Arranging Education in the United States

By Dan Rueckert

There are many opportunities to study in the United States for international students.
There are Universities that offer professional degrees and certifications, language schools that offer English training to prepare students to attend the English speaking universities, private K-12 schools that offer programs for children ages 5 to 18 to learn English and complete high school, and there are intensive English programs that teach longer classes in shorter time. These programs are great ways to experience the United States and get an education from schools with good reputations. Many international students don't know how to arrange their education in the United States. Here is a how-to plan for international students:

1. If you want to study at a U.S. university you will need to take an English test. The most common tests used by these universities are the TOEFL test and the Michigan Exam. These are difficult tests and require very good English skills to pass them with a good score. Many students choose to take English classes before beginning their studies at the university. Most universities offer English classes to international students so they can improve their English before they begin studying. There are also private language schools that offer classes to international students learning English.

2. You must contact the school that you want to attend. The school will create an I-20 document for you that you will use to receive the F-1 visa. Each school has its own requirements to attend their school. Some require high school diplomas while some others don't.

3. To receive the I-20 you must provide three documents to the school. You must send them a copy of your passport, a copy of your birth certificate, and a copy of a bank statement (an official record of how much money you have in bank). The bank statement must show that you have enough money to pay tuition to the school and live in the United States without working. International students are not able to work legally in the United Sstates while they have an F-1 student visa. The U.S. Government requires these documents. Every school will need these three documents.

4. When you have your I-20 you will need to make an appointment with the consul at the U.S. Embassy in your country. He will interview you and decide
if you will receive the F-1.

5. Once you have your F-1 approval you must come to the United States before the school session starting date on your I-20. Once you have arrived in the United States you will need to contact the person from your school who signed your I-20. You will need to maintain contact with that person throughout your stay in the United States. If you have any questions about how to become a student in the United States you can contact any of the schools advertising in this magazine by phone or email and they will have a person ready to help you.