About USA
People & culture : America is the most popular destination among Indian Students. Most Americans are very hospitable, friendly, kind, generous and accepting of foreigners. The people here are gregarious, funny, innovative and eager to learn things. These are the differential that many international students adopt and try to take home with them.
Technology : Nowadays whatever program a student chooses to pursue in school , he/she uses the computer and other technologies in order to succeed. Many Universities have incorporated the latest technology into their curriculum to encourage the students to obtain proficiency before they go out. The specialized technology , such as the Newest medical equipment in medical schools, allowing the student to maximize their true potential and gaining experience in the real world.
City-Life : Known for its welcoming and embracing culture, the US is home to many immigrants, especially in urban centers of New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. From youngsters born in US to professionals who leave behind their homes to fulfill their realistic (or unrealistic dreams), the US is one of the desired destination of a huge world population.
Transportation : The road network in the U.S. is well developed and well maintained. For those who drive, the roads will be a smooth ride and those that don't want to drive or simply can't, in most areas there is a decent public transportation system. In addition, many colleges and universities offer reduced rates to their students for public transportation.
Food : In regard to the multinational culture in America, the cuisine is also as varied and as multicultural. You will find anything you want to eat in the big cities of America. For those of you who love experimenting with different cuisines, America is the place to be in. In addition, each region of America has its own distinct regional specialties to stimulate your appetite. From fast food outlets and coffee shops to formal five-course meals at plush restaurants, Americans are very fond of eating out.
GEOGRAPHY
- Trade / Vocational / Technical Schools: Institutions under this category teaches job-specific skills, such as accounting, auto maintenance, secretarial skills, etc. These are mostly private, for-profit schools and have open admission.
- Associate Degree Programs / Community Colleges: Institutions under this category offer two-year degree programs (called an Associate degree) and transfer and articulation programs with four-year universities. They also offer many continuing education and enrichment courses for the community. They offer low tuition and open admission. Some of the community colleges are renowned for their strong academics and high percentage of transferring students..
- Graduate Degree Programs Graduate level degrees: include the Master of Arts (MA), the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), the Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Master of Science (MS) and the among others. Most Master's degrees are awarded after two years of study, although there are some one-year degree programs in certain fields.
- Professional Degree Programs: Programs under this category are intended to train practitioners as opposed to academics. Examples are medical, law, journalism, and business degree programs.
- Liberal Arts Colleges/Universities: A liberal arts college/university offers a curriculum designed to impart general knowledge with a focus on the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. These schools traditionally emphasize interactive instruction (although research is still a component of these institutions).
- Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- George Mason University, Fairfax Country, Virginia
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinios
- University of Texas, San Antonio
- Baylor University, Waco, Texas
- Auburn University, Alabama
- University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
- University of South Carolina, Columbia
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
- University of New Hampshire
- San Jose State University, San Jose, California
- Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
- Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas
- Gannon University, Erir, Pennsylvania
- Tennessee Tech University, Tennessee
- Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama
- Texas A & M University, Corpus Cristi
- Roosevelt University, Illinois
- University of New Haven, West Haven
- Murray State University, Murray
- University of Tampa, Florida
- Missouri Western State University, Missouri
- New York Film Academy, New York City
- Mississippi College, Clinton
- Berkeley College, New Jersey
The Northeast : A region comprised of the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, the Northeast is a mix of diverse cultures and is renowned for its prestigious colleges and universities.
The Middle Atlantic : Made up of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, DC and Maryland, the Middle Atlantic is the most well-known region of the U.S., as it boasts of being home to one of the biggest cities in the world, New York, and also the capital city of Washington, DC. Once known for shipping companies, now the Middle Atlantic is famous for being the corporate center of the finance, communications, and pharmaceuticals industries.
The South : The South traditionally known as the home to the very hospitable Southerner, welcome you to a temperate climate. The regions that make up the South are Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and some parts of Missouri, parts of Texas and Oklahoma.
The Midwest : Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, parts of Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and eastern Colorado build up the Midwest. The most fertile land, the Midwest covers the largest area of the U.S. It is known for being the center of old traditions, values, and customs.
The Southwest : The Southwest is an area most untouched by immigrants and outsiders. Well known for the beautiful Grand Canyon and the casino city of Las Vegas, it is comprised of western Texas, parts of Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada.
The West : Westerners are generally considered more open-minded and less traditional than others in the U.S., and this is one of the more culturally diverse areas of the country. It is made up of western Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.
EDUCATION SYSTEM
Types of Institutions and Programs:
WHY STUDY IN USA
Excellent Academics : It is believed that world's finest higher education is available in the U.S., especially in the field of technology. U.S. degrees are accepted across the world and are considered to be among the most prestigious.
Flexibility in Course Curriculum : In addition to their major field of courses , student often have the option to take courses in other subject areas , based on their interests. In addition, the selection of course offerings at most colleges and universities is very large and diverse. Sometimes students may even be able to "cross-register" or take courses at other nearby universities as part of their degree program.
Financial Assistance : Financial assistance is being provided to international students . Many Universities financially support international students either by providing teaching or research assistantship. These assistantships are based on academic merit, rather than financial need
On-Campus Work Opportunities : Colleges & Universities allow international students to work on campus as a part-time employees. Students who are on F-1 student visa usa can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week in academic year and upto 40 hours a week in summer vacations.
Job Opportunities/Professional Training : As soon as the student complete their degrees, they are eligibile to work full-time for 1 year in their prospective field in order to gain practical experience (As of 2008, students in certain fields can extend this to 18 months.) This program is called the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Many talented students are hired as a permanent employee after they complete their OPT period by securing sponsorship from their employers for an H-1 visa. The H-1B visa is a temporary work permit for foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations like Software, Engineering, Teaching, Accounting, or Marketing. Students may continue their work without leaving the U.S. after the status change approval.
Value : U.S offers a very high quality of education , the success of any student will be directly proportional to the amount of hard work and dedication he/she exercises. The variation of skills & cross-cultural environment makes the learning experience in the US universities a rich & distinctive one.
High Quality Research : If research is the passion , then the U.S is the right choice to choose. Hence , there are innumerable research opportunities in every field that allows students to gain practical experience during the time of their studies.
Cultural Exchange : International students , apart from their studies also get to interact with and learn from other students many different countries & diverse religions, cultures , economic & ethnic backgrounds. This astounding experience help international students to become true global citizens.
Internships : Outside the campus during summer vacation , students are allowed to work as interns in their respective academic fields . There are internship programs also available to them.
International Student Affairs Offices : Most of the U.S. colleges & Universites have international student affair offices which advises and provide extraordinary support to international students to help them & get most out of their educational experience.
LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIP IN USA : Obviously scholarships and grants are the most desirable way to pay for education so it is important to plan ahead and apply for as many scholarships in usa as possible. One should begin looking into this at least a year in advance, as many scholarship deadlines require students to apply early, even before they have learned of their admissions decision. In addition, if money is a concern, one should look into applying to those colleges and universities that offer scholarships and awards to international students-at the undergraduate level. Only a handful of well-endowed colleges and universities in the U.S. are able to meet the financial need of all the students they admit, and admission to these schools is usually very competitive. Financial aid in the form of scholarships is more often available at the graduate level, but the amount of support varies and in some professional graduate programs, such as programs in Law, Business (MBA) and Journalism, very little aid is available to support students.