The United States of America has for long been one of the foremost superpowers in the world. It has, over the years, amalgamated a wide diversity of cultures and races into its mainstream. It has a variety of geographical terrains and climates across its length and breadth and the flora and fauna to complement it. It ranks among the top five countries in terms of its size and by far the biggest economies in the world.
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California, one of the 50 states of the USA, itself has a GDP that is higher than Brazil or even France for that matter. English, Spanish, German, French are just a few of the languages spoken across the land. A country brought to life by immigrants, the USA is a dream destination of people around the world. Boston, Seattle, Bellevue in Washington, San Jose, Newton in Massachusetts, Pleasanton in California are just a few of the most sought after cities to live in the country.
Over and above an abundance of natural resources, the USA also has some of the best and most advanced infrastructure in the world. Its research facilities have hardly any parallel around the globe and it boasts of some of the most significant and crucial breakthroughs in science, technology and art. With a population of over 325 million, USA is also home to some of the biggest companies in the world including a vast majority of Fortune 500 companies. All in all, the United States of America, represents the land of dreams for millions around the world.
The USA has the world’s largest international student population, with more than 1,000,000 students choosing to broaden their education and life experience in the United States. Nearly 5% of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the USA are international students, and the numbers are growing. From the mid-1950’s, when international student enrollment was only just reaching 35,000, international education in the USA has come a long way.
America has some of the most amazing education institutions in the world and its research facilities are second to none. The universities and colleges here regularly rank among the top 10, 50 and 100 of the world. Be it for science, technology or any other courses, they have some of the most experienced and credible faculties and teachers in the world. Graduate students here get the opportunity to work with celebrated experts in their field and be a part of exclusive research.
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The United States of America provides highly distinct and innovative education systems. It provides them a high quality of learning and research opportunities over and above recruitment support and network building opportunities.
International students can apply for a four year undergraduate course and later continue with a two year masters program. International students, depending upon their credentials also can directly apply for their masters by research and/or their doctorate program. Be it studying engineering, science courses, humanities courses or even a doctoral thesis, USA provides some of the best education opportunities in the world.
A student visa is mandatory for a student aspiring to study in the USA. It is important to note that the student must be accepted and approved by the school or program they have applied for. The educational institution will provide the necessary documentation for the visa process. The application needs to be made within 120 days from the start date of the I-20 and can travel within 30 days from the start date of the I-20.
A F-1 visa is the most common format of a student visa. If you are going to study at an approved school like a university, college, secondary school or even a language program, you need an F-1 visa. This format of visa is also required if you are enrolled in a course of study that takes up more than 18 hours per week. For those planning on joining a non-academic or vocational course in the USA then you may need an M-1 visa and not an F-1. US law does not permit an F-1 visa for students who are admitted in a publically funded adult education program.
Rules for students to work are strict in the USA. International students are not allowed to work during the first year in the country. The candidates can, however, get part-time jobs with special conditions after the first year. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has laid out strict guidelines for F-1 visa holders to get work in the US. On-campus employment continues to remain the best bet for international students and are easily available. These jobs may or may not be related to what you are studying.
Students can be allowed to work full-time during their breaks and holidays, provided they are on good terms with their faculty. A student can only work 20 hours a week. Another thing to take care is that the job must not take away a job from a US citizen. Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may also be applicable to you and will be closely governed by the USCIS.
Most good universities also have a strong placement block which help students to get placed once they are done with their course. A student is also expected to build their network during their time at the college or university and find ideal employment opportunities for themselves. Finding a job in the US is all about being proactive. The country is a veritable hub of opportunities and nailing the right one is all a matter of focused effort and grabbing the chance when it appears.
There are some basic common denominators in the application procedure for every university in the USA. Language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are some of the most important aspects of this application process. Those hoping to study in post graduate courses apart from MBA need to appear for GRE while those desirous of studying for an MBA need to appear for GMAT.
Undergraduates need an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL IBT score of 79, while those applying for post graduate degrees need an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 or a TOEFL IBT score of 90. Undergraduates need to appear for SAT in order to apply to graduate courses and they need a SAT score of over 1200. Post graduate aspirants need to appear for a GRE and need a mandatory score of 290-300. Those hoping to study for their MBA degree need to appear for GMAT and require a score of 450 to 500.
The application package needs to be sent to the universities strictly in accordance to their mandated guidelines. Academic performance records need to be provided in clear detail along with valid scores for all the necessary foreign going competitive examinations. There are two main intake sessions for universities in the USA – fall and spring. The fall intake starts in late August and ends in late December while the spring session starts in Jannuary and ends in early May. The deadlines for each intake are highly strict and need to be carefully monitored. Following the guidelines is crucial to obtain the requisite I-20 form from the respective universities.
Higher education costs in the USA, unlike India, can cost a pretty penny. Private universities in the USA usually charge a higher tuition fees than public colleges. Public colleges have a huge support in terms of their reliance on state funds. The higher costs charged by universities there is one of the reasons why they focus so much on the quality of education, infrastructure and career defining opportunities they provide the students.
The yearly expenditure for a student in a college in the USA, including living expenses and tuition, can range from $15,000 to $35,000. Top colleges can charge up to $60,000 per year in tuition and other ancillary costs. There are a number of scholarships which are also offered to foreign students based on merit and need. The application process for these scholarships may vary depending upon the university or state where the student is applying. These scholarships are usually government funded or even supported by private entities.
How much time does it take for the admission and visa process?
The assessment time for undergraduate applications is, generally, quite quick and is done in about 3-5 weeks. PG applications, however, can take up to 4 to 8 weeks to get processed. Visa processes for New Zealand are considerably fast. The New Zealand Information Service tries to ensure that the positive profile students get a decision on their applications within 15 to 20 working days.
Do students have any part-time work opportunities? If so, how much can they expect to earn?
Students can work up to 20 hours a week. Students can find work in farms, restaurants, malls, as marketing executives, etc. their wages can range from 9 to 12 New Zealand dollars an hour. If you are a masters by research student or a PhD student you can even work full time during the term-time.
What accommodation arrangements can I expect?
Students are required to show a written guarantee of accommodation before they are granted a visa. There are some institutions that may be able to grand a residential accommodation to students who are not staying at a friend or a relative’s place. A student may also wish to arrange their own accommodation. Students should make it a point to indicate beforehand whether or not they need support in order to find a place to stay when they apply to the institution.
Can dependents accompany students?
A student’s dependents can include their spouse, partners, faince, and/or children. The student’s dependents can accompany them to the country or join them at a later date. They should have, however, applied for the visa they require, be it work, student or visitor, and must fulfil all their criterion. Dependents who are in school will need to pay their full fees for enrolling in primary and secondary courses of study.
How much money can I bring to New Zealand?
There is no limit to the amount of money you can bring in or take out of New Zealand. Although, if you are bringing in more than 10,000 New Zealand dollars in cash you will have to declare the same to the New Zealand Customs Service.
Can my spouse apply for work visa?
A student’s spouse can only work in New Zealand provided the student is pursuing a post graduate degree. The other case where the student’s spouse can apply for a work visa is if the student is studying a course that is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Does a student get a job search visa after graduation?
You can apply for a 12 month job search visa within three months of completion of your course from NZ.
