If you’ve been thinking about studying in the US, it could be an excellent opportunity for you since it allows you to think of the long-term goals for your career. However, becoming an international student in the US is not a piece of cake. There are several factors to keep in mind as you venture into the next chapter of your life as an international student.
That said, here are the top things you should know about being an international student in the US:
It’s a lengthy process
From getting accepted into the school you want to being approved for a student visa, becoming an international student isn’t a short walk in the park. It can be a lengthy process from the time you decide to study in the US until you actually get approved and get started. Different schools have varying testing processes and more, so it’s not one size fits all when it comes to applying to various schools.
Additionally, there are different steps foreign students applying to US universities have to go through to get accepted. Keep in mind that you can only apply for a student visa once you have been accepted by a school.
It can be quite pricey to study in the US
It can be more expensive than you’re used to studying in the US. So, if you’re from a country with free education, you may want to consider the pros and cons of the price tag attached to most tuition fees in the US.
There are opportunities for full scholarships and partial scholarships for international students, so this may not be an issue for you if you get approved for one. But, don’t forget all of the extra costs of studying in the US, including lodging (when off-campus), textbooks, extracurricular activities, and so forth.
There are a lot of extracurricular activities to enjoy
Something great about universities in the US is the abundance of enjoyable extracurricular experiences and inexpensive entertainment to be had, both on campus and outside of school.
You could expect some fun things like sports, clubs, or even some theater at the university or college where you study. From writing workshops to sports leagues, the possibilities are endless. There are also community events and volunteer work to look forward to.
A vehicle is useful
There are many cities where your school may be far from affordable and appropriate housing. Unlike many countries where public transport is set up to provide easy commuting from one place to another, it’s different in the US.
While some of the bigger cities like Los Angeles and New York have reliable public transport, smaller towns may not be as expertly designed around public transportation. So, leasing a vehicle during your time in the US could be a good idea.
Partake of the student resources and help
Don’t forget that you’re not on your own, even if you’re far from home and family. Fortunately, wherever you study, you should have some resources set up to help you through the challenges that studying as an international student could bring your way.
You’ll find that you’ll have student counselors and school resources to depend on to help you navigate your time in the US.
In Conclusion
As you look into studying in the US, know that it can be an excellent opportunity to further your career and reach objectives in your education, thanks to the top-quality schools found in this great country. Just make sure to have a little patience since it can take time to be approved for a student visa and get accepted into the school you want.
