"Letters To The Editor "

Do you have questions about the US, College, Visas or anything else? This is your chance to get answers. We will choose questions from our readers and place them in this section each month. We want to thank our readers at Eagle Gate College in Salt Lake City Utah for their letters this month.

Question: Why can't international students work during their first year in the United States?
Bachimeg, Eagle Gate College, Salt Lake City, Utah
Answer: Dear Bachimeg, The United States doesn't want F-1 visas to be used as a way to make money and support families at home. The F-1 visa is used only to give international students the opportunity to get an education at U.S. schools. The U.S. requires that all students asking for an F-1 visa show a copy of their bank statement to show that they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. They only will give F-1 visas after they believe that the students can support themselves without working.

Question: Can I work in the United States if I have an F-1 visa?
Carlos, Eagle Gate College, Salt Lake City, Utah
Answer: Dear Carlos, you cannot work legally in the United States while you have an F-1 visa. The only way that you can work while you have an F-1 visa is to work for the school that you attend. If the school that you attend cannot offer you work on campus the only way you can work is by arranging it with your school as part of a work/study program. These programs are usually short, 1 or 2 months, and should have an educational purpose.

Question: What are IRS tax numbers and a Social Security numbers and what are they used for?
Carlos Eagle Gate College, Salt Lake City, Utah
Answer: Dear Carlos, An IRS tax number is given to everyone in the United States who works but does not qualify for a Social Security number. This number is used to pay taxes on any money you earn during your stay in the United States. The Social Security number is given to all legal US residents. This is the number that the United States Government uses to keep records on US residents. This number is also used to pay taxes and receive retirement, disability and other benefits from the government. No international student can have a Social Security Number. Most international students get an IRS tax number. This will be needed in most states to get a driver's license or an official ID card.

Question: How can we learn pronunciation clearly? What is the key?
Bachimeg, Eagle Gate College, Salt Lake City, Utah
Answer: Dear Bachimeg, You will need to practice, practice, and practice some more. One of the best methods for learning pronunciation is music and television. These are easy because everyone can use them with little cost. Don't just listen to the songs but study them. Write down the words that you can understand. Do this many times to recognize the different sounds. After you recognize the different sounds, sing along with the song. Practice pronouncing the sounds like you recognized them. Pay attention to where your tongue and lips are when you make these sounds. Sing the song in your car, the shower, and anytime you are alone.

Question: How can I get a university grant as an international student?
Cecilio, Eagle Gate College, Salt Lake City, Utah
Answer: Dear Cecilio, This is a difficult situation. The most common source of grant money comes from the US government. The US government uses money from US tax payers to give grants to US citizens. As an international student you will not be able to get a grant from the US government. Your best chance to get a grant would come from private people who offer grants to international students. There are many wealthy people who give grants to people for different reasons. For example, if an international student from Japan was successful after they finished their education in the US they may create a private grant that is given only to Japanese international students. These grants are hard to find. You must do research to find private grants. My suggestion is that you search the Internet for grants for people from your country. Once you've found a grant you will need to apply for the grant. Many organizations ask for records of your grades, papers you've written, and a paper on why you should get the grant. Good luck!

Each month Say What Magazine will answer questions from its readers. If you have any questions for the experts at Say What Magazine, please write a letter to:
Say What Magazine
860 Riley Circle
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 USA
or email your question to:
danrueckert@saywhatmagazine.com .
If you would like to include your photo,
please send it in with your letter.