About USA the United States of America (USA), commonly referred to as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal district. The 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., are in central North America between Canada and Mexico. It is the 3rd largest country both by size and population. The official language is English and is spoken by 80% of the people. About 82% of American population lives in cities.
Students looking for the best overseas education and planning to put their careers on the fast track, USA is the hottest destination. This is because it has immense range of specialties, high quality of education, great opportunities, which attracts students from different countries of the world. The factors that make the US, the number one educational hub for international students are:
Commitment to Excellence: One of the highest selling points of American education is perhaps its worldwide reputation of commitment to excellence.
USA has about 4,500 universities; students can choose to study at one of 4,500 universities. 16 universities in the USA are ranked in the world’s top 20 universities.
It gives opportunity for Research, Teaching and Training that you may be able to gain valuable experience through teaching and/or research while you help to finance your education in the U.S., particularly if you are a graduate student. Many graduate programs offer training and teaching opportunities that enable students to become teaching assistants to undergraduates and/or research assistants on special projects exploring different aspects of your field of study.
It also supports International Students as studying in the United States is a rewarding experience but navigating your way through day-to-day issues can be a challenge. Many international students find that the college and university international student office is a great resource when it comes to adapting to a culturally and academically different environment.
American boasts an unparalleled and broad based education system. Students will not only learn about their own particular subject but learn lots of other things, not necessarily related to their major. Attainment of American degree from USA holds the key to a successful career. It internationalizes and strengthens student's resume as US degrees are renowned around the world for their academic excellence and better learning experiences.
US universities have 3 intakes. Students have the option of choosing the term of their study from three main flexible intakes, Spring (January), Fall (September) and Summer (May) when they study in USA.
You will have to choose an intake that best suits your requirements and make your application accordingly. Remember the deadline to submit applications are usually a few months before the starting date of the semester. You will also have to plan your US student visa application to sync with your college application process.
USA F1 Student Visas are generally valid for a period of 5 years including OPT (optional practical training). During study program, students can work only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). After meeting the guidelines and taking permission from the university where they are studying students are eligible to work for a maximum period of up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Students can work full time (40 hrs) only during holidays. The average wage for part time jobs is between $10 and $12 per hour. Students can opt for OPT which is related to their field of work. International students who have graduated from a university in USA are eligible to work full time for the remaining period of their visa in USA.
As an undergraduate or postgraduate international student studying in the United States, employment is possible on a part-time basis for up to 20 hours every week.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the work authorization letter where students can work anywhere in USA to get hands-on work experience related to the academic field of study. OPT is valid for one year and which is extendable to 24 months for the students who graduates in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) field.