How to Attend School in the United States | For many people, attending school in the United States is a dream. The US is home to some of the finest universities in the world, which offer top-tier academic programs for a wide range of subjects. However, before you can study abroad, you have to get prepared and take certain steps. For more information, read our quick guide on how to attend school in the United States.
Choose a School
If you’re thinking about studying in the United States, the first thing you’ll need to do is find a school you’d like to attend. Picking a school to study at is a big decision, as it directly impacts where you’ll live, the experiences you’ll have, and the quality of education you’ll receive.
If you’re currently enrolled in a university in your home country, they may already have a sister school in the US. This allows you to enroll in a particular US school with relative ease. However, if there’s no sister school, you’ll need to do some research and find an American university that aligns with your goals. For example, if you plan on pursuing a master’s degree in finance in the USA, you should try to find a university with a good graduate finance program.
Apply for a Student Visa
Unfortunately, studying in the US isn’t as simple as flying over and showing up on the first day of classes. If you’re a noncitizen, you’ll need to obtain a student visa in order to study in the US legally. If you’re unfamiliar with the student visa application process, it may present several challenges. That’s why we recommend working with the American university you’ll be attending to navigate the process.
Get Ready for Classes
If you want to be successful in the classroom, you have to show up prepared. Before leaving to study in the United States, make sure you have all of the supplies you need for school. Order any necessary textbooks and materials well before the first day of classes. If you don’t want to travel with textbooks and school supplies, just send them to the house or apartment where you’ll be staying.
Secure Housing
When it comes to your housing, you may have several options, depending on your study abroad program and budget. The US university you’ll be attending may offer on-campus housing, which is convenient if you don’t have a car or don’t want to go through the trouble of securing a lease. On the other hand, you can also look into off-campus housing or see if your study abroad program can connect you with a host family.
Create a Budget
Running out of money is the last thing you want to do while studying abroad. That’s why you need to come up with a comprehensive financial plan before you board your flight to the US. Figure out how you’ll be able to pay for your essentials while abroad, such as tuition, program fees, housing, and food.
You should also make room in your budget for entertainment and fun activities. After all, it’s not every day that you study abroad, so you want to get the most out of your experience. Thus, consider putting aside extra money for nights out, weekend trips, and souvenirs.
Study Your English
Having a good grasp of the English language will allow you to have a smoother experience while studying abroad. From reading menus at restaurants to asking directions from strangers, building a foundation for your English language skills will help you in all sorts of situations.
Plus, having a better understanding of English will allow you to learn more both in and out of the classroom, as you’ll be able to converse with Americans, make friends, and engage in cross-cultural communication.
Whether you’re looking to attend a prestigious academic program or experience a new culture, studying in the US can help you achieve your goals. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure your study abroad experience goes as smoothly as possible.
