The US hosts more international students than any other country in the world, a number fast approaching 600,000. In fact, international students comprise approximately 4% of the total undergraduate US university and US college population, and 10% for US graduate school. These international students from every continent in the world choose to study in the US because they believe that a US education would afford them the best preparation for their future. They leave homes, families and friends in order to pursue their dreams of an education in the US. In fact, International students who study in the US contribute more than $13 billion to the US economy!
Education System in the USA
The American education system offers the most diverse set of education options in the world. In fact, an international student who elects to take advantage of the American education system can pursue anything from nuclear science to film and dance. American education possibilities are almost endless!
Type of Institutions
There is no central ministry of education in the U.S. and each institution can determine its own programs and admission standards. There are private as well as state funded colleges.
University
They are academic institutions that include one or more undergraduate colleges, as well as any number of graduate and professional schools, i.e. schools offering study for a single profession such as law.
Four year colleges
They are undergraduate institutions offering academic programs leading to a bachelor's degree.
Scholarships
International humanitarian organizations want to promote international education and cultural exchange with the USA. Included in these organizations are the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the League of Red Cross Societies, and the World Council of Churches. Some of these organizations have restricted financial aid, international student scholarships and international student loans. For example, the international student scholarships or aid may only be available to graduate students, students from a specific ethnic group, or students who have chosen a specific course of study. Financial aid and scholarships from these organizations are very competitive, so you need to start your search early.
Finally, there are also many universities in the US that provide financial aid and international student scholarships to international students. However, this aid is usually limited and is often more readily available to graduate than undergraduate students. Furthermore, competition for international student scholarships and aid is fierce, and schools are careful to help out the most deserving international students. Good grades and exam scores are extremely important in securing an international student scholarship. Find out whether any of the schools that you would like to apply to have grants, loans or scholarships for international students. If they don’t, and you have not been able to obtain enough funding on your own, you may have to consider other schools that will help
Admission Procedure
The U.S. university application process is a lengthy procedure that requires students to fill out many documents. Documents may differ, based on the department to which a student is applying. Therefore, it is very important to read the instructions carefully. Some universities do not process the application until they receive all the documents. Some universities provides conditional admission if the student is still completing his or her current course. Following is a list of required documents for an international applicant:
Application Document Checklist - 1
University Application - 1
Financial Support Form - 1
Transcripts of Previous Degree - 2
Resume - 1
3 Letters of Recommendation - 1
Bank Statement - 1
Statement of Purpose - 1
Standardized Test Scores - 1
Passport Copies - 1
Statement of Purpose
Most applications ask for a statement of interest or an autobiographical statement. It is important for students to thoroughly research a field of study before applying to it. That way, they can effectively write about how they will fit into the program and how they program will best help them obtain the career of their choice. Admissions committees are impressed by students who have a strong sense of self and can creatively express themselves through writing. Students should begin their Statement of Purpose in a way that will catch the reader's attention, such as with a quote or personal anecdote. A student's Statement of Purpose should describe the following:
-Who the student is as a person and why they stand out from others
-Why the student is interested in a particular program
-How the particular program will help the student achieve his or her long-
term goals and ambitions
Letters of Recommendation
As part of the application procedure, every university requires students to send three letters of recommendation. These letters should be from professional references, such as teachers or employers, who can verify that the student is an outstanding candidate for a program. Family, friends, and character witnesses should not be references. It is important that the person providing the recommendation has a good understanding of the student's academic history, interests, goals, and direction. The letters should be confidential and not be discussed with the applicant. Therefore, it is important that the applicant choose references that he or she can trust to write a good recommendation.
The Resume
The resume should provide a snapshot of the student's life on approximately two pages. Students should verify the following in their resume:
-Personal information, including name, address, telephone number, and
email address
-Academic history, including highest completed degree and relevant
courses
-Employment history, including job titles, responsibilities, and the start and
end dates
-Volunteer work
-Professional memberships or affiliations
-Awards and recognitions
-Certifications
The names and contact information of at least two reference
Visa Procedure
All appointments for visa interviews at the Embassy's consular section are made
FEE DEPOSIT: All students & exchange visitors must pay mandatory payment of the Sevis (Student/Exchange Visitor processing fee) before arriving for a visa appointment at the consulate.
An applicant may apply for a student Visa not earlier than 90 days before the registration date specified on the FORM I-20.
Booking an Appointment (under new visa rules effective October 3, 2005):
Prior to confirming a visa interview appointment online or at any US Visa Application Centre, you need to pay the following fees and obtain a Visa Fee Receipt from designated Bank.
When going to Bank, please carry with you a photocopy of the 1st page of the applicant's passport.
IMPORTANT: The fee receipt gets activated 2 working days from date of issue. Do not attempt to take an appointment till then.
The applicant should carry demand draft of visa Issuance Fee amount. favouring the “US Embassy ”
Fill out an Visa Application Forms
Interview in the Embassy: An "interview'" will last no more than one or two minutes. What to Bring When Applying for a Visa:
Passport:
Photograph: One black and white or color photograph taken on a white background (size = 2 inches x 2 inches or 5cm. X 5 cm.) Photographs should be no more than six months old. Instant photos are not acceptable.
I-20 Form:
Evidence of Prior Education:.
Financial Assets
What If Your Visa Is Denied?
Most visa requests are granted, so your chances of receiving a student visa are good. But when a request is denied, the main reason (90% of denials) is that the official believes the student actually wants to go to the US to live and work. If you are denied a visa, ask politely for a reason. Ask if additional documentation could result in an approval, and (if so), what documents would be most useful.
If your visa is denied, you can re-apply, but you need more evidence to show you will return home after study and that you have sufficient funds to pay for your educational expenses. If you are refused a second time, you will have to wait for a period before you return. However, the probability of success on a third try is not very high. Each time you apply, you need to provide more documentation, so that you can say truthfully that there are new facts to review and more reason for approval. For more information, please meet our Student Visa Experts at our Office.
Accommodation
The first decision that you need to make regarding housing is whether you will be living on campus or off campus. Some small schools and some schools in large cities do not offer any on-campus housing. These are usually referred to as “commuter schools” because all students need to commute to school everyday. Both living on campus and off campus have benefits. Read the information below to determine which is best for you.
On campus
One major benefit of living on campus is you will have easy access to everything the school has to offer. You can go to the libraries, the sporting facilities, and computer centers at your convenience. All will be within walking (or at least cycling) distance. Another convenience is the school cafeteria. Most schools offer affordable meal plans to students who live on campus, since on-campus residences do not have kitchen facilities. On-campus housing can also be cheaper, depending on where the school is situated. If a school is located in a suburban area, it may be difficult to find apartments close by. And if the school is located in a large city, you will find that it can be competitive and expensive to find any apartments at all.
Another benefit of on-campus housing is safety. College campuses are patrolled 24 hours a day by the schools’ own security forces. Living alone in an area with which you are not familiar may not always be the safest choice. A final benefit is the relationships you will develop by living closely with your fellow students. Not only will you most likely have a roommate, but you will also be surrounded by hundreds of other students. You will never be lonely, making the transition to a new country much easier.
Most university housing consists of dormitories, also called “residence halls.” Typically two students will share a room. There will be one or more bathroom and shower facilities on each floor that will be shared by all students living on that floor. Some universities offer residence halls that cater to specific interests, such as an “international house” for students who want to learn more about other cultures. Often there are also halls for first year students only, for graduate students only, and for women only.
Off campus
Some colleges and universities do not provide on-campus housing. Still others do provide housing, but it is not sufficient (and therefore not guaranteed) for all their students. Often there will be an off-campus housing office to assist students in finding an appropriate place to live. The office will help students find a compatible roommate to share expenses and will also provide information about the local neighborhoods, including what restaurants, shops, and public transportation are accessible.
Many international students, particularly graduate students, prefer the independence of living off campus. They feel that it also creates fewer distractions and gives them more privacy. Sometimes living off campus can be more affordable, particularly if you rent a house and find several roommates to share it with. You will also find that food costs may be lower, since you will be doing your own cooking. (Having access to a kitchen is an added benefit for students who miss their local dishes.) Don’t forget to calculate what you will need to pay for transportation and utilities, such as electricity and local telephone service, when figuring the cost of living off campus.
Pre departure Information
Pre-departure orientation sessions are organized for students on their way to the foreign destinations following receipt of their student visas. These Sessions give students a taste of what life is like in the foreign, both academically and culturally.
If you have been admitted to a program of study in a Foreign college, you should bring with you any syallabi, catalogs, bulletins, course descriptions or other relevant materials issued by the secondary school or university you have attended most recently."
"When travelling abroad, it is important to carry all important documents on your person. Do not put them in a suitcase. Do not loan or give them to anyone unless that person can show you some form of identification that he/she is authorized to receive them."
"Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to have funds transferred from your bank at home to a bank in the foreign - even with a Demand Draft".
"Host Family Programs pair a foreign family with a foreign student for the purpose of friendship and culture sharing. They provide for student visits to a family home for meals, esp. During occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
"For festive occasions, bring a traditional dress and accessories from your country. You may also want to bring any musical instruments you play, pictures of your home, recordings of traditional music and examples of arts and crafts of your country."
Carry some books on Indian Culture and religion. Be prepared to answer questions, often in depth, say on your religion.
Indians tend to stick together when in foreign shores. While this is helpful in getting used to a new place, you tend to lose out on learning about new cultures and countries. Try to make friends from other countries too.
British Airways usually allows students to carry an extra piece of luggage, over and above the mandatory 2 suitcases and a handbag. If you haven't already chosen your airline, go for BA.
Keep your identification on all your luggage, inside and outside. Missing luggage isn't as rare as you expect it to be. For this reason, it also helps if you keep all important papers and cash in your handbag only, not in the suitcases.
Don't carry $100 bills. People do not usually have change for a 100 in cabs and most shops. It is preferable to carry $10, $20 notes instead. Also do not carry more than $200 in cash if you can help it. Use a credit card, ATM card or travellers cheques. Less chance of loss or robbery this way.
Even an international demand draft usually takes about 2 - 4 weeks to get cashed. Carry enough money with you to last you for the first month or so.
Get an International Driving Permit if possible. It is needed to get a driver's license in foreign . A driver's license is an important identification card in abroad, right after your passport. Since you do not want to carry your passport everywhere, it makes sense to get a license. You will need one for cashing a cheque, even issuing one, for renting a car or a house, in fact for most transactions. If you do not know driving, you can even ask the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a non-driving license to you, used only as an ID card.
Learn to ride a bicycle in case you do not already know it. Students on most campuses ride bicycles - they're cheaper and healthier than cars. An old bike costs about $50 - 60, while a new one will set you back by $90 or more.
Keep a day's change of clothes in your handbag. This way, if the airline screws up real bad and loses all your luggage, you will not have to buy clothes immediately.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
AMERICA
U.S. Education
The U.S. educational system is very different from other county. U.S.A. has more than 3,300 accredited colleges and universities, which offer a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs.
Types of Programs
Types of Institutions
Accreditation
Semester System
Types of Programs Top
Undergraduate programs (Bachelor degree) :
This is the first level of post-secondary education that begins after 12 years of primary and secondary schooling. It includes at least 4 years of education and earns a bachelor’s degree (Most Indian graduation courses are of 3 years duration). There are also two-year programs which earn an Associate degree. A student who has an associate degree has to study further for a minimum of 2 years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Programs (Master’s & Doctorate degree) :
This is the same as post-graduate education in India. It usually involves one year or more of education depending on the subject or course, and earns a master’s or doctoral degree like MBA, MS or PhD. Admission to a graduate program usually requires a minimum of 16 years of formal education. That is, 12 years of primary and secondary schooling and further 4 years of college education.
Types of Institutions
There is no central ministry of education in the U.S. and each institution can determine its own programs and admission standards. There are private as well as state funded colleges.
Universities are academic institutions that include one or more undergraduate colleges, as well as any number of graduate and professional schools, i.e. schools offering study for a single profession such as law.
Four year colleges are undergraduate institutions offering academic programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges or junior colleges are undergraduate institutions offering upto two years of academic instruction beyond secondary school at a relatively low cost. These offer certificate programs that last for a few months to a year as well as associate degrees.
Institutes of technology or polytechnic institutes offer specialized programs in sciences and engineering, in addition to basic sciences, humanities and the social sciences, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a process by which universities and their programs are recognized for maintaining a certain level of performance and quality. Accreditation is usually done by non-governmental agencies called accreditation bodies. There are two types of accreditation : regional & professional.
Regional bodies ascertain whether colleges and universities as a whole meet certain standards of educational quality.
In addition, certain professional accrediting bodies evaluate the quality of education in specific fields like Business, Law etc.
Importance of Accreditation :
Ensures that universities meet minimum standards.
Only national and international form of evaluation for US universities.
Increases the recognition of degree by employers and schools.
Helps in case the student wishes a transfer to another university.
To check out the list of accredited US universities, go to www.chea.org
NOTE : Government of India recognizes only accredited U.S. universities
It is advisable to apply to only accredited universities.
Semesters
US universities offer two main semester intakes:
Fall Semester (September/October):
This is the main intake and almost all programs are offered at this times. More financial aid is also available for this semester and as funds are allocated for the entire year during this time.
Spring Semester (January/February):
This is the mid-year intake. There is limited financial assistance available for this semester as most universities allocate funds to projects in the Fall semester.
Some universities also have a Summer intake around July.
The U.S. educational system is very different from other county. U.S.A. has more than 3,300 accredited colleges and universities, which offer a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs.
Types of Programs
Types of Institutions
Accreditation
Semester System
Types of Programs Top
Undergraduate programs (Bachelor degree) :
This is the first level of post-secondary education that begins after 12 years of primary and secondary schooling. It includes at least 4 years of education and earns a bachelor’s degree (Most Indian graduation courses are of 3 years duration). There are also two-year programs which earn an Associate degree. A student who has an associate degree has to study further for a minimum of 2 years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Programs (Master’s & Doctorate degree) :
This is the same as post-graduate education in India. It usually involves one year or more of education depending on the subject or course, and earns a master’s or doctoral degree like MBA, MS or PhD. Admission to a graduate program usually requires a minimum of 16 years of formal education. That is, 12 years of primary and secondary schooling and further 4 years of college education.
Types of Institutions
There is no central ministry of education in the U.S. and each institution can determine its own programs and admission standards. There are private as well as state funded colleges.
Universities are academic institutions that include one or more undergraduate colleges, as well as any number of graduate and professional schools, i.e. schools offering study for a single profession such as law.
Four year colleges are undergraduate institutions offering academic programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges or junior colleges are undergraduate institutions offering upto two years of academic instruction beyond secondary school at a relatively low cost. These offer certificate programs that last for a few months to a year as well as associate degrees.
Institutes of technology or polytechnic institutes offer specialized programs in sciences and engineering, in addition to basic sciences, humanities and the social sciences, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a process by which universities and their programs are recognized for maintaining a certain level of performance and quality. Accreditation is usually done by non-governmental agencies called accreditation bodies. There are two types of accreditation : regional & professional.
Regional bodies ascertain whether colleges and universities as a whole meet certain standards of educational quality.
In addition, certain professional accrediting bodies evaluate the quality of education in specific fields like Business, Law etc.
Importance of Accreditation :
Ensures that universities meet minimum standards.
Only national and international form of evaluation for US universities.
Increases the recognition of degree by employers and schools.
Helps in case the student wishes a transfer to another university.
To check out the list of accredited US universities, go to www.chea.org
NOTE : Government of India recognizes only accredited U.S. universities
It is advisable to apply to only accredited universities.
Semesters
US universities offer two main semester intakes:
Fall Semester (September/October):
This is the main intake and almost all programs are offered at this times. More financial aid is also available for this semester and as funds are allocated for the entire year during this time.
Spring Semester (January/February):
This is the mid-year intake. There is limited financial assistance available for this semester as most universities allocate funds to projects in the Fall semester.
Some universities also have a Summer intake around July.
Monday, March 10, 2008
IRELAND
Ireland has one of the best education systems in Europe.The quality of the Irish education system is a major contributing factor to the rapid rate of economic growth Ireland has experienced over the last few decades.
Irish higher education institutions are widely recognised for excellence in many disciplines.
Ireland is recognised as an international location for high quality scientific research.
Ireland is an English speaking country.
Ireland's emerald landscape and its people are among the most enriching reasons to study in Ireland.
Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality which greatly contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland.
Ireland's landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous.
Ireland has a rich cultural heritage with its own distinctive language (Gaelic) music, culture and sports.
Ireland is a dynamic, lively and modern country.
Ireland has a young vibrant population, with 40% of the population under the age of 25, Ireland is one of the most exciting places in the world to be a student.
Ireland is a safe country to study in.
Ireland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy.
The number of international students visiting Ireland is increasing each year, students from all over the world are taking advantage of the higher education standard in Ireland coupled with the unique cultural experience.
Population Data
Population Data
Some new data is now
available from the census held in 2006.
Total Population
(2006): 4,234,925
Male
2,118,209 Female
2,116,716
This is up from 3,917,203
in 2002, a remarkable increase of 317,722 (8.1%) in just four years.
The rest of the figures
below are taken from data in the 2002 census, or
from othre sources. New figures from the latest
census will be available mid-late 2007.
Population by Age
1000's:
mso-padding-alt:1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'>
- Average Household size:
people - Life Expectancy: 75.1 (male) 80.3 (female)
- Average age of 1st time mothers:
(married) 26.5 (unmarried) - Top Baby Names (2005) see
Education
- Number in Full-time Education
- Level of Education: About 2.5 million people have
completed their full-time education. Levels at which their education was
completed:
1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt 1.5pt'>
Primary (Grade school)
552,220
Lower secondary (Junior High)
565,433
Upper secondary (Senior High)
724,099
Third Level (College)
Non-degree
250,429
Degree or higher
396,408
Crime
All relate to 2005 unless
otherwise stated.
- Average daily number of Prisoners in Custody
3,199 - Murders: 54
- Burglary: 25,963
- Burglary/Robbery involving a firearm
- Car Thefts: 13,148
- Rape/Sexual Assault:
- Drug Related Offences:
Cannabis related) - Untraced Missing Persons:
- Convictions for Drunk Driving
male)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
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