BACKGROUND

America is often called the land of opportunity and rightfully so as there are countless tales of those who have made themselves in this land. Aspirants from every corner of the world prioritize the USA as their destination for higher education. The country dominates the education landscape, and it bags five positions in the list of the World’s Top Universities. The major attraction of a US University is its large campuses, excellent teachers, state of the art technology, and a friendly learning environment. The education system in the USA focuses on the overall development of a person’s character, combined with the exposure to various activities validates the ‘American Degree’ as the world’s most revered degrees.’ In this age of competition, a US degree is bound to give you an additional advantage and will prove helpful in future career prospects.

WHY STUDY IN THE USA

• Worldwide recognition: An American degree is valued throughout the world and many institutions throughout the world accept it.
• Flexibility in the course: The country consists of more than 4000 universities. It gives the students a wide array of options. Furthermore, students can switch classes regarding their interests.
• Cultural Understanding: Apart from academics, you can immerse yourself in the American culture and learn about the various norms and traditions. Also, you can interact with people from different countries and is guaranteed to be an eye-opening experience.
• Infrastructure: The universities in the USA contains advanced infrastructures which enable students to develop themselves and aids in career prospects.
• Research and Development: The USA leads the race in scientific innovation and development. Large research centers provide excellent opportunities for students to work alongside their professors and apply their knowledge in real life.
• Career prospects: You’ll be an HR officer favorite if you are an owner of an American degree as it is considered one of the best. Countless exposures and training help you to create a brighter future.
• On-campus work: Numerous universities allow international students to work on campus as part-timers. Students are usually paid an hourly wage rate, and it is helpful to cover the expenses.
• Financial assistance: American universities provide ample opportunity for international students to apply for scholarships in the form of teaching and reading assistantship. Awarded students may receive stipends and partial waivers.

VISA APPLICATION

Before applying for a visa, student applicants are required to be accepted by their school or program. After acceptance, the educational institution shall provide you a form called I-20. Once you have it, you need to fill it.

VISA DESCRIPTION

F-1 Visa

If you wish to study in the United States at an approved school, college or university, private secondary school, and English language program then you need an F-1 visa.

M-1 Visa

If you wish to engage in a non-academic or vocational study or training at a U.S. institution, then you need an M-1 visa.

HOW TO APPLY

•  Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
• Pay the visa application fee.
• Schedule your appointment. To schedule an appointment, you’ll need the following items
• Your passport number
• The receipt number from the Visa Fee receipt.
• The ten digit barcode number from the DS-160 confirmation page.

ADMISSION INTAKES

US universities have mainly two intakes. Fall session- August/September or spring session- January/February. Some institutions offer admission in June and March as well. It is to be noted that scholarship deadlines and application deadlines may differ.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor/Undergraduate: 10+2 / PCL / A LEVELS / Diploma
• Bachelor Credit Transfer: At least 1st-year pass certificate or first two semesters of the Bachelor’s program.
• Graduate: Bachelor’s in any subject, equivalent to US 4 year Bachelor Degree.
• English Language requirements: Students need to have the required scores in the language tests. (TOEFL/IELTS/PBT)
• Document Checklist: Cover letter, Application form, Statement of purpose, Academic achievements, Resume, Recommendation letters, Transcripts, Mark-sheets, Bank Statement
• Scholarships/ Graduate or Teaching assistantship: Standard Test Scores, All academic certificates, Passport copy, Strong recommendation letters, Awards and achievements, Statement of purpose.

WORKING WHILE STUDYING

A student holding F1 visas cannot work off-campus during the first year of his studies. Under special conditions, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services may grant permission to work off campus after one year of study. If an international student wishes to do on-campus work, then he must accept the two rules which are: maintain valid F-1 status, and you can work up to 20 hours per week during the school session. There is an option of working full time on campus during holidays and vacations.

ACCOMMODATION

The tuition and living costs depend upon the degree you are pursuing, where you are studying and in which city you are staying. Tuition fees range from USD 5000 to USD 50000 per year. Cost of food and living are generally between USD 9000 to USD 14000 annually, but it is prone to fluctuate if you live in the big cities. The accommodation options for international students in the US are:

• On-campus accommodation: This method is expensive in which you live on the school’s campus in a student apartment.
• Off-campus accommodation: You can either hire an apartment or share it with your friend.

FACTS ABOUT USA

• Area: With an area of 9.834 million km², the USA is the third largest country in the world.
• Population: As in 2017 the population of USA is 325.7 million.
• Language: Majority of the population speak English, and people also speak Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, and other languages.
• There are more than 400 billionaires in the United States and 10.8 million millionaires.
• Every year more than a million students go to the USA for further studies.
• Harvard was the first university in the United States.
• The United States debt per person is USD 54000.
• Florida is the oldest city in the US.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Government of the United States invests over a billion dollars in international awards. These scholarships are offered by the US Government, academic institutions, and some private and public organizations. The different scholarship schemes available to Nepalese students are as follows:

• Fulbright Scholarship: This scholarship is given to those students who wish to pursue a graduate and Ph.D. degree.
• Hubert H.Humphrey Fellowship Program: This program aims to bring mid-professionals from developing nations to the United States for one academic year of graduate study and practical and professional experiences.

Some colleges that provide up to 100% scholarships for Nepalese students are:

• Amherst College Scholarships
• Berea College Scholarships
• Clark University Scholarships
• Cornell Scholarships
• Oregon University Scholarships