation and residential purposes which are an important segment to live by are included in the cost of living. Though most of the foreign universities offer on-campus housing and residence to all the students with separate international wings. The students from locations other than the states can opt-in for safety and affordable purposes in these campus hostels or PG’s. Though a separate application process and screening need to be done for the same, and it completely depends on the early bird offers. Candidates can choose outside accommodation from any known source or new area too and can own apartments or share them, once the individual is comfortable in doing so. While in many cases the Educational experts are also helping and supporting assistance by offering their places to reside, which is the trending practice of society lately.

The costs of rents are varying from time to time, and area to area. Shared practises with another family is also trending. Renting an apartment also includes costs of

• Electricity
• Internet
• Water usage
• Tenant’s insurance (in some areas of housing)

Most probably the cost of accommodation will be ranging from $6,000 to $14,000 per year.

Other yearly living expenses of the area include the following, which may increase as per the inflammation rates, any governmental rules and policies, and also is dependent on individuals daily routine, practises and styles.

• Books and Stationery, $500- $1000
• Travelling, $500- $1200
• Food, $2500 approximately
• Clothes and footwear, $500
• Miscellaneous expenses, $2000
• A little money must be kept for other necessary things like grocery, fun and social activities and most importantly emergencies.

Precisely US$ 10,000 and US$ 25,000 per year are the living expenses including the accommodation and all. They can change depending on the situation of the market, demand and supply or the decision of residence in the city.

Cost of Student Visas and application of the immigration offices

The US is one of the superpowers. It takes various screening and precautionary steps before allowing any individual in its lands. So the procedure to attain visas and the application money is also high in the country. Though exact rates can only be disclosed by the foreign embassy immigrant official, tentatively the amount is approximately US$ 160, for the application. The costs for an F1 visa are $510 per application. The date to start and apply are 3months before the start of the course. This date can be easily verified and checked from the university prospectus form. These are also to be renewed and updated regularly, as per the schedule chosen.

Cost for health support and insurance, which is mandatory for international students.

It is mandatory for Students travelling from India especially to the US to get medical insurance. Before allowing a Visa and passport entry, these medical reports need to be duly submitted and hence can the individual commence their educational trip. Several American universities are also having a duly document requirement of health insurance papers too. The average cost of an individual student ranges between USD 1,500-2,500 for a year. And the tests are beyond these rates.

Transportation, via local busses, trams or metros(Public transport) also is an important cost to consider. Though it is advisable to take public services, and for short distances, one can walk, cut down the costs and expenditures.

Taxes

Indian students are only allowed 20 hours of work per week on normal days, with a student visa. And they can work full time during vacations, to cover some of the expenses during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. For the amount earned by the student, several government taxes are deducted out of one’s income. And exchange rates are also affecting the budget of an individual If one chooses to work along with their studies, the earned income may be taxable, and thus can be benefitted from the same.

• Bursaries
• Feenix
• Fundi
• Study loans, private locals and interest-free loans

• Various websites with Multiple Scholarship Resources, independent sources

  • Studying Abroad Planet Scholarship Resources
  • College Board
  • FastWeb
  • Free online scholarship search service.
  • International Education Financial Aid
  • Mobility International USA
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA), a State Government grant for permanent residents.
• Personal resources, Family incomes
• Supporting with relevant employment side by side with studies
• Institutional Aid

  Generally, the universities of the US, be it public and private, offer financial assistance in the ways of incentives and grants to students. Via these programmes, the students can attend their institution and colleges and study prosperously and also work for assistantships and fellowships under the faculty members or researchers. These aids are reserved for graduates, with extraordinary skills and great scope for any subject matter, which is solely dependent on the standards of that particular university or college. Generally, the universities of the U.S. does not offer grants in any regards and thus, this becomes a combative and competitive exercise. For more details, one needs to regularly be updated on the circulars and notices of that particular college and university, via their websites or social media pages if any.

• Scholarships and Grants

  All the universities offer grants and scholarships to individuals, to clutch in the best pool of human resources into premises or campus, to have good environment check, with quality students. It also builds goodwill and brand identity for the college or university. Generally, the universities of the U.S. do not offer grants in any regards or scholarships for undergraduate programmes of education, but there are a few of them for U.S permanent citizens. For international students, several other grants are available like the funds of

  • A private organization or Private resources
  • Corporate houses and companies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government scholarship programmes

  The education department of the US in collaboration (sometimes) with the government offers scholarships to students nationally and internationally. Indian National and corporate houses also believe in funding the best minds of the country with relevant grants so they can take admissions in the best universities of the world. These private individuals or companies offer these scholarships based on some tests or performance criteria. Some scholarship offers are paid while others are free of cost, for registration. While there are a few false and dishonest enterprises working in this regard too.

  There are various provisions for allowing a scholarship to any individual, some of the parameters are

  • Merit-based scholarships according to special skills, talents, and abilities.
  • Scores in IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Artistic, musical or athletic ability far from excellence
  • Exams and certain olympiads
  • Out of performances, resume based etc

  Sometimes Need-based scholarships are also offered to students, who demonstrate the need for such grants. Several parameters are involved in determining the eligibility for the same. Academic departments of the schools and universities also have reserves and provisions to extend and allocate funds to the candidates in need.

  Several tax rebates and tax-return benefits are also available for US university loan admissions. Students taking loans to get admissions in foreign universities, especially in the United States of America, get a tax rebate. When one shows the offer letter, with the I-20 form and visa for the same. It thus indirectly helps in the funding of college or university finances, which sometimes feel unending, especially to the middle-class population of India, which constitutes the maximum sector or demographics in the nation.

Cultural differences play a major drift for the employees and the employers of international candidature. This is broadly the reason, employers of the United States, prefer choosing employees locally or with background and fluency in English. Then the international students also possess the disadvantage of Visa procurement, which in itself is a lengthy and cumbersome process. Some of the Visa offer certain restrictions on whether one can opt to stay, beyond the expiration of a certain time limit, for which the Visa was formed.

Some of the difficulties by International Students including Indians while searching for jobs and opportunities.

• Language Barriers
• Cultural Complexities
• Issues and misunderstandings from the immigration department, about the Visa extension and rebates.
• An increase in expenditure and costs for CTC may include other benefits for the employees.
• A time-consuming process, as formal permissions are required.
• Getting a new and fresh lot of inexperienced candidates every time.
• Emotional and traditional concerns from the family, which may create emotional baggage.

The basic mentality of the employers in the US is to prefer national or candidates from the States, over the other international students. The skills and training of every individual is the second consideration after that. Hence it becomes a frustrating and difficult task to get employed once the education is over. This generally leaps a mental toll on the students and is the major concern of mental peace and social health.

Though there are many great companies and startups, who do not believe in location boundaries and believe in the world to be a giant entity, with no barriers. Hence one can get relevant jobs after detailed and knowledge-based research. But it needs patience too.

As an international student or Indian resident, some procedures to land a decent and satisfying job are

• Start Early
• Since it will be time taking process and will require extra labour

• Research the situation, and analyse the environment

  Well and complete information about the rules and regulations of the employment of the country. With that, the immigration documentation and detailing should be held with utmost grip and should be verse on the moth anytime.

  Confidence will be checked based on each of everything deadlines and possibilities according to the immigration document that is Visa.

• Take Advantage of Schools Or college’s resources, ranking and reputation

• Network

  Know and meet people to increase the chances of employment. Various studies have shown that the job markets are based on knowing and others. Especially alumni networks, professional groups, Peers of the interested fields, parents of one’s American friends and the most important social media apps.

• Stay Positive and Be Persistent
• Golden Rules of Job Hunting