5 Essential Steps to Make Studying in the USA Easier

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Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Jun 13, 2022 01:06 PM IST

Studying in the US involves a lot of planning, from finances, and the right exam scores to important documents. But do you know what to do after landing in the USA? This article will walk you through the 5 essential steps to study in the USA to make your life in the USA as an international student easier.

5 Essential Steps to Make Studying in the USA Easier

Over the last several years, the demand for the USA as a study abroad destination has skyrocketed and it has become one of the most popular study destinations for students from all over the world. Despite the emergence of additional English-taught choices in other countries, a majority of the students continue to choose to study in the USA.

International students make up over five per cent of total students enrolled in higher education in the USA, and the number is rising. International education in the USA has gone a long way since the mid-1950s when international student enrolment was barely 35,000.

The United States has continuously emerged as a top country noted for its high-quality education. The country provides a variety of possibilities based on a students academic and cultural inclinations. However, once you land in the US and begin your studies, there is little time to explore the country and its opportunities. Thus, to make the most out of your study abroad trip, we have compiled a list of things to know as an international student to help you adjust to a new environment and country.

Our well-versed study abroad consultants have assisted numerous students to make their overall study in the USA process easier. Many of our students have been able to fulfil their dreams of studying at renowned universities in the USA.

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Why Should You Prepare in Advance to Study in the USA?

International students who prepare in advance for personal and academic challenges adapt more quickly in the United States. An ahead-of-time mental preparation helps them achieve greater confidence and skills to obtain higher grades, live healthier lifestyles, and become more professionally prepared for internships and jobs. Academic and cultural training is required of international students at US colleges and universities since it is vital to their performance and enriches educational diversity.

International students must learn about USA culture and get adapted to its intercultural competence. This enables overseas students to interact in a broader range of social groupings and to feel more safe, secure and confident in themselves and their relationships with other peers or the society.

Many international students and their parents believe that transitioning to American schools and society will be simple, only to discover that it is far more challenging than they anticipated. Hence, unprepared international students might face academic difficulties, misbehaviour fines, cultural shock, bad health, and even depression.

Unfortunately, most training occurs after international students arrive in the USA when their attention is divided among numerous new responsibilities. There is a lot for students to take on, including mandatory orientations, moving in, taking placement tests, joining clubs, finding classrooms, purchasing textbooks, and meeting new people. There is also an addition to the physical stresses caused by time zone variations and adjusting to international jet lag.

This should not be the situation in your scenario. Let us go through 5 simple yet significant steps to make your life easier in theUSA as an international student.

Step 1: Take Up Part-Time Jobs

The first step to studying in the USA at ease is taking up a part-time job. Commit yourself to a four-hour shift after attending classes for over eight hours a day. The USA offers various opportunities for international students to earn extra money in many different ways.

The majority of international students have an F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant student visa in the United States. Students with F-1 visas are permitted to explore jobs in the USA under specific conditions and compliance with rigorous standards and limits imposed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

Under the F-1 visa, international students can work in the US for up to 20 hours a week while the school is in session. However, they are not permitted to work outside of the university campus during their first year.

Furthermore, the student is permitted to work on campus under certain restrictions and circumstances. After finishing the first year of studies, an international student with an F-1 visa may work off-campus, although his or her employment options are still limited.

However, you must keep in mind that you are working part-time to make ends meet, that is to make your education affordable. So, do not use up all your savings and be a miser until you pay off your education loan (if you have taken it).

Step 2: Stay Updated About Altering Student Visa Policies

Step two on our list to make your study in the USA easy is to stay updated about changes in the student visa rules and policies. Due to the new American immigration laws, visa procedures have changed and may be more difficult. However, this should not deter you from following your dream to study in the USA. Make sure you check the main steps mentioned below to get yourUSA student visa:

  • Find out what conditions you need to meet for a USA student visa

  • Gathering your visa documents

  • Get your acceptance letter from the university

  • Apply for the right type of student visa

  • Attend the F1-Visa interview

Step 3: Immerse Yourself in Cultural Events and Clubs

Here comes the third step: discounting academics by immersing yourself in cultural events and clubs designed specifically for international students. Being an international student attendingUSA universities, extracurricular activities are a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in American culture, meet new people, and pursue your interests throughout your studies.

While achieving excellent grades in your studies is essential, attending college is also about exploring your interests and growing as a person. Participating in extracurricular activities such as student organisations and academic groups, practising in competitive or club sports, and being active in Greek life may all improve your overall American college experience.

Step 4: Build Network Without Borders

Believe it or not, friends without borders are the best. The digital revolution has taken the world with a boom where getting help is easy. Find a mentor (could be a senior), faculty or alumni who can constantly guide you. Build a network without borders and stay connected as much as you can to ensure someone has yours back in a foreign land. You may also get information about your stay and study schedule from university officials.

From a cultural and intellectual standpoint, the USA is diversified and considerably different from India. One of the fundamental steps to study in the USA before relocating is to surf the internet for international student reviews, information, and resources. If you know someone who has studied there, it is the ideal way to gather a wealth of knowledge and learn from their experiences. They can also provide you with valuable feedback about universities or colleges and give you the nitty-gritty of living in the USA as an international student.

Step 5: Know Your Rights As an International Student in the USA

You have made it to the fifth step to study in the USA! One of the most important things you should know before arriving in the USA to study is your rights. As an international student and scholar in the USA, you will have specific rights as well as common rights that all Americans have, such as free speech, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, religious freedom, and several others.

As cultural norms differ, it is essential to get acquainted with your legal rights and duties in the USA. All people in the USA, including foreign nationals, have certain fundamental rights that must be upheld by authorities such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and local law enforcement. The key distinctions are as follows:

  • Except in a few areas, you are not allowed to hold public office or vote.

  • You are only allowed to work for a certain time.

  • You are not eligible to apply for food stamps or other federal means-tested programmes.

  • FAFSA cannot be used to apply for federal education funding.

Now,you have an idea about the steps to study in the USA and choices about how to make it an easier way. Follow the 5-step process mentioned above to make your study in the USA journey uncomplicated and do not forget to prepare yourself in advance for out-of-sight challenges as an international student in the USA.

Have more questions related to exams to study in the USA or the overall study in the USA process? Drop us a line at abroad@collegedekho.com and we will answer your questions as soon as possible.

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