If you aim to study at college or University in the United States, be aware that the application process for international students is often long. It is a lot of paper work to fill in and a lot of choices to make. That is why you should start planning early, at least a year before you want to study abroad. Do not get scared when you realize how much research, work and efforts you need to put in before everything is in its place. It is worth it when you are there!
Education Types in the USA
There are three main types of higher education to choose from in the US. In addition, each college and university have a number of schools to choose from such as school of business, or school of arts and science.
The tree types of higher education in the US are:
- State Universities
State universities, or public universities, are founded and subsidized by US state governments. State universities often have a lot of students and the tuition costs are usually lower than those of private universities. International students pay the same tuition as the students from out of state.
- Private Universities
Private universities are funded by a combination of donations, tuition fees, research grants, and gifts from alumni. The school is normally smaller and the tuition fee is often higher than at the state universities, but all the students pay the same amount.
- Community Colleges
Community colleges, sometimes also called junior colleges or two-year colleges, are community-based institutions and work close to secondary schools, community groups, and employers. Community colleges can both be private or public and provide two-year associate degree programs. The tuition costs are often lower, and you can normally transfer from the community college after two years to the local state university to continue your bachelor degree.
Read more on http://educationusa.state.gov
How to Enter Higher Education in the United States
If you want to study in the United States you have different options in how to go about it.
1. Study Abroad - Here you take a few free standing classes, and you study at the school for one or two semesters. Not all the universities in the US have this kind of opportunity and the best is to contact the school to get more information. At some universities you apply to the classes when you apply for the school, but at most of the universities you choose your classes when you have arrived in order to start your education.
2. Undergraduate / Bachelor - You study for a complete education which normally is three to four years long. The degree you get after the graduation is called Bachelor Degree.
3. Postgraduate / Master - this type of degree is aimed at those who are already a graduate with a Bachelor Degree. A Postgraduate or Master degree will allow you to study a specific topic of your choice in depth.The degree you get is called Master Degree. A master degree will usually take three to four semesters to complete.
