International Students’ Guide to Studying in the U.S.

Studying in the U.S. as an international student can be an exciting and enriching experience, which is why more and more students choose to come to the U.S. each year. Enrollment of international students in American high schools and colleges has risen significantly in recent years. The number of international high school students tripled between 2004 and 2016, now totaling nearly 82,000. Meanwhile, colleges host more than a million international learners each year. If you’re thinking about studying in America, this guide breaks down the process of applying to a school, while also answering common questions about costs, visas and post-graduation options.

When it comes to studying in the U.S., international students have a few different options:

Some parents encourage their teenagers to attend high school in the U.S. to broaden their horizons and prepare them for the rigors of higher education. In addition to building English language skills, students also learn how to navigate a different culture. U.S. public high schools only allow international students to study for one year, but private schools do not limit the length of enrollment.

Because community colleges are largely an American phenomenon, many international students haven’t heard of them. But these two-year colleges can be a great stepping stone for figuring out whether a four-year degree at a U.S. school is the right fit. Aside from introducing learners to the American education system, community colleges make it easy to transfer credits, save money on tuition, and develop academic, professional and personal networks before diving into a bachelor’s degree.

Studying in one of the best higher education systems in the world is reason enough for many international students to come to America for their undergrad years, but there’s more. While undergrad programs in places like Europe tend to emphasize specialization, American colleges offer a rigorous general education program that covers a variety of foundational topics. U.S. colleges also typically offer a wider selection of degree programs and provide more flexibility to explore and make changes.

Graduate programs encompass both master’s and doctoral degrees, and can last anywhere from nine months to seven years, depending on the field of study and the student’s career goals. Graduate programs appeal to both students coming to America for the first time and those who have already completed an undergraduate degree and want to stay in the country.

Short-term study abroad experiences range from programs that last only a few weeks to a full academic year and allow students to supplement their learning at home with an international experience. Short-term study abroad experiences are available at all educational levels and there are many organizations that help students find a location, focus area and budget that meets their needs.

Studying and living in the U.S. is an expensive process that isn’t always realistic for everyone. However, as online programs expand, lots of international learners are completing American degrees without ever setting foot in the country. Programs are available at all college levels and in many subject areas.

Once students have decided on the type of study abroad program, the next step is identifying costs and how to pay for them. According to international education consultant Sarah Froberg, the type of school a student attends greatly affects the bottom line. “International students are usually not eligible for federal financial aid, so it’s important to look at how the tuition costs vary from school to school,” she cautions. “State colleges are typically more affordable than private schools, but private schools typically award more scholarships.”

Another thing students need to consider is how their home currency translates to the U.S. dollar. “Currency fluctuation can really change how long your money will last,” says Froberg. “Some of the questions to ask yourself include, ‘how far will my money go in U.S. dollars,’ ‘what’s the current exchange rate,’ and ‘is the rate predicted to change.’” Plus, employment opportunities are limited, so relying on a part-time job isn’t realistic. “International students can only work at an on-campus job, which usually pays minimum wage,” says Froberg.

The following sections take a look at some of the common costs of studying in the U.S. at different academic levels.

3 Hidden Costs for International Students at U.S. Colleges This insightful article from U.S. News & World Report helps international students figure out how to cut costs without sacrificing education quality.

eduPASS Billed as the “SmartStudent Guide to Studying in the USA,” eduPASS provides a ton of resources for students looking for help with financial aid, including a financial planning worksheet and loan explainers.

Financial Aid for Undergraduate International Students NAFSA: Association of International Educators offers multiple resources to help international students figure out how much money they need and understand the various funding sources available to them.

International Scholarships This website is devoted to helping international students find and apply for scholarships and grants that help them offset the costs of an American education.

International Students Find Ways to Pay High Tuition Voice of America provides this fascinating article and accompanying interview with an international student who figured out how to attend school in America without breaking the bank.

Offices of Financial Aid Lots of institutions – Bard College being just one example – provide resources specifically tailored to international students. After deciding which college they want to attend, students should look for a similar page or contact the Office of Financial Aid to find out about specific funding.

Applying to a high school or college in the U.S. can be confusing, especially for international students who are likely unfamiliar with how the education system works in the country, including the application process. The following information provides students with a good idea of the type of information they’ll need to compile and submit. Some schools may ask for additional materials, so it’s best to read instructions and requirements for each school/program thoroughly.

More than 30 million individuals take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam each year, and many of them do so because they want to study in the U.S. The TOEFL iBT exam can be taken online and helps students whose native language is not English qualify for academic programs abroad.

Educational Testing Service (ETS), the administrator of the exam, offers 50 test dates throughout the year, so students should check with the school or program they want to attend and see when is the best time to take it. Because students may not achieve a high enough score the first time, they may want to leave extra time to retake it. ETS provides free preparation materials on its website, as well as more general information about the exam.

Once students have received an offer letter from a school, the next step is to obtain a visa from the U.S. government. Though it may sound intimidating, this process is simple and straightforward for students who are prepared.

In addition to paperwork, most visas require an interview. According to Froberg, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed so long as you follow the rules. “It’s important to be honest and polite during your visa interview without offering up any excess information that could cause confusion,” she says. “It’s also important to show strong ties to your country, as the officer wants to see that you plan on returning once your program is finished.”

The following section takes a look at the most common types of visas for international students and what is required to obtain them. Regardless of the visa you apply for, Froberg notes that preparation is key. “The most important thing I tell students is to study this list of required documentation from the U.S. Department of State before going to your visa appointment,” she says. “If you forget something, you will most likely be denied your visa and need to go back for another appointment.” For students who must travel a long way to the embassy, forgetting even one slip of paper can cause lots of headaches, so be prepared.

Once students are accepted to their school of choice and have a visa in hand, there are a few remaining things they’ll need to take care of before leaving their country and heading to the U.S. The following checklist helps students ensure they haven’t forgotten to take care of anything before jetting off.

You not only navigated the complex American education system, you conquered it. Now that you’ve finished your program or degree, what’s next? Here are some potential options:

Return Home

After gaining the education you came for, you can use your newly gained knowledge to help your home country. Not every student gets the opportunity to gain a diploma or degree in a different country, so newly minted graduates returning home are often in high demand due to their unique knowledge, skillsets and professional networks.

Continue Studying in America

Depending on the degree you earned and your remaining budget after completing those studies, you may decide to stay in America to earn another degree. As long as you’re enrolled in an accredited academic program and can show proof of funds, you can continue studying in the U.S. and building your skills.

Start a Career in the U.S.

After learning the ways of the American education system, making professional contacts and making new friends, some international students want to stay in the country and begin their careers. Though this process isn’t easy, students who are focused and determined may find success in relocating to the United States on a more permanent basis.

After students graduate from college, they can apply for what’s known as Optional Practical Training (OPT), a one-year work permit of sorts that allows new graduates to work in a field related to their studies and actually get paid for it. Students have 90 days between graduation and the OPT starting to find a job, so it’s critical that they build professional contacts and take part in unpaid internships while still in school to strengthen their chances of finding employment quickly.

Froberg has some helpful advice for students considering this path who don’t want to experience heartache along the way. “My biggest advice for students is to never work illegally in the U.S.,” she says. Students may think that the government can’t track down things like babysitting or working at a restaurant, but they dig deeply into employment history when reviewing OPT applications. “If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) discovers that you worked illegally, they could not only deny your application but also cancel your visa and ban you from the United States.”