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System of Education in the USA Student Life in the USA: Challenges and Opportunities
System of Education in the USA
The first level of higher education in the United States is called “undergraduate,” and it leads to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Most undergraduate programs require four years of study, and usually a completed secondary school education is sufficient to enroll as an undergraduate student. First-, second- and third-year students of foreign institutions of higher education can transfer into U.S. undergraduate degree programs.
Graduate degrees include the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) or Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). Students who have already received their first higher education diploma, either a BA or BS in the United States or the equivalent, are eligible to apply to graduate programs. The MA and MS degrees are usually awarded after two years of study. The Ph.D. is the highest academic degree in the U.S. This degree follows an MA or MS and typically requires at least three years of study and a lengthy dissertation.
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Student life in the USA : Challenges and Opportunities
Multi-cultural environment
When you leave the comfort of home and family it is expected that initially adjusting in a new country will be a difficult and taxing experience. Although the US has a democratic, secular culture, adjusting and open to all nationalities yet you, as an International student away from your country, maybe for the first time, may find the experience emotionally and mentally challenging.
Scholarships
Since studying in the United States will likely cost more than it does to study in your own country, it is important to start your financial planning at least 12 months before you intend to study in the United States. Some U.S. colleges offer opportunities for gifted student athletes to play for the college team as a means of paying for their education. International students also ask about financial assistance from foundations, organizations, and the U.S. government. Very little aid exists through such sources, and it is usually earmarked for advanced graduate students.
Cost of living
Becoming a resident assistant in a dormitory could save thousands of dollars in living costs. Working in the dining hall offers a modest salary plus "all you can eat" meals. Living off campus with a relative or friend saves money if suitable accommodation is available and public transport is efficient.
Accommodation
1. On-Campus Accommodation: Usually US universities expect freshman and sophomores to stay in the accommodation provided on campus. With them the juniors, seniors and graduate students can also apply for University Residents. US Universities usually guarantee accommodations to students who apply before deadlines whereas after deadlines it depends solely on the availability of accommodation.
2. Off-Campus Accommodation: All housing that is not owned by the Universities is known as Off-Campus housing. These are of two types: Apartments located in houses and Apartments located in apartment complexes or buildings.
Work permission
Current immigration regulations permit international students to work only part-time up to 20 hours per week and only on campus during their first year of study. By working 10 to 15 hours a week, you could earn enough to pay for incidentals such as books, clothing, and personal expenses, but your campus job cannot pay your major expenses, such as tuition or room and board. After the first year, you can also apply for employment as a resident assistant (RA) in a university dormitory. RAs serve as the first point of contact for students needing assistance or who have queries regarding dorm life. In return, RAs receive free accommodation and sometimes a small salary and/or meal plan. Under current regulations, after your first year of study, you may apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for permission to work off campus for up to 20 hours a week.
Sports, recreational and cultural activities
There are student organizations for almost every interest and purpose, from the academic to the purely social. Usually you can get a list of campus clubs and organizations from the International Students Office or from your university's Web page. If you are interested in the activities of a certain club, attend a meeting. If there are many international students at the university, there will undoubtedly be an international club. Sports are a favorite pastime in the United States. Many people regularly engage in individual sports, such as tennis, jogging, swimming, and skiing, or in team sports like baseball, soccer, ice hockey, and volleyball.
Health Cover
Most colleges and universities in the United States have a clinic, an infirmary, or some other form of health care service for students, though usually not for their families. The "health fee" the student pays each term goes towards providing such services. Therefore, the services provided are often free or offered at a greatly reduced cost. Usually, however, university health services are limited to just minor and emergency care. In case of a serious health problem, the university normally refers the student to a medical facility in the community, and the student, or his or her insurance, pays the costs.
Safety
Every college and university employs police officers or security personnel to help keep the campus safe. If you are not given security guidelines during your orientation program, go to your international student adviser or the campus security office for information.
English proficiency
Some interesting usage tips:
You might not understand the local accent right away. Regional accents vary greatly in the United States. Give yourself time to get used to the local accent, and in time you will probably find yourself speaking in the same way.
Americans might not understand you right away. You will also have your own accent and you might use a different vocabulary.
Americans use a lot of slang and jargon in their speech. Their language is very colorful and full of imagery and it might take some time to completely understand it.
Humor, wit, and sarcasm are an integral part of American English. Some international students have trouble adapting to this informal style of conversation or understanding whether the person they are speaking with is being serious or not. This, however, should be interpreted as a mark of friendliness rather than a show of disrespect.
You might not know all of the abbreviations and technical terms used in your study program or workplace. Terms such as "poli sci" for political science, "dorms" for dormitories, or "TA" for teaching assistant, are just a few examples of campus slang you will encounter.
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North America
North America
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