United Kingdom—Country of Different Cultures Part-1

The UK has grown to become one of the top destinations to study around the world. With traditions of excellence dating back hundreds of years, high class institutions at every corner and much more flexibility than many other countries, the United Kingdom has much to offer international students that other English-speaking countries cannot offer.

But what makes the United Kingdom stand out? Why should you come to the UK as a destination to further your international education?

International students have always been an important presence in the UK, and the numbers have been growing steadily.

With over 330,000 international students during the 2009/2010 school year, the UK is the second most popular destination for international students, behind the US. The UK has worked hard to capitalize on the growing demand for English-language instruction and the post-9/11 visa hurdles in the US. The top ten countries sending students to the UK are:

1. China 50,755
2. India 19,205
3. Greece 17,675
4. Republic of Ireland 16,790
5. USA 14,755
6. Germany 13,265
7. France 12,455
8. Malaysia 11,450
9. Nigeria 9,605
10. Hong Kong 9,445

Education Costs are Lower

The cost of education for an international student in the UK can be lower compared to the USA and other countries. Some courses in the USA can be $25,000 plus a year in tuition alone.

Tution for the majority of UK higher education institutions is in the region of £6,000 to £7,000 a year - considerably less!

You can also save a lot of money because your degree will generally take less time to complete in the UK than in other countries.

Although four-year programs are increasing in popularity, most degree programs in the UK require a three-year course and a masters program is typically between one and two years.When you consider the shorter timeframe, the cost will be much lower if you only have to plan for three years instead of four or even five as in many other countries.

Education in United Kingdom:

Second to none, the education system in UK boasts of iconic universities like Oxford & Cambridge, Middlesex University, West London College, Anglia Ruskin University and offers courses in varied disciplines. With high standard training, cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities, students are extended internationally recognized degrees in disciplines of their choice. Besides, colleges set in old, imperial castles with plush green surroundings, add to the whole experience of studying in UK.

Scholarship and bursaries schemes are being offered to attract overseas students to study in UK.

Popular courses:

Business programs, Computers, Engineering, IT, design and technology, archaeological sciences, management, international studies, performing arts etc.

Benefits of studying here:

High quality education, continually UK universities are some of the oldest in the world assessed by official bodies Worldwide recognition of courses Huge range of academic and vocational courses of study Value for money, most under-graduate degrees take three years to complete and most post-graduate degrees last one year Multi-lingual, multi-ethnic

Study in United States of America: A Dream Come True- Part-2

What is the average time to degree for programs in the U.S.

Degree Years of Study Associate 2 years Bachelor’s 5 years Master's (Most Programs) 2 years Doctorate 6 years Juris Doctorate (Law) 3 years

What are the Academic terms in the USA

There are a host of academic terms used by institutions of higher education. Below are some of the most common:

Academic Year: The period of time each year when a school is conducting classes. U.S. schools operate under different systems. Many schools operate on a semester system which breaks the school year into two terms of study (typically between 15 – 18 weeks in duration). Other schools operate on aquarter system which divides the school year into three terms (typically between 10 -12 weeks in duration).

When will I have the breaks?

Breaks: Breaks are vacation periods between quarters/semesters when there are no classes.Winter break typically runs from mid-December to mid-January based on the system of study.Spring break is a one-week break in mid-March or early April. It happens between winter and spring quarters for quarter system schools and mid-semester for semester schools.Summer break runs mid-May/June to mid-August/September based on the system of study.

What are the English Proficiency requirements?

The English proficiency requirement for admission will vary by institution. Within each institution, different programs may have different English Proficiency requirements.

English requirements typically vary based on level of study with higher proficiency levels being required at the graduate level.

The most common English proficiency test used by U.S. institutions of higher education is the Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Is there an Application fee to apply to US institution?

Application fees will vary by institution and, in some cases, by individual programs within individual institutions or by level of study. One must consult the University website for the specific amount or it could also be confirmed through our office.

What Kind of visa do I need?

You will need an F1 Visa, which is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program.

What is the 1-20 form?

The I-20 form allows you to apply for a student visa at the American consulate or embassy in your country. Following university acceptance, a deposit will be required to release the I-20 immigration document in most of the cases.

How long will my visa be valid?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you maintain full-time student status, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. However, if you depart the USA with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one, applying at an Embassy abroad, before being able to return to and resume your studies.

When you complete the course of studies shown on your I-20, and any authorized practical training, you are allowed an additional 60 days in the USA, to prepare for departure from the country, or to transfer to another university.

What I need to do if I want to bring my spouse and children to the U.S?

You need to show additional support for the spouse and children. This is in addition to what you need to show to meet their own living and education expenses. You will also need to supply the name, date of birth, city and country of birth and country of citizenship for each dependent. The amount required will vary among institutions.

When Should I arrive at university?

You should aim to arrive at the university in time to be ready to start the international orientation program at your selected institution. The orientation program will usually take place a few days before classes start.

What documents should I bring to the airport when travelling to US?

Remember to bring your University acceptance letter, I-20 and F-1 visa along with you on the plane. You may be asked by an immigration officer why you are in the US, please be clear that you understand where you are going and what you intend to study.

What are the Part time and Full time work opportunities on F-1 visa?

On Campus- International students on F-1 Visa are eligible to work On campus 20 hrs a week.

Off Campus- Students who are facing economic hardships and have a job offer from an International organization may apply for work authorization from DHS (Department of Homeland Security)

Practical training

Practical training is available to F-1 students who have been attending a FT program for at least consecutive 9 months. High School and English language program students are not eligible.

Two types of practical training:-

1. CPT (Curricular practical training)- It is an alternate work/study, internship a part of co-operative education. It is an integral part of program of study.

The UG student is eligible for CPT after having completed 9 months of study and is still maintaining the student status on F-1 visa. But the exception is graduate students who are required to start a co-op or internship prior to completing one academic year of study...

2.OPT (Optional practical training)-It allows students to gain work experience after completion of their study program. All F-1 students are entitled to 1 yr of OPT for each higher degree they receive.

Students who complete their degree on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) may entitled to a 17 month extension of OPT (29 months in total).

OPT can happen….1) during annual vacation 2) in session but should not exceed more than 20 hrs 3) Full time after completion of all course requirements (excluding thesis or the equivalent) 4) full time after completion of a program of study.

Study in United States of America: A Dream Come True

Over half a million international students are currently studying in the United States.

As the number one destination for international students, the U.S. offers most attractive opportunities and choices for furthering your education.

The United States has an outstanding higher education system. Every year The Times Education Supplement ranks the top universities worldwide and, according to this year's evaluation, 12 out of the first 20 are from the US.

Why is it that so many international students choose to study in the United States?

Here are some of the reasons:

Quality:

Distinguished programs at over 3,600 colleges, universities, and institutes provide both undergraduate and graduate students with choices in more than 900 fields of study. A close relationship between research and education has brought a number of U.S. institutions to the forefront of research and technological development.

Choice

Diversity of educational opportunities ensures that students will find an institution that matches their academic and social interests. Depending on the academic experience they are looking for, students have numerous types of institutions to consider, be it a public or private university, a liberal arts college, a technical school, a women's or men's only college, a religiously-affiliated institution, and so forth. In addition, a variety of settings (i.e. small or large cities, suburban or rural areas, etc.) coupled with myriad of climates can further match a student's choice of academic experience.

The United States hosts more international students than any other country in the world, a number fast approaching 600,000. In fact, international students comprise approximately 4% of the total undergraduate US university and college population, and 10% of the population for US graduate school. These international students from every continent in the world choose to study in the US because they believe that an American education would afford them the best preparation for their future. They leave homes, families and friends in order to pursue their dreams of an excellent education. In fact, International students contribute more than $13 billion

Worldwide recognition

A degree or certificate from a college or university is useless if it is not recognized by employers, other institutions or field authorities. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to ensure than the degree from the school you choose is recognized in the place you plan to use it in. Fortunately, colleges and universities in America are given professional accreditation by different governing bodies. These schools have to earn their accreditation by meeting certain criteria, helping ensure a quality education, as well as a degree or certificate that is recognized. Most schools in the USA are accredited, though we strongly suggest that you thoroughly find out what each school's accreditation is before deciding. There are thousands of US schools that offer credentials recognized in almost every corner of the world.

Technology

Regardless of what degree a student chooses to pursue in school, he or she will have to use computers and other technologies in order to succeed. Many universities incorporate the latest technology into their curriculum, encouraging students to obtain proficiency before they go out into the workplace. Specialized technology, such as the newest medical equipment in medical schools, allows each student to maximize their true potential and gain experience that is marketable in the real world.

Supporting industries, training & research

Because of the vast wealth of resources in America, the opportunities for practical training related to your field of study are vast. Most college and universities have established affiliations with employers and researchers in different fields of study, thereby creating an avenue for students to obtain hands-on and invaluable experience. Many universities even require that students obtain practical training in order to graduate. In many cases, these opportunities are not available any where else in the world.

When can I start studies in the US

To qualify for an undergraduate degree program, you must be aged 17 or older, and have a Diploma or acceptable certification of graduation from a High School or Secondary School in your home country.

To qualify for (post) graduate study you must have successfully completed the international equivalent of a US secondary education, and the international equivalent of a US bachelor's degree.

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