International student guide to studying in the U.S.

• In the 2019-2020 academic year, there were almost 1.1 million international students in the United States.
• In the 2019-2020 academic year, China was the top origin for international students, representing 35 percent of the total, followed by India (18 percent), South Korea (5 percent), and Saudi Arabia (3 percent).
• Since 2000, the enrollment of international students in colleges around the country has increased 72 percent.
• The states with the most international students are California, New York, and Texas.

Source:
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2020/09/read-the-latest-sevis-by-the-numbers-report
https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/international-students-united-states-2020#:~:text=Beginning%20with%20just%2026%2C000%20international,6%20percent%20in%202019%2D20.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/233880/international-students-in-the-us-by-country-of-origin/

Where do you start to research colleges in the United States? Which college will be best for you? Thousands of public, private and for-profit institutions across the United States provide undergraduate and graduate international study programs. To begin applying, you’ll need a much more manageable list, therefore your first step should be to examine your university priorities. To begin, we recommend using the U.S. Department of Education College Navigator site. Below are some additional resources to help choose the right university for you.

• U.S. News Top Colleges for International Students
  U.S. News provides a list of the colleges and universities with the most international students.
• eduPASS Guide to the Top Universities for International Students
  This university ranking is based on the three factors that matter most to international students and their families: value, safety and a welcoming atmosphere for international students in the U.S.
• Big Future
  Big Future’s college search engine finds colleges and universities just right for you.  Quickly perform a college search by major, location, type of college, financial aid, and more.
• Top Colleges for International Students
  What does “accredited” mean and which U.S. university rankings do international students need to know? This guide takes a closer look at U.S. college ranking systems and the top universities in the U.S.
• Times Higher Education University Rankings
  The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, founded in 2004, is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world’s best universities.
• Most Popular Majors for International Students
  Explore the most popular majors among international students in the U.S., and discover how country of origin affects the choice of major.
• Poets and Quants
  This website covers all that matters in the business school world, with in-depth analysis of B-schools rankings and full-time MBA programs.

Many students find it difficult to afford an education abroad, especially in the United States. International Student Loans can provide funding for the entire cost of your college or university education, minus any other aid received; funds can be used on expenses like tuition, books and supplies, room and board, travel and transportation, and living expenses. If you need help finding the financial resources to support your international education, explore these sources for financing education.

• IEFA
  IEFA is the premier resource for international scholarship and grant information for students.
• MPOWER Financing
  We provide international student loans with no-cogisner or credit history required.
• eduPASS
  Provides a list of costs to include in your personal budget on top of tuition, housing, and meals.
• International Student
  Provides international students and study abroad students with access to a range of loan products to help fund their education abroad.
• International Students Find Ways to Pay High Tuition
  Voice of America provides this great article and accompanying interview with an international student who figured out how to attend school in America without breaking the bank.

Researching scholarship opportunities to help fund your international education is a great route to pursue. The following websites provide information about scholarship opportunities specifically for international students in the U.S.:

• FastWeb
  Provides access to 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4 billion.
• International Education Financial Aid
  Free online scholarship search service designed for international students.
• International Scholarships
  International students looking to study anywhere in the world can use this free online scholarship database.
• MPOWER Financing
  Offers scholarships for international and DACA students.
• American Association of University Women
  Open to women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies.
• The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
  Awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning their graduate degree in the U.S.
• OAS (Organization of American States)
  The OAS Academic Scholarship Program (Regular Program) grants scholarships every year for the pursuit of Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Research leading to a university degree.
• The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
  The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund is a nonprofit, public charity which awards education grants to exceptional women from developing countries.
• AIFS Study Abroad Scholarship
  AIFS is committed to providing financial assistance to as many students as possible in support of their goal to study abroad.

Once you’ve been accepted to a school and program as an international student, it’s time to begin the process of obtaining your student visa. While this may seem like an intimidating process, it’s more straightforward than you might think. Before going to your visa appointment, make sure you have all required documents that are listed in this list of from the U.S Department of State. 

Here are additional resources that will help you with the process of obtaining your student visa.

• Path2Success visa support services
  Offers a free visa support letter, which demonstrates students are financially supported for school, and a free visa essentials course, so students are fully prepared for their visa interview.
• Student Visa Overview
  This overview from The U.S. Department of State helps you determine which type of visa would be best for you and how to apply for one. 
• How to Get Your Visa
  Find out how to apply for a U.S. student visa, and what requirements you’ll need to meet.
• How to Use Your Visa
  After you’ve obtained your student visa and have permission to study at a U.S. college there are a few things to do to prepare. Learn what happens next!
• Apply for a Visa
  Information about the step-by-step U.S. visa application process for F-1, J-1, and M-1 undergraduate student visa types.
• The F-1 Visa, Explained
  The F-1 visa allows a student to temporarily live in the U.S. for a defined period of time while studying. This guide explains the application process.
• F-1 or J-1 Student Visa
  Understanding the different U.S. student visa types can seem overwhelming and confusing. Read more to help you decide which one to pursue.
• M-1 Student Visa
  The M-1 visa allows international students to enter the U.S. to study on a full-time vocational course at a recognised technical college or other educational institution.
• F-1 Visa Interview Questions
  This guide helps you prepare for your F-1 student visa interview.

International students studying in the U.S. can work part time, per their visa terms. Some visas have different restrictions when it comes to working. Students with an F-1 visa can work part-time on campus during their first year in the U.S., but only for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. After that, international students can apply for an off-campus employment permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Students with an M-1 visa are prohibited from working. 

Throughout your job search, be sure to check out your school’s Career Center for guidance with interviews, networking, resume workshops, and cover letters.

• Path2Success career services
  Offers a guided internship and job search tool for F-1, OPT and H-1B visa-sponsored roles; a resume builder; job application support; and a directory of F-1 eligible job roles for STEM and non-STEM degrees. 
• USCIS – Students and Employment
  The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services explains what job opportunities are available to international students with specific visas.
• On-Campus Employment
  U.S Customs and Immigration Enforcement covers the basics of on-campus and off-campus job opportunities available to international students with an F-1 visa.
• Job Tips for International Students
  This article details some job tips for international graduates in the United States.
• How to land a job in the U.S. (as a foreigner)
  It can be difficult to land a job in the U.S. as an international student, but this guide provides you with useful tips on how to do so.
• My Visa Jobs
  My Visa Jobs provides customized work visa solutions based on your profile and analysis of the visa job database.

Many international students in the U.S. look forward to learning and living in a different culture. Click here to learn more about the 50 U.S. states, including maps, facts, historical information and more.

If you are new to the U.S., you’ll definitely experience a bit of culture shock and may have questions about the workplace and general culture. Below are some informative articles that will help you adapt to U.S. culture upon arrival.

• American Small Talk
  Small talk is a big part of American work culture – so how does a non-American adapt? Find out in this article.
• “Normal” Things in the U.S. that Freak Everyone Else Out
  The U.S. has a lot of normal and common customs and habits that may come as a shock. Find out what “normal” things Americans do before you arrive.
• International Student Life in USA: What to Expect
  This article explains what to expect as an international student studying in the United States. 
• Things to do After Reaching the USA as an International Student
  This comprehensive list of actions items to do after reaching the U.S. as an international student will help you navigate your first couple of months in the U.S.
• International Student Living Accommodations
  A guide to help international students find accommodations on or off campus.
• Balancing Studies and Social Life
  One of the most challenging aspects of the college experience is striking the right balance between your studies and social life. This article offers tips to help you properly manage your time.
• The United States: Information & Statistics By State
  This guide gives you information about the 50 U.S. states including maps, facts, historical information and more.

Be sure to check out the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website to view a list of what you can and can’t bring into the country.

Learn more about living, working and getting around in the U.S. as an international student through these articles:

• Obtaining a social security number
• Getting a job
• Learning the difference between OPT and CPT
• Getting a driver’s license
• Opening a bank account in the U.S.

Writing an essay is one of the most difficult tasks that international students encounter. Writing a comprehensive college essay can be difficult for students whose native language is not English. Fortunately, there are a number of trustworthy essay writing resources available to assist you. If you’re currently enrolled at an American university, the first and best place to seek help is your college’s writing center on campus. 

The majority of schools and universities feature a free writing center on campus for students to use. Faculty and graduate students operate these writing centers, which can assist students who are having trouble preparing essays for their classes. Students can go to the writing center for guidance with specific tasks or with more general essay-writing abilities.

If you’re an international student in the U.S., explore the numerous online resources to sharpen your English reading, writing and speaking skills including:

• Essay Master
  Essay editing service for scholarship essays and more. 
• Tips on How to Write an English Essay
  Details a few ways to practice English that international students should consider.
• Harvard College Writing Center Strategies for Essay Writing
  This includes guides to various aspects of writing academic essays.
• Grammarly
  Grammarly scans your text for common grammatical mistakes and offers suggestions to make your writing more clear and concise. 
• Airstory
  Airstory is an outlining tool for writers who want to plan their stories within a simple drag-and-drop tool.

In addition to writing, speaking English will be necessary for studying abroad in the United States. English is one of the most commonly spoken languages around the world and is the most common in the U.S. as well. If you need to brush up on your English skills, here are a few resources to help you.

• Elevate
  Elevate is an award-winning brain training tool designed to build communication and analytical skills.
• English Tips for International Students
  This article covers a few ways to practice English that international students should consider.
• English Class 101
  Free English lessons focused on fun, interesting, and culturally relevant exercises.
• Podcasts in English
  A podcast website designed for all levels of English learners.