Study in the USA Booklet

STUDY IN

THE USA

Welcome to the USA

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE) Open Doors report, the USA ranks NUMBER ONE for foreign students’ enrollment. In each of the past four years, more than one million international students have studied in the U.S. Becoming an international student is not just about earning a degree, it is about understanding the world from a new angle, exploring different cultures, and learning how to grow and adapt to change. Studying in the USA is challenging, rewarding, and fun.

With this booklet, we hope to guide you through this process. Are you ready? Let’s go!

THE UNITED STATES EDUCATION SYSTEM In the United States, you will find an array of options for higher education study. Big and small, public and private, more generalized or highly specific, community-based or international, the U.S. is home to a wide variety of higher educational institutions.

International students can find cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art facilities, the most advanced curriculum and excellent teaching. U.S. schools take pride in their cultural diversity, world-class faculties, and extra-curricular offerings. The rich field of choices offered by the US education system means there are programs available to meet everyone’s needs.

Finding a program that fits your particular needs can be a challenge, but is essential. Understanding the system, familiarizing yourself with options and developing a plan of action can help.

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International students can find cutting-edge technologies, state-ofthe-art facilities, the most advanced curriculum, and excellent teaching.

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FACTS ABOUT U.S. EDUCATION

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RANKED #1

The United States of America is ranked as the #1 host of international students, and the number is rising every year.

1,000,000+ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

With more than 1,000,000 students, the USA has the world’s largest international student population.

SHARING RESPONSIBILITY

The education system in the United States in not controlled by the government. Public school regulations can vary, but in most cases, local and state governments share the responsibility. Private schools are administered by independent groups or trustees.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ENCOURAGED

Sports and extracurricular activities are encouraged in the U.S., and you’ll find lots of options.

OPT TO 36 MONTHS FOR STEM

In 2016, the U.S. government extended the duration of Optional Practical Training (OPT) to 36 months for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students.

GROWING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT

In the mid-1950s, international student enrollment was only 35,000. Since then, the number of international students has grown tremendously.

WORLD’S TOP UNIVERSITIES

Approximately 50% of the universities are in the USA.

world’s

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WHY STUDY IN THE USA? The U.S. has one of the world’s finest education systems, and the qualifications awarded by U.S. universities are recognized around the world. Students engage with top-notch faculty, curriculum, and peers. And at the end of their studies, students will possess high-quality skills and deep knowledge that make them marketable in the global workforce.

According to the 2018-2019 IIE Open Doors report, of the over one million international students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, 13,229 are Nepali. Just like those thirteen thousand students, if you are thinking about studying in the US, you first need to ask yourself why? Everyone’s answer is different and here are a few from our students: • • • • •

Quality: US institutions have great facilities, resources and faculty.

Choice: There are various types of institutions, academic and social environments, programs and specializations.

Diversity: America’s cultural diversity and the large numbers of international students create a dynamic environment for learning and living.

Value: Tuition fees and living costs are a sound investment in your future.

Flexibility: There are various types of courses, study timelines, and transfer options available.

Together, these features and many more, enable U.S. universities to provide international students with...

Global Education

Degrees from U.S. colleges and universities have a positive reputation in the international job market. The experience builds critical thinking skills, develops self-confidence, and demonstrates cross-cultural skills. These attributes are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Career Opportunities

An international degree opens a wide range of career prospects, and a degree from reputed universities widens the scope even further.

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STUDY OPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Associate Degree The associate degree is a type of undergraduate program available in the U.S. that corresponds to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. It can be earned at a community college and leads to the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AAS) degree.

Community colleges, sometimes known as junior colleges, are community-based institutions linked closely with community groups and secondary schools. They often develop special agreements with 4-year colleges and universities for the transfer of credits and degrees between the institutions. In this “2+2 process” you can earn a bachelor’s degree with two years of community college, followed by two years of university study. You may find that studying at a community college is less expensive. Generally, students in community colleges live offcampus. This allows international students to have close interactions with the community and provides a rich cultural experience.

Associate degree programs may also include terminal programs, which are often technical or vocational programs leading to specific careers upon graduation.

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Critical Information 1.

An undergraduate program is typically a four-year program comprised of 120-128 semester credit hours.

Students most often choose a field of study as their major. Some schools have a wide variety of majors, while some are more specialized.

2.

Students may either begin studying at a community college to earn an Associate degree and later transfer to a four-year university/college, or enroll directly into a fouryear program in a university/college.

Your major should be in an academic area that interests you, and one in which you will most likely seek a career.

3.

Undergraduate applicants can take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT to support their application. While both tests measure English and math skills, the ACT measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills necessary for science. These test scores may not be required by all colleges, but having good scores will certainly boost your chances of admission and/or scholarships.

4.

The American education system is flexible and encourages students to explore. Because of this, many students change their majors multiple times!

5.

Degrees in law and medicine are not offered at the undergraduate level in the US. Instead, they are completed as professional study after receiving a Bachelor’s degree. You can choose to enroll into these programs no matter which field of study you come from.

Undergraduate

Most schools base their curriculum on the liberal arts education system where you cover a wide range of subjects in the first two years of your degree.

The first two years generally include a wide variety of classes in different subjects like social sciences, arts, literature, history, philosophy, math, science, and others.

This foundation of general education requirements is the base from which you can choose a specific field of study, also known as your major.

While a lot of institutions give you a wide range of subjects to choose from, there are also some specialized schools that focus on specific subjects or fields.

Over 2,000 colleges and universities in the United States offer four-year undergraduate programs. The four years are segmented into freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years.

4 years 120-128

semester credit hours

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Graduate Students can start building a career after their four-year undergraduate degree or they can choose to enroll into graduate programs.

The two main graduate degrees in the United States are the Master’s degree and Doctorate degree (PhD). There are over 1,000 universities in the United States that offer graduate degrees in a variety of fields and expertise.

While the Master’s program typically takes one to two years to complete, a Doctorate program may take as long as five or six years for an international student. Both degrees involve a combination of research and coursework.

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There are over 1,000 universities in the United States that offer graduate degrees in a variety of fields and expertise.

Critical Information 1.

Since the size and variety of universities offering graduate degrees vary widely, it is important to know which school will offer a program that will suit your goals and interests the best.

2.

The research facilities available are critical for graduate students, as independent research is often a crucial component to the graduate school education.

3.

Some, if not all schools, will require students to have a research proposal for Ph.D. and post-doctoral programs, a standardized test result such as GRE/GMAT, proof of proficiency in English language (e.g. TOEFL/ IELTS), a statement of purpose that outlines your academic goals, career aspirations, and suitability for the program.

4.

High quality graduate programs exist at both public and private institutions.

1-2 years 5-6 years for Master

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Additional Opportunities The U.S. education system not only caters to students willing to participate in full-time undergraduate and graduate studies, it also provides a variety of alternative opportunities. These programs and study opportunities are designed to offer global learning.

Some of the opportunities are include:

Exchange Programs University Exchange Professional Exchange Certificate and Executive Education Programs Internships Visitor programs and Professional Fellowships Online Learning (Distance Education)/ MOOCs

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PUBLIC AND PRIVATE: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

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Public Colleges & Universities

Private Universities

Public universities, commonly called state universities, are funded through state government subsidies. Every state in the U.S. has a public university or college, although their systems and funding mechanisms vary widely.

Private Universities are funded by a combination of student tuition fees, endowments, research grants and private donations. These institutions are not directly regulated by the government, but are guided and governed by accrediting institutions.

Generally, private institutions have fewer students than public universities and the tuition fees tend to be higher.

These universities tend to have very large student enrollments and wide academic offerings. Tuition rates at public schools tend to be lower than private institutions. Residents who are living and paying taxes in a state are generally considered in-state students and can get a lower rate of tution. However, some institutions can offer in-state tuition to international students as scholarships.

Before making decisions, students should know that some public universities may be able to offer: • • • • • •

Lower tuition costs On-Campus employment options Many clubs and extracurricular activities Diverse student body Dynamic atmosphere Merit scholarships

Before making decisions, students should know that some private universities may be able to offer: • • • • •

Small, interactive classes A more intimate campus environment and close-knit community Emphasis on hands-on learning and practical knowledge Engaging faculty Merit scholarships

What is your ultimate college destination? To figure this out, you’ll need to answer some basic questions: are you interested in a public or private university? Will you be more comfortable on a large or small college campus? Do you do better in larger classroom settings or more intimate ones?

Are you looking for a specialized curriculum? Or do you want many options?

Do some self-assessment. Look at the different institutions offering your program and make comparisons. There is no “perfect” school; rather, you need to make decisions weighing the pros and cons of every option.

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THE U.S. ACADEMIC YEAR The academic calendar in the United States generally runs from August or September to May or June, and comprises of two semesters, fall and spring, lasting about 15 weeks each. However, the academic year and its division can be different for different institutions. Some schools function on a three-term calendar and have trimesters instead of semesters, others even use a quarterly system with four terms including an optional summer session for those who are willing to get through their courses faster.

Fall Semester The fall semester is the start of a new academic year and usually begins in August or September.

Most new students begin their programs in the fall semester. Applications for enrollment open during the months of November and December. It is generally recommended that students apply for the fall intake as most financial aid and assistantships are structured to be offered during this period.

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Spring Semester The spring-semester begins mid-way of an academic year, somewhere around the second week of January.

Not all colleges and universities are open for new intake during this semester and sometimes intake is less during this period. Though on-campus jobs are available all year round, the chances of securing a scholarship or being eligible for financial aid during this period can prove more difficult.

Summer Session The summer session is a short term that spans six to eight weeks and usually starts in June. Very few universities offer a summer intake as this is usually an optional term where students complete courses that they were unable to complete during regular term, or to reduce workload during a regular semester.

Many students take a break from their studies in the summer and enroll in full-time on-campus jobs, take up professional training during this period, or come back home.

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RESEARCH, TEACHING & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Students can assist professors by being a Graduate Assistant (GA), Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA).

Such assistantship programs provide students with relevant experience while pursuing a degree at a university. Most often, these assistantships are offered to graduate students and often are accompanied by substantial scholarship and financial aid support. These opportunities complement a student’s education with work experience and provide a holistic learning opportunity.

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RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS

FINANCE YOUR STUDIES

YOUR 5 STEPS TO US STUDY One of the most frequently asked questions is, “How do I apply?”

In the U.S., each institution determines its own application process which can be very different to the application process of colleges and universities in Nepal. There is no one rule that applies to all, and so the process can be somewhat tricky.

To make things easier for students, EducationUSA has put together these five steps to U.S. study and EducationUSA Nepal offers a variety of resources to help you with each step. These steps are: research your options, finance your studies, complete your application, apply for the visa, and prepare for your departure.

COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION APPLY FOR THE US STUDENT VISA PREPARE FOR YOUR DEPARTURE

Let’s look at each step a little more...

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Critical Information

RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS

1

Determine Your Own Requirements The U.S. does not have an official ranking system for colleges and universities so understanding your own requirements is the first step. It’s where you have to identify all your options, ranging from school type, programs offered, social and cultural environments and cost. Each school is different.

The key is to match your academic, financial and personal requirements to the options that are available to you.

We Highly Encourage You To: Start the application process 12-18 months prior to the academic year in which you hope to attend a U.S. college or university. A student will typically apply to 8 - 10 universities. With different application requirements and deadlines, your process needs to be thoroughly planned. Knowing yourself and knowing your options will allow you to begin your selection process.

Some questions to think about: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Why do I want to study in the United States?

Which programs and level of study am I applying for?

Which colleges or universities meet my needs and requirements?

Will I need financial assistance? Will they be able to meet it?

What are the application and financial aid deadlines?

The schools you apply to must be certified by the Student Exchange Visitor Program.

An important indicator of the quality of any U.S. institution is its accreditation status.

While the central government is responsible for maintaining quality standards in many countries, each state in the U.S. has its own system of licensing public and private institutions.

Before you apply, it is important to understand what degrees and courses are recognized in the United States.

To be recognized, an institution should: •

•

Be a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA), Be recognized by the US Department of Education. Though not involved in the process of accrediting institutions, the department does publish a database of accredited programs at h t t p : // o p e . e d . g o v / accreditation.

EducationUSA Nepal/USEF-Nepal’s library has many books specifically for college and university research!

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FINANCE YOUR STUDIES

The Financial Requirement How much you have to pay can vary based on many factors. The total cost of attendance at U.S. colleges and universities can range from $12,000 to $65,000 per year.

With the right amount of planning and research, pursuing a U.S. higher education can be made remarkably affordable by searching and applying for the various types of scholarships available.

Applications for financial aid can go together, before or after your applications for admission. So evaluating your finances should be one of the first things you do. You need to decide what’s best for your educational and career goals and what you are willing to spend.

We Highly Encourage Students To: Look for special opportunities and financial aid.

Every university or college offers a different structure of tuition fees for diversified programs.

You can find U.S. higher education institutions offering international students scholarships, instate tuition benefits, waived application fees and deadlines, and other provisions.

Again, choosing your level of study (community college, undergraduate, graduate, short-term, English language) to learn more about financing your options is the way to go.

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Critical Information The United States is a large country and the cost of living varies greatly from place to place. You need to assess your funding and what you are able to spend on your education and living expenses. Suburban or rural areas in the South and Midwest of the United States generally have the lowest costs of living.

General Costs

Approximate ranges of expenses for students per year:

Tuition $3,000 - $50,000

Health Insurance $500 - $1,000

Room and Board $4,000 - $12,000

Personal Expenses $1,200 - $3,000

Books and Supplies $500 - $1,000

Travel to the United States $1,000

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COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION

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Concentration and Time Management for a Great Application After completing your research and exploring your own personal criteria for a school, you’re ready for the third step in the process: completing your application. Every U.S. institution requires a general application to be fulfilled by the student. According to the level of program and the institution, the time and concentration required for this task will vary. Each application is different. Some require teacher recommendations, personal essays, and the results of required standard examinations such as SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, etc. Some will mandate a proof of proficiency in English language with tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Pearsons, etc.

We Highly Encourage Students To: Understand the application process and the key steps and components required. Read each college’s admission website carefully and complete the application fully. The points listed below are the chronological process of fulfilling most applications successfully. These key pointers will help you make an impression on your desired colleges:

1. Application form

Fill this out thoroughly and accurately with your information.

Your I-20 is generated with this information, so it will matter if you make an error. Keep the application form neat, always spell your name in the same way on all documents (preferably with your name as it is on your passport) and avoid abbreviations.

Information about education and employment experiences should be provided in chronological order.

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2. Application Fee

Almost all universities and colleges charge a nonrefundable fee that covers the processing of your application.

3. Transcripts

Certified copies of transcripts should be submitted.

Some colleges could require your school authorities to fill in your grades and describe your academic performance in a separate form.

4. Financial Documents

Requirements vary but most institutions will ask for a financial bank statement and/or sponsor letters.

5. Standardized Test Scores

Each school has a different set of criteria and will offer application guidance. Most ask for submission of the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admission and the GRE or GMAT for graduate admission. It is recommended that a copy of the test score be included with the application form for ease of processing.

6. Application Essay

In Nepal, most students receive only one set of original mark-sheets.

Please DO NOT make the mistake of sending your original academic documents to colleges and universities­as you might not get them back!

7. Letters of Recommendation

In order to send your academic documents to US colleges and universities, you can get your transcripts and certificates attested at your issuing Board Office or visit EducationUSA/ USEF-Nepal for further information.

Almost all programs will require you to write at least one personal essay. These essays give a glimpse of how you are as an individual. It should be reflective of you, your aspirations, and your opinions. It can also give you an opportunity to express your interest in the program and help you distinguish yourself from other applicants.

Recommenders should be people who know you academically and/or professionally, and they should be able to write about your work. Academic recommendations are often preferred by institutions and should reflect your most recent degree; students with some work experience, specifically graduate students, can also submit a professional recommendations written by a direct supervisor.

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Critical Information

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APPLY FOR THE US STUDENT VISA

Applying for your US student visa.

Securing a visa is a critical process in planning to study in the United States. It is important to understand the different visa types that authorizes studying in the United States. This next step will cover F, J and M student visa types. Information concerning visas and travel can be found on the official website of U.S. visas in Nepal or the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States.

Types of Student Visas You Should Know About • F-1 Visa (Student Visa) F-1 visa refers to a non-immigrant student visa. It is the most common type of student visa for international students. If you wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an accredited US college or university, private secondary school or approved English language program then you need an F-1 visa. If you plan to take along your spouse or children under the

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age of 21 years, they would be eligible for an F-2 visa.

• J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor) J-1 visas are for individuals who will be participating in an exchange visitor program including high school, college and university study. J-1 visa holders are not eligible to apply for an immigrant visa status until they have returned to and been physically present in their country of permanent residence for two years following their exchange program. The spouse and children of a J-1 visa holder would be eligible for J-2 visa for travelling to the USA. • M-1 Visa (Student Visa) If you plan to engage in vocational study or non-academic study and/or training at a U.S. institution, then you need an M-1 visa. If you plan to take along your spouse or children under the age of 21 years, they would be eligible for an M-2 visa

Critical Information Because visa interviews are short, be prepared. Explain why you want to study in the United States, how you plan to support yourself while in school, and what your plans are after graduation. Recognize this is a visa for study in the United States, not immigration.

Your plans should reflect your goals upon return to your home country. Getting a visa is not guaranteed and students must complete the application process by themselves to get the best results.

For any visa related queries, students must seek guidance from the U.S. Embassy and consider it as the official source. One may also visit https://travel. state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/ study.html for detailed information.

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PREPARE FOR YOUR DEPARTURE Congratulations!! You have reached the final stage!

Preparing for Departure The final stage seems like the easiest one but without proper preparation, your time in U.S. could be challenging. The key steps for pre-departure include: • • • •

Making your travel arrangements, Attending a pre-departure orientation at EducationUSA Nepal/USEF-Nepal, Gathering pre-departure materials and documents for arrival, Reporting to your school and attending orientations.

Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation at USEF-Nepal Pre-departure orientation sessions are frequent at the USEF-Nepal office. These sessions are for students who have been accepted into U.S. institutions and have received their student visas.

We talk about aspects of living in the US, such as the cultural differences, motivation, changes from your home environment, academic systems and expectations, housing, and coping in a new cultural setting.

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Critical Information If you are flying to your destination, make sure you get a ticket for the airport nearest to your school. Once you get there, be sure you know how you will travel from the airport to your school.

Always check with your school counselor or admissions office for details.

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WHAT IS IT LIKE TO STUDY IN THE U.S.?

Students are likely to go through cultural shock when transitioning between countries. It could be difficult at first not knowing much about where you will be spending years of your student life. To avoid such a scenario, do check your new institution’s website for additional pre-departure information that will be more specialized and have information and knowledge about: • Health insurance, • Average local temperatures throughout the year, • Local transportation options, • Housing, and more.

Housing Options There are many options when it comes to deciding where you will live in the United States while completing your education.

Your decision impacts your financial plans and your commute, living condition, social life, and more. Once your enrollment is confirmed, the Admissions Department or International Student Office will most likely send you a packet with more details.

On-Campus

Most colleges require international students to live in an oncampus residence for 1-2 years. Dorm (dormitory) life is one of the best parts of the college experience. You can choose to share a room with a friend or, if you don’t know anyone, you can fill out a questionnaire and the university will match you with a roommate. You will most likely be required to purchase

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a minimum meal plan which you can use in the cafeteria or different restaurants around campus.

Off-Campus

Students have the option of living off-campus after a year or so by leasing an apartment near to the campus. Although living off-campus can be less expensive than living in the college itself, there are a few drawbacks that might affect students.

Household chores, safety, and commute are a some of the things that need to be considered very carefully. Students should be prepared to share household duties, share bills for utilities, and be ready to share a common living space.

If you decide to live off-campus, read rental contract details carefully, know the people you plan to live with, and be practical. It is highly recommended that they check with their International Student Office (ISO) for leads on off-campus housing and to preferably ask the ISO to connect them to some students who are living off-campus. Any changes of address and contact details, no matter how many times, must be updated at the ISO.

Campus Life A busy schedule of classes, new friends from different cultures, and dorm life are quintessential aspects of college life. The lifestyle is exciting and inspiring. Along with classes and extracurricular activities, colleges are also there to support you however they can.

You can participate in organizations and clubs related your interests, for example, music, foreign languages, volunteering, etc. and if you can’t find something, you can gather a group of friends and create a club yourself!

Get involved, join a club, attend events because these are the best ways to meet people, connect, and explore interests together. It’s important to try to find a good balance between classes and your social life.

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Work opportunities Most international students seek a paid parttime job while they are undertaking their degree.

Students with an F-1 visa have work restrictions and they must comply with them. Generally, students may work on-campus up to 20 hours a week during the term and up to 40 hours a week during breaks. If you are unsure about what you can and cannot do, please talk to the International Student Office at your institution.

Balancing work and study together could be a great chance for students to earn money. While working a job, you can expect to earn at least the minimum wage. On-campus, students can take on jobs like a library monitor, teaching assistant, tour guide, peer tutor, campus tech support, university bookstore assistant and more. Additionally, one can look for university-arranged internships.

U.S. feel that voicing out their opinion is their right as an American.

It is recommended that students read up on the history and familiarize themselves with the cultural aspects specific the institution, town, city and state that they are going to.

Safety and Security You are going away from home to a completely different land of opportunities. Away from your parents, away from your lifelong friends, and away from the familiar. It may seem scary yet exciting. With all the excitement and exploring of a new culture, we believe that your safety and security is vital.

To avoid unfortunate circumstances here are a few safety measures all student need to take: •

Health insurance is required. Most universities offer health insurance plans students can purchase or a waiver if you have a different plan. Either way, a health insurance is a must!

•

For students with disabilities, U.S. laws and regulations require universities to make it possible for its students to participate fully in all their programs and services.

•

Most universities also provide their own security staff, available 24 hours a day. There are emergency and security access telephones throughout the campus that connect directly to campus and/or local police.

Culture The U.S. is culturally rich and diverse. As an international student, you have to understand that the U.S. has a blend of cultures that include African, Native American, Asian, Pacific Island, and Latin American people and their cultures. Despite all the diversity, there are a few elements that can help define the American lifestyle, people and culture: a diligent work ethic, personal space, a value for being on time.

When Americans have a discussion, it might seem they are arguing but in fact, they are just putting forward their opinions. Americans value their independence and revel in sharing their own thoughts. It might be confusing but people in the

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Family At first, living in the U.S. is an experience of new customs, food, music, people, and the educational system all at once. As time progresses, everyone gets used to the norms and values of a new culture, but sometimes juggling studies, work, new friends and a completely new atmosphere, can be difficult.

When facing these challenges, we highly recommend students talk to family members and remain in regular contact. Your family is your root and they can provide a sense of comfort in difficult moments. In the U.S., international students inevitably end up discussing the ways they stay connected, which helps them feel less alone when they first arrive in a different country.

How can you make sure you stay connected with your family?

There are plenty of social media options to consider, such as Facebook, Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, and more.

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Resources Available for International Students Living your life in a completely new environment, away from home, can be overwhelming. But to help international students succeed in the U.S., these resources could be avilable on campus: • • • • • • •

The international student office (ISO) Language courses and writing centers Fitness centers Medical center Career services center Counseling center College activities office

Study in the USA: Digital Textbook Nepal

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE USA

100 acres of pizza are served in the United States every day with about 3 billion pizzas sold annually!

The Tallest Mountain in the world

is located in the United States. Mount Kea stands 32,000 feet high from the sea-floor in Hawaii. It is taller than Mount Everest which stands 29,028 feet high from sea-level.

The Liberty Bell, one of the most

symbolic pieces from the American independence, originally comes from London. One can visit it perched in the Liberty Bell Center in Pennsylvania.

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The Statue of Liberty speaks

The current version of the U.S. Flag, with 50 stars, was designed in 1958 by a high school student named Robert G. Heft, as a project during his junior year in high school.

Philadelphia was originally the capital city of the United States of America, and many other cities like Baltimore, New York, Princeton, etc. served as one between 1774 and 1790.

Washington D.C. became the official capital in 1790.

The United States invented the Internet in the 1960s Originally it was a packet network systems used for defense.

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French. Not literally though! The iconic symbol of the United States was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886. Although it is associated with New York City, it is physically located in New Jersey.

SOME USEFUL LINKS Getting Started • • • •

www.educationusa.state.gov www.usefnepal.org np.usembassy.gov exchanges.state.gov

Stay Connected • • • • • • • •

www.facebook.com/usef.nepal www.instagram.com/usef.nepal www.facebook.com/nepal. usembassy www.instagram.com/ usembassynepal www.facebook.com/EducationUSA twitter.com/EdUSAtips www.youtube.com/user/ EducationUSAtv educationusa.state.gov/find-event

College University Research • • • • • • • • • •

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educationusa.state.gov/your-5steps-us-study bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.petersons.com nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator www.collegeconfidential.com www.chea.org ope.ed.gov/accreditation www.aacc.nche.edu www.phds.org www.gradschools.com

Graduate Program • •

www.phds.org www.gradschools.com

Application • • • • • • • • • • • •

www.commonapp.org bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/ essays www.ets.org/toefl www.ielts.org www.act.org research.collegeboard.org/programs/ sat collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/ sat-subject-tests/subjects www.ets.org/gre www.mba.com/global/the-gmatexam www.manhattanprep.com www.usmle.org np.usembassy.gov/education-culture/ study-usa

Personal Statements • • • • •

www.college-admisssion-essay.com www.writinghelp-central.com/ college-admission-resources.html www.collegeapps.about.com/essays www.statementofpurpose.com www.gradschool.about.com/ essaywriting

Study in the USA: Digital Textbook Nepal

Financial Aid • • • • • • • • • • • •

educationusa.state.gov/find-financial-aid student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search www.edupass.org www.finaid.org www.nafsa.org www.nsf.gov/funding professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/ financial-aid/scams www.fundingusstudy.org www.ncaa.org www.iefa.org www.edupass.org

Financial Aid - Graduate • • • • •

www.petersons.com/graduate-schools.aspx usefnepal.org/grant-pages-13.html usefnepal.org/grant-pages-14.html usefnepal.org/grant-pages-15.html www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-fundingand-awards/directory-of-recipients-and-sponsors

Visa • •

www.ustraveldocs.com/np np.usembassy.gov/visas

Pre-Departure •

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www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/freshman-15coping-with-the-first-year-of-college.html

Study in the USA: Digital Textbook Nepal

REFERENCES Fedena. (2014, January 16). 10 countries with high literacy rate in the world [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://fedena.com/blog/2014/01/10-countries-high-literacy-rate-world.html Graduates Hotline. (2019). US education system. Retrieved from https://www.graduateshotline.com/query/ India Education. (2019). US Academic Calendar. Retrieved from https://www.indiaeducation.net/studyabroad/ usa/academic-calendar.aspx International Students. (2019). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_student Kiprop, J. (2017, August 01). 10 interesting facts about the USA. Retrieved from https://www.worldatlas.com/ articles/10-interesting-facts-about-the-usa.html Lloyd. (2019, November 07). 14 quirky and interesting facts about the USA. Retrieved from https:// handluggageonly.co.uk/2017/12/27/14-quirky-interesting-facts-usa/ Loo, B. (2018, June 12). Education in the United States of America. Retrieved from World Education News & Reviews website: https://wenr.wes.org/2018/06/education-in-the-united-states-of-america Skinner, K. G., & Shenoy, A. (n.d.). International students: US colleges and universities, the global commerce of higher education. Retrieved from https://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/2129/International-Students. html Study International. (2019, November 22). How the international student population in the US is changing.

Retrieved from https://www.studyinternational.com/news/international-students-usa-universities-2019/ Study in the USA. (2019, July 16). Understanding the American education system. Retrieved from https:// www.studyusa.com/en/a/58/understanding-the-american-education-system United States. (2019). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States USA education system. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/choosingthe-u-s-a/usa-education-system/ US City Traveler. (2019). 27 interesting facts about the United States. Retrieved from http://www.uscitytraveler. com/27-interesting-facts-about-the-united-states/ Worldometers. (2019). An elaboration of world population prospects: The 2019 revision. Department of Economic and Social Affairs: United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.worldometers.info/worldpopulation/us-population/ Working in the USA. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/way-of-life/ working-in-the-usa/ Hou, C. (2018, April 09). Why extracurricular activities are especially important for international students [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://eduhup.com/blog/why-extracurricular-activities-are-especiallyimportant-international-students Musto, P. (2018, September 07). Rate of foreign students staying to work in US slows. Retrieved from https:// www.voanews.com/student-union/rate-foreign-students-staying-work-us-slows

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