STUDY IN THE USA: WHAT ASPIRING STUDENTS SHOULD KEEP IN MIND BEFORE GOING TO THE UNITED STATES

EDUCATION is one of the United States’ biggest exports. The number of international students studying in American colleges have skyrock-eted throughout the years. What usually attracts the minds of the youth is that the US values a world-class education, and they find that having a degree from US colleges opens a lot of opportunity when it comes to their future. If you’re planning to go to the US to pursue a college degree, here are some handy things that you should know!

1. RESEARCHING YOUR OPTIONS

Whether you plan to pursue a full course degree program or short-term studies in the United States, the first thing that you should think about is the college that best suits your needs. Don’t overstress yourself by trying to apply to a well renowned university, prioritize which college is the best for you. It should be the one which benefits your needs, whether it be your academic standard, financial capabilities and personal reasons. The best time to research your options is 12-14 months prior to the academic year that you plan to submit to.

By this time, you should consider your desired area of study, the requirements that you need for application, and any other requirements like test scores such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

The location of your desired college university should also fit with your financial capabilities. Locations can make a lot of difference, so you have to be mindful about the state prices. Costs for housing and food varies in the United States. If you plan to go to high-cost cities like New York, Boston, Seattle or San Francisco, then you better expect that everything will be costly and expensive! However, if you choose to go to a college in a more rural area, then you can stitch your pockets back from gaining a massive financial hole.

And most importantly, your chosen university must be certified and accredited by Students Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

2. FINANCIAL AID, SCHOLARSHIPS

AND GRANTS

Studying abroad can be quite difficult, impossible even, when things are not planned properly. But when things are strategized and researched meticulously, getting a higher quality US education can be made accessible for international students who are on a tight budget. There are a lot of programs that offer international scholarships like the Fulbright Student Program, Berkeley College International Student Scholarships, Cappex American Scholarships, etc. However, the competition is aggressive and highly difficult. They require lots of effort and hard work.

If you are invested, it is best if you look for universities in an inexpensive location or area. It is crucial to deliberate the cost of living expenses and tuition for the entire length of your chosen program. Determine what savings, loans and other financial resources you will need.

3. FINALIZING AND PERFECTING YOUR APPLICATION

This is the longest step as this covers the general application requirements for your chosen university. Getting your visa to study in the United States can be excruciatingly long but can also be an easy process at the same time. The application process is competitive and complex and some international students can get quite intimidated by the number of steps required. This is a task that involves writing essays, soliciting recommendation letters, banking statements and the results of the required standard examinations.

Most US universities and colleges require that you take one or two standardized tests in order for them to see if you are qualified enough to enter their program. You need to keep your credential evaluation in mind. Some schools that accept students from other countries require the verification of the authenticity of your documents and the official status of your school. An original transcript from your high school or post college transcript will be required for each institution that you decide to apply to.

If you need more reliable and legal advices about strengthening your college or university application, then Fil-Global Immigration Services Corporation is more than happy to accommodate you and your concerns.

4. STUDENT

VISA APPLICATION

When your desired college or university has accepted your admission to enter their program, the school will send you an I-20 form which is the application for an F-1 visa. At this point, you will need to make an appointment for your student visa interview and pay for their fees.

The F-1 visa interview will determine whether you are qualified or not to receive an F-1 student visa. You should be mentally, emotionally and physically ready for this interview as the re-sult of this interview will seal your fate with US studies. You should arrive early and you have to make sure that you have all of the required documents.

The interview is quite short so you better make sure that you do your best to explain what your plans are, how you’re going to support yourself while studying, and why you want to study in the United States. You may be required to prove that you have strong obligations and ties to ensure that you would return to your home country after you finish your studies.

5. PREPARE FOR YOUR DEPARTURE

If you’re on step 5, then congratulations! You’re close to entering your dream university! The main component for this final step is to gather your pre-departure documents, contact a reliable travel agency and all the possible arrangements that you need for your departure.

For your plan to move to the United States, it is best and safe to ask assistance from a reliable travel agency. Fil-Global Immigration Services Corporation also organizes pre-departure orientations for aspiring young students who are on their final step to depart to the United States. The company will also make sure that you will arrive safely to your destination.

The thought of travelling across the globe can be intimidating and scary. Many have suffered through cultural shock once they arrive on the American soil. You will have to make a lot of adjustments, speak a different tongue, eat different kinds of food, live and do everything on your own, and learn how to get along with new people. Learning more about yourself is the most crucial part of your decision to travel to the United States. Completing all of your requirements and acing your standard exams is important, but preparing yourself for the inevitable is the most substantial part to become fully resolute about your decision to come to the United States.

And now, if you think that you are good to go, Fil-Global Immigration Services Corporation is more than willing to extend their hands and help you reach your goals with no hassle! They will make sure that every process will go smoothly and safe because they want you to experience their most excellent service. For more inquiries, please visit their respective office at the 9th floor of Times Plaza Building, United Nations Avenue, Ermita Manila. You can get better updates by visiting their official Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram at @fgonestepcloser and their website www.fil-global.com.