Cost of Education in the U.S.
While the world worries about recession and economic slowdown, studentsCost of studying in the US includes tuition fees and living costs. These can
vary widely depending on the location. At an average, tuition fees can range
from Rs.2.5 lakhs to Rs.20 lakhs depending on the institution, type and
quality of program. Adding to the cost of the tuition fees is the cost of living
which can amount to another Rs.4 lakhs depending again on the choice of
place.
It is important to plan well ahead and calculate the cost at least 12 – 18
months before the program to ensure that everything is taken care of. It is
also a great time to explore scholarships, US government assistance, grants
from private and international organizations and loans offered on easy
interest rates.
One important factor to remember is that students are only allowed 20
hours per week of work during first year of study and this can only take
care of incidentals. This amount cannot be shown as income when
applying for admission and visa. Since this kind of work as wellas the pay
attached to it is not dependable, this amount should not be included in the
total income available for studying in the US.
Life as a student in the US
“We cook dinner at home. Basically all my flat matesare Indians and we take turns cooking food. Hence
each of us gets to taste different styles of cooking
and great food. Lunch is at the campus and they
provide some great options for vegetarians. “ Says
Krishnan Lakshminarayanan, Masters in Science
(Chemical Engineering) at the Oklahoma State
University, USA.
Since the cost of living on-campus and off-campus is
almost similar a lot of students prefer to live off
campus by sharing an apartment with a few other students. This brings cost down
considerably and also helps to provide companionship.
Describing their lives in the US these students strongly endorse the fact that they
made the right choice and it is the best decision they made in their lives. Echoing a
hope and providing a message to aspiring students, Krishnan says, “Thanks to
Credila, finance which was the biggest hurdle to study abroad has now come down
and any one who is academically sound can explore his or her dreams and study
anywhere in the world.”
Exclaiming about the professional culture, Laksminarayan says, “These people know
to handle their responsibilities very well. And people here respect and trust each
other. This was quite unexpected when I came here. “
Students find that contradictory to most opinions life as a student in the US is better
than in India as people are extremely professional by nature and do not trouble
others. As far as academics is concerned the courses are designed in such a way
that there is really no need for mugging and what is required is an understanding of
the subject making it easier to remember and write during exams.
“I live on campus hence we have common dining and once in a week they have
Indian food, I even bought a micro wave just to prepare some food by my own like
rice etc.” says Arunkumar Ranganathan who is doing his MBA in International
Business from the Thunderbird School of global Management
American Culture and Values
Studying in the United States of America can be a wonderful learning experience. Both in and out of the classroom you will learn and practice the English language. You will also learn much about American life and its sometimes confusing culture.It's very important to know the values that shape U.S American's attitude and behaviors.
As you consider these values it is important to remember that:
1. U.S. society is made up of a diversity of ethnic groups and cultures that have helped shape American values;
2. Some individuals and groups have a set of respected values that are quite different from those of mainstream America;
3. People's attitudes and behaviou are based on their values.
Some Major U.S. American Values
Equality – U.S. Americans uphold the ideal that everyone “is created equal” and has the same rights.
Individuality – U.S. Americans are encouraged at an early age to be independent and to develop their own goals in life.
Privacy – U.S. Americans like their privacy and enjoy spending time alone. Foreign visitors will find their homes and offices open, but what is inside the American mind is considered to be private.
Time – U.S. Americans take pride in making the best use of their time.
Informality – The U.S. American lifestyle is generally casual. You will see students going to class in shorts and t-shirts.
Achievement and Hard Work/Play – The foreign visitor is often impressed at how achievement oriented Americans are and how hard they both work and play.
Direct and Assertive – U.S. Americans try to work out their differences face-to-face and without a mediator.
American Education and the I20
American Education and the I20An US University can conditionally admit the student for a particular course based on various parameters, ranging from Standardized Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, etc) to Leadership Qualities. However, it does not release the official document confirming a students’ admission until and unless the student is able to demonstrate financial ability to pay for the first year of the course and continued funds to support the remaining years of education.This official document of admission, also called the Form I20, is in fact a legal document tied to US Immigration Services. The I20 is not only the only proof of secured admission but also forms the basis of that student’s US student visa claim and attempt to enter the US for education. In a nutshell, if you don’t have an I20, you don’t go to the US for education.
Obtaining the I20
“Demonstrating financial ability can be tricky, specially because only a few forms of documentary evidence are accepted by the US University. A typical Indian student has limited options – receive funding from the university in form of scholarships, waivers, etc that are extremely difficult to secure OR document family funds OR obtain an education loan. “Credila loan approval letter was one of the important financial docs which I was holding to get I20”, said Suraj T., studying in SUNY at Buffalo, USA.”
Another student Ajin N. who obtained education loan from Credila and studying in University of Illinois at Chicago, USA said, “Credila gave me the liquidity to go ahead with the fees payment. So the embassy was happy with loan approval letter and the way of funding for mycourse”.
My life as a student at Wichita State University.
Jaswanth R. shares his experience at Wichita State University.Q :- You have been one of those highly respected lot of students who have been doing higher studies at Wichita State University how does it feel to be at Wichita State University USA?
A :- This was my goal to do my MS from USA and I am feeling good that I am in the right path to achieve my goal.
Q :- Please tell us about which course you are studying and why you chose that course?
A :- I am doing my MS in Computer Science I chose this course because I have done my engineering in Computer Science. Wichita State University provide good course for Computer Science field.
Q :- Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A :- USA because after doing the course I can get good job as job opportunities here are better than any other countries.
Q :- How is Wichita State University different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends about
A :- Our University is famous for networking courses which is a part for Computer Science and National Aviation Institute of research is a part of our University it is one of the best research Institute in USA.
Q :- Are you happy with your decision?
A :- Yes, I am happy.
Q :- Where do you live? On-campus or off-campus and why?
A :- I live off campus because it is cheaper also it just takes 5 minutes from my place to reach the University. If we live on campus then its 2 person per room which is expensive and living off campus we can share room with 3-4 members so that it is cheaper.
Q :- Please share some of your experiences of the USA for aspiring students
A :- USA is very good country for studying. International students are more as you can find more Chinese and Indian students in every University. There will be no problem because all the people here are very friendly and helpful. Here each year there are 150 -200 students who join the MS course however Americans are just 20-30 in numbers as they don’t do MS in large numbers.
Q :- How should students select the US Universities? What are the important things to look at and compare among various Universities?
A :- Presently look at the expenses that the student and their family member have to bear for the courses. Now the situation is not that good in USA as they are cutting down the H1 jobs so they should be prepared if they don’t get a job they should be ready to go back to India. Doing an MS course from any US university is good as compared to India. Here majority gets jobs through consultancy and for getting full time jobs we have to work hard and study well.
Q :- What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A :- They should be mentally prepared to live here, if they have home sickness they can’t survive here for first 1 or 2 months as here we have to do each and everything by our own. Situations are improving so we can hope that it improves a lot and we can get good jobs here.
Q :- Other than academics, what else did you learn from the country USA?
A :- I have learnt to live myself - independent. Most of the time here we get jobs in remote areas. The culture here is totally different from India.
Q :- How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India?
A :- Studies in USA is different because it is all about research work and practical there are not much theory part in the studies.
Q :- Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A :- It is worth spending because getting a degree from USA means a lot and here we can learn more and great exposure. (Select the University depending on your budget).
Q :- What’s your advice to parents of aspiring students?
A :- Parents as they will be dealing with the finance select the university depending on the budget that they have as doing MS from any US university is good.
Q :- Key things to remember for parents and students while planning for the studies in the USA
A :- Basically they should look into the student’s interest for the course that he is planning to do. He should not be forced to do any other course if he is not interested.
Q :- What are the 3 important things you learnt after you entered the USA?
A :- 1) To live independent, 2) Well-mannered people, 3) Traffic sense and rules.
Q :- Did you see the movie 3 idiots? Do you relate to that movie? Please share your thoughts.
A :- Yes, I saw the movie however I don’t relate to that movie. It is a motivational movie.
Q :- What are you future plans?
A :- To get a job here, to work hard and then going back to India.
Q :- What are your views about the current economic environment in the USA? Has it changed anything for the students like you?
A :- Due to the current economic environment we don’t get assistance ship from the University and to get a part time job is also difficult.
Q :- Any other advice to students and parents?
A :- Already said those points above.
My life as a student at University of Southern California.
Sunil M. shares his experience at University of Southern California.Q :- You have been one of those highly respected lot of students who have been doing higher studies at University of Southern California how does it feel to be at University of Southern California USA?
A :- I feel really good.
Q :- Please tell us about which course is you doing and why you chose that course?
A :- I am doing MS in Industrial Engineering because I am interested in this field and I have completed my under graduation studies in the same.
Q :- Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A :- USA is really good for higher education as we get more exposure and more knowledge from here so I chose USA for higher education.
Q :- How is University Of Southern California different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends about?
A :- I can’t differentiate on the Universities, however the ranking of University of Southern California is good and I had few of my friends who already studied here.
Q :- Are you happy with your decision?
A :- Yes of course.
Q :- Where do you live? On-campus or off-campus and why?
A :- I live off-campus because it is cheaper than living on campus.
Q :- Please share some of your experiences of the USA for aspiring students
A :- My experience is that USA is very good place to live and here we can know more things, it is fun studying here and the professors are also good.
Q :- How should students select the US Universities? What are the important things to look at and compare among various Universities?
A :- First of all they should decide on the course that the student is interested in doing then depending on the course they can select the University by getting the information on the ranking of that University for that particular course, type of research that they can do, also they have to check the fees.
Q :- What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A :- Just be clear on what you have to do depending on your interest.
Q :- Other than academics, what else did you learn from the country USA?
A :- Other than academics frankly speaking California is almost like India there are lots of Indians who live here. For first few days it will be difficult for you however after that when you come to know that there are so many Indians you will feel good. Here you won’t have much time for any other things apart from studies.
Q :- How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India?
A :- In India, they force you to study and to do the course however here you can select the course depending on your interest part for example in India students select BA in literature because they get less percentage, here it’s not because you get low grades that you select the course however it depends on the interest level that you have for a particular course.
Q :- Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A :- It is better to get a degree from USA for higher education if at all you can afford it. Courses in India are also good however it is good for under graduate studies, for higher education i.e. for MS degrees it is always good to get it from USA or abroad nations.
Q :- What’s your advice to parents of aspiring students?
A :- Depending on the student’s interest and their under graduate studies help them to select the course. While selecting the universities shortlist 7-8 universities i.e. high medium and low priority wise and depending on the fees and ranking you can select the University. If the student has got good luck then he can even get admissions in good Universities with scholarship.
Q :- Key things to remember for parents and students while planning for the studies in the USA
A :- Nothing much when the student enters USA just for first 15 days it will be difficult however we can find more Indians here in USA, once the course starts there won’t be any time for other things to do and automatically the student has to concentrate on his course and grades also it is very important to be active socially.
Q :- What are the 3 important things you learnt after you entered the USA?
A :- To be talkative as communication with others are necessary, social motivation, recommendation is also required to get jobs and to know other people communication is necessary.
Q :- Did you see the movie 3 idiots? Do you relate to that movie? Please share your thoughts.
A :- Yes I saw the movie however I don’t relate myself to that movie.
Q :- What are you future plans?
A :- Presently I have to complete my course and then I will take up a job, will work here for 5 years and then I will get back to India.
Q :- What are your views about the current economic environment in the USA? Has it changed anything for the students like you?
A :- It is improving a lot now a day.
Q :- Any other advice to students and parents?
A :- Nothing much once they come here then they will get to know more about the place however they have to plan and decide well before coming here.
Q :- Any other references you can give us who can answer similar interviews?
A :- No one else that I can remember now.
My life as a student at University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ajin N. shares his experience at University of Illinois at Chicago.Q :- You have been one of those highly respected lot of students who have been doing higher studies at University of Illinois at Chicago How does it feel to be at University of Illinois at Chicago USA?
A :- It’s a great top rank university, middle of Chicago; you can meet lot of different people, the university consists of lot of business activities. Hence there are good job opportunities. So it a very good feeling to be at this university.
Q :- Please tell us about which course you are studying and why you chose that course?
A :- I am pursuing MS in MIS. It is a technical management subject. It was recession time when I started the course. But there are lots of good opportunities after completing the courses. I also consulted from my seniors and relatives in USA.
Q :- Why did you choose the USA for higher education?
A :- USA has the best higher education when compared to India though under graduation studies are just excellent back in India. I even had opportunities to study in Australia and UK, but the degree in USA is much more valuable than any other country in the world.
Q :- How is University of Illinois at Chicago different than any other USA University based on whatever you have heard from your friends about?
A :- It is not different majority. It is situated in down town, it consists of good networking, so lots of business people come and talk and the location helps to get the job easily.
Q :- Are you happy with your decision?
A :- I am very much happy. Right now I am working as research assistant which will be definitely helpful for building my profile in future.
Q :- Where do you live? On-campus or off-campus and why?
A :- I stay off-campus in a rented apartment but it is very close to my college campus, I can’t stay off-campus but still it is a private accommodation. I stay off campus because the cost inside the campus is high. So I prefer staying outside.
Q :- Please share some of your experiences of the USA for aspiring students
A :- USA is a great place to be. India consists of more theoretical studies where you have read and learn formulas but USA prefers practical studies like assignment submission. You can actually see what you do. You have opportunity for everything; there are lots of research opportunities. The kind of funding provided for research is good. This kind of funding is not available in India. You can do wonders in USA if you want.
Q :- How should students select the US Universities? What are the important things to look at and compare among various Universities?
A :- It’s a mistake to choose university according to their ranking. Even the universities with high ranking are not good in particular subject. So one should select the university based on department ranking and according to their interested subjects. One should always look at department ranking, funding facility like scholarships and assistantships, location of the university, good networking for good job opportunity as I have done.
Q :- What’s your advice to students who aspire to go to the USA for higher studies?
A :- Same as answer in 7.
Q :- Other than academics, what else did you learn from the country USA?
A :- The things are very casual in USA. The places here are neat and clean compared to India. Life is casual and party mood. It is how you go with the stream; if you keep it up to yourself and be in your limits, then it’s an easy place to live in.
Q :- How are the studies in the USA different than the studies in India?
A :- Studies are more theoretical in India, they aspect you to know all formulas by reading them. But it is totally different in USA. First you need to know the basics. They ask you to do lots of practical assignments, ask to give your views, more practical and learn up to date which help you to go along with the world.
Q :- Is it worth spending so much money to get a degree from the USA as compared to similar degree in India with lower costs?
A :- If you perform well and are serious in your studies rather than having the dream of landing in USA, then yes it is worth to spend so much. You can earn handsomely after completing the course successfully. So one can easily re-pay the loan in a matter of 5-8 months.
Q :- What’s your advice to parents of aspiring students?
A :- If the students are serious about their studies, so the parents should allow them to study abroad. They should not let their children’s dream dissatisfied due to lack of money because money comes and go but education stays forever. So education will definitely help them in future and can easily regain whatever they have invested in studies.
Q :- Key things to remember for parents and students while planning for the studies in the USA
A :- One should be aware of entrance exams like GRE & TOEFL. One should take care of the deadlines of application, be proactive and smart.
Q :- What are the 3 important things you learnt after you entered the USA?
A :- I learned to be always smart as people are much smarter here. Be up to date, can’t stay without learning. You need to know around the book and you. It’s always a practical approach.
Q :- What difficulties you faced to get I-20? What precautions you have taken while applying for an I-20?
A :- I just went with the flow. I went according to the deadlines. I completed all the paperwork on time. So didn’t face any issues. It is better to be early rather than being late.
Q :- How did you fund your higher education? Was it required for you to show sources of funds before you got your I-20? How did you deal with that challenge?
A :- Yes it is required. I managed to get the I-20 based on Bank account balance. Then Credila came in between at the visa time. It has its own value.
Q :- How Credila's education loans Sanction letter help you to get your I-20?
A :- I managed to get the I-20 based on my own funds.
Q :- How did Credila’s sanction letter help you to get your visa?
A :- Credila gave me the liquidity to go ahead with the fees payment. So the embassy was happy with sanction letter and the way of funding for my course.
Q :- What are your suggestions for students who don't have funds for higher education and hence can't get I-20?
A :- I will suggest them to go to Credila, submit the application with required documents and take the sanction letter to get the I-20. I won’t mind spending so much money to get education because once you successfully finishes the course, then you have the opportunity of earning good where you can repay the loan easily within a period of 5-8 months.
Q :- What are you future plans?
A :- My future plan is to get internship. There after working as fulltime job. In a period of 5 years, I'll go back to India as I am having small business in India. I will utilize my knowledge and experience and may start a business or industries.
Q :- What are your views about the current economic environment in the USA? Has it changed anything for the students like you?
A :- It is not perfect enough. As a student you don’t feel it but last year there were 125 assistance ship programs whereas currently it is much less. But coming December it will be changed. There will be lots of job opportunities by this December to May.
