Studying in the USA

Are you thinking about studying abroad? The United States could be just the right destination for you. With almost 4,000 colleges, the U.S. offers an impressive variety of study options – from world-renowned universities to vocational colleges. But the benefits of studying in the U.S. go far beyond academic opportunities. The country fascinates with its cultural diversity, the cosmopolitan atmosphere on the campuses and the opportunity to build friendships and networks on a global level. Whether you want to enjoy the vibrant life of the big cities like New York or Los Angeles or be inspired by the breathtaking nature of the national parks, you can expect your stay in the USA to be a rewarding experience.

Before setting out on your study adventure in the United States, there are some basic requirements that you must meet. Here is an overview of the most important aspects:

Language skills: Very good English skills are essential for studying in the USA. Most universities require proof through standardised tests such as TOEFL (at least 80 to 100 points) and IELTS (bands 6.0–7.5). However, the exact requirements may vary depending on the university and course of study.

University entrance qualification: You will usually need a valid university entrance qualification such as the Abitur. Some universities require additional proof of achievement such as American standardised tests: SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

Application procedure: The procedure varies depending on the university. However, the following documents are usually required: proof of financial resources, curriculum vitae, certificates, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Be sure to plan enough time, because the application deadlines are typically between November and February of the previous academic year.

Visa: To study in the USA, you need a valid F-1 visa for students.

Tuition Fees: Studying in the U.S. is expensive, and the cost varies widely. While you can attend community colleges for as little as 3,000 USD (approximately 2,800 euros) per year, private universities can cost around 50,000 USD (about 48,000 euros) annually. It is best to find out in advance on the website of the respective institution.

Cost of living: You will also incur monthly costs for rent as well as food, transport and leisure. Planning in at least 2,000 USD (approximately 1,900 euros) per month is recommended.

Additional costs: As an international student, you are required to take out health insurance. You may also incur additional service fees and expenses for learning materials.

Student life in the USA is different in many ways from that in Germany. The central importance of campus life is particularly striking. Most students live directly on the university campus in dormitories. Not only are the dormitories very practical, but they also create a lively community. The campus is often structured like a small town and offers virtually everything you need day to day – from cafes and gyms to medical services and leisure facilities. This makes the campus the centre of many students’ lives.

Another peculiarity is the importance of sports, art and cultural activities. These are a core element of campus life. Many students are involved in clubs, teams or social projects organised by the university. You can also count on receiving more care and support in the USA: universities offer extensive counselling services, tutoring programmes and career services to support students both academically and personally.

This combination of housing, study and leisure activities in one place makes life as a student in the USA a unique experience.

Not only are American universities interesting from an academic point of view, but they also have cult status. Names such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford or MIT make many dream of studying in the USA. And the diversity of the American higher education landscape offers countless opportunities for students from all over the world.

An academic year typically consists of two semesters: the Fall Semester (August/September to December) and the Spring Semester (January to May). Some universities also offer Summer Sessions or Winter Terms: additional courses or more intensive programmes that take place during the semester breaks.

A particular feature of the American academic system is flexibility. In the U.S., students usually only decide on their major subject after two years of study. In the first few years, they have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses to discover different interests and individual strengths.

The higher education landscape in the USA can be divided into several types of institutions, each offering different focuses and programmes:

Community colleges: At community colleges, students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree (AA or AS) within two years. With this degree, you can enter the job market directly or continue your studies to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. Community colleges typically offer courses of study in the following areas: healthcare (e.g. nursing, medical assistants), technology (e.g. network technology, web development) and business (e.g. management, marketing).

Liberal arts colleges: Liberal arts colleges provide a broad education and focus on academic flexibility. After four years, students receive a Bachelor’s degree. A liberal arts college is the ideal choice if you are interested in degree programmes that cover fields such as humanities, social sciences, the natural sciences, art and design, and offer an interdisciplinary education in a wide spectrum of subjects.

Universities: As well as Bachelor’s degrees, universities also offer programmes for Master’s degrees and doctorates. They enable deeper specialisation and also offer research and continuing education programmes. Universities are a good option if you want a long-term academic career or in-depth expertise. A university is also the ideal choice if you want to study in specialised fields such as law, medicine, engineering, business or research.

You will need the F-1 visa to study in the U.S. To apply for this, you must meet a few requirements:

• Proof of a place at an American university or college that recognises the official Student and Exchange Visitor Program
• Participation in a full-time course of study
• Permanent residence outside the USA
• Proof of language skills
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
   
• Certificate of Eligibility: With the confirmation of the study place, you will receive the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20).
• Interview appointment: In order to apply for the visa, a fee of 185 USD (approximately 177 euros) must be paid via the visa service provider CGI Stanley. In this context, you will also make an appointment for a personal interview at a US embassy or consulate: in Berlin, Frankfurt am Main or Munich.
• DS-160: The DS-160 form is part of the visa application and must be completed and submitted before the interview. For the form, you will also need a recent, digital, biometric passport photo in the American format 5 x 5 cm.
• SEVIS fee: The SEVIS fee applies to the visa. This is currently 350 USD (approximately 335 euros).
• Visa interview: The interview takes place in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate. For this, you will need to provide the following documents:
  • Appointment confirmation
  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay)
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20) in the original
  • DS-160 Form
  • Proof of payment of the fees
  • American format biometric passport photo 5 x 5 cm

Other: Sometimes the consulate or embassy requires further documents. You can find more detailed information on the website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Germany.