| United States of America |
 Flag of the USA The United States is a multicultural nation, home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and values. There is no "American" ethnicity; aside from the now small Native American and Native Hawaiian populations, nearly all Americans or their ancestors immigrated within the past five centuries. LIVING IN THE USA Life in the U.S.A. will probably be different from what you expect. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that the images from films and television programs are not always true. That is, Americans come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Americans in general are very friendly and will be interested in learning about you and your country. For any international student, the U.S.A. has a lot to offer: the most prestigious, top ranked education anywhere in the world, eclectic cities and beautiful natural parks, artistic, cultural, political and athletic events, and a very multicultural population. The land and people of the U.S.A. are incredibly varied. Wherever you choose to study, you will encounter a regional culture rich in history, local traditions and customs. The U.S.A. is a multi-racial society that is still absorbing new immigrants, which makes it a very dynamic and exciting place to experience. While students must exercise caution in a few locations, in much of the U.S.A., streets and university campuses are clean and safe. USA has one of the world’s highest standards of living, while at the same time enjoying the lowest cost of living in the western world (you don’t need to earn a fortune to live well in the US). More information about Living in the USA.  Statue of Liberty U.S. universities may differ from those in your own country in several ways. For one thing, classes are generally small. There may be as few as ten to twenty students in a class. While in class, students are encouraged and expected to contribute to the discussion. Professors meet with students in their offices or even share coffee or meals with them. The close relationship between students and faculty serves to motivate students and fosters a personal approach to the curriculum. You may be surprised at your professors’ willingness to challenge authority. Academic freedom is one of the hallmarks of a US university. You will notice different perspectives on instruction. In the USA, students are trained to observe and analyze a problem, then solve it. You will be expected to listen to your classmates and challenge their points of view. The goal is pragmatic, so that you will gain confidence and the ability to organize and present an argument. Accommodation Most U.S. university students live on or near the school campus. When you are studying in the USA, you will have many opportunities to join planned and informal activities with other students, such as hiking, skiing, museum visits, excursions to new cities, and U.S.A. tourist attractions. This interaction with other students will enhance your language skills. Your fellow students will also teach you about US culture and about the diverse cultures represented on any US campus. More information about Studying in the USA and Education. There are quite many scholarship opportunities when studying in the US. For more information please contact your local American Embassy. WORKING WHILE STUDYING Working while studying is a popular option for students in the United States. Having a job provides extra pocket money and can also help you acquire professional skills. Working on a student visa has specific rules that must be followed and you must know and follow them. Employment opportunities for international students are limited. Students should not plan on earning substantial money from a part-time job to help pay their studies. On Campus Jobs - Though international students are allowed to work on campus, these jobs are often difficult to obtain and do not provide sufficient funds to sustain education costs. Students with good academic standing have a better chance. Off Campus Jobs - It may be possible to for students to avail of limited off-campus employment, which is subject to strict regulatory guidelines. It requires approval from US Immigration & Naturalization Service. This approval is not easy to get and depends on a special need. Practical Training - In addition, there may be opportunities for practical training which entail a period of authorized employment, designed to allow foreign students to have professional work experience related to their field of study. For further details, contact the foreign student adviser at the university, after you are enrolled. Please note that Immigration Department in USA has very strict rules and students that are caught working illegally will be sent back ( deported) back to their home country |
