Guide for International Students Moving to USA from India – The transformative journey to study in the United States is an exciting prospect for Indian students but requires meticulous planning and research. The decision to move abroad involves managing finances, navigating emotional highs and lows, fostering self-dependence, and preparing for the inevitable cultural shock.
However, pursuing higher education in the US holds immense potential, offering access to expansive career opportunities, unparalleled experiences, and invaluable life lessons.
This blog delves into seven crucial factors that Indian students must consider before making the leap to study in the US, providing a comprehensive guide for a seamless transition. As exciting as it seems to study abroad, it requires enough preparation and research before leaving.
Moving abroad is a big decision, but the effort is worth the outcome, as it opens the gates to huge career opportunities, new experiences, and life lessons.
This blog delves into seven crucial factors that Indian students must consider before making the leap to study in the US, providing a comprehensive guide for a seamless transition. As exciting as it seems to study abroad, it requires enough preparation and research before leaving.
Moving abroad is a big decision, but the effort is worth the outcome, as it opens the gates to huge career opportunities, new experiences, and life lessons.
Here are 7 tips for Indian Students Moving to US
1. Course and College
Choosing the right course for you and shortlisting a few colleges/universities is the first step towards moving abroad.
The US can be quite expensive for Indian students, but you can get huge scholarships with good GPAs and fulfilling other credentials. Even otherwise, you can get lucrative fee waivers if you get into universities through SecureMyscholarship.
When shortlisting a university, consider the climatic conditions, cost of living, and facilities you might need.
Similarly, consider the job market, the scope and duration of the course, and your educational background when choosing your course.
Know that US universities prefer 16 years of prior education. That is 10+2 years of schooling and a 4-year bachelor’s degree if you apply for a postgraduate program.
You can still get into post-graduate programs with 15 years of education, i.e., 3 years for a bachelor’s degree after schooling, but your options for universities and courses are limited.
2. Admission timeline
Following the timeline is crucial while applying for universities abroad. The process of application, admission, visa, and finally, moving abroad to study is a lengthy process involving numerous tasks.
The admission process to study abroad goes like this:
- Universities announce the dates for application for each Intake
- Prepare, appear and receive scorecards of necessary entrance tests
- Research and find the right course and universities for you
- Apply to the shortlisted universities with the necessary documents
- Receive conditioned offer letter
- Arrange for funds
- Provide necessary documents and proofs
- Receive the final offer letter
- Apply for the right visa
- Research and make arrangements for your arrival at the host country
Delaying any of the steps will delay all the others. Stick to the timeline mentioned by the university. You must meet deadlines to ensure your credibility at the university. As an International Students Moving to USA from India; you have to keep your document file ready.
Note that there are universities in the US that don’t require tests like IELTS, GRE or any other test and accept student by evaluating their admission essays. However, your options to choose a university may be reduced without these tests.
3. Packing List
Packing and unpacking luggage can be hideous tasks, but you can’t risk missing anything crucial back home while moving abroad.
Start packing at least a month in advance so you can add things to your suitcase as and when you remember. Some things may need shopping, and there are better ideas than last-minute shopping.
Here‘s a complete list of things to pack while moving to study abroad
- Important academic documents like transcripts and scorecards
- Your legal documents like ID proofs, visa copy, passport, etc
- Clothing as per the climate- each state in the US has different climatic conditions; hence, pack accordingly
- Electronic gadgets like phones, laptops, chargers, cables and other necessary gadgets.
- Toiletries just enough to last a couple of weeks.
Don‘t stuff everything into your luggage, as you’ll have weight limits on flight. Carry only the necessary things and buy everything else in the host country as and when required.
4. Safety
There are safety measures, centres, and communities to protect the interests of Indian students in the US, yet you are solely responsible for your safety.
Prevention is better than cure. Instead of seeking help after your safety is breached, staying cautious from the beginning is better.
- Never share your personal information, like your card details or social security number, with anybody.
- Beware of fake jobs, fake property listings and any other scams online
- If it is too good to be true, it is not true
- Keep your things safe while staying in a shared dorm or accommodation
- Make local friends and have their company while exploring new places.
- If you find anything suspicious of a scam, report it immediately to the student safety authority at the university or any relevant authorities.
5. Health care
The healthcare infrastructure in the US is world-class, with equipment using advanced technology. Such high-quality services come with higher costs. The US government does not provide free healthcare to its citizens or visitors; instead, it offers health insurance options to its citizens.
Everybody in the US has medical insurance to cover the risk of high medical bills. To have medical insurance to get treatment from any healthcare provider is an unwritten norm in the US. Certain universities provide group insurance policies to their students. Sometimes, the coverage is covered by tuition fees, but sometimes, you’ll have to pay an extra premium for it.
If your university doesn’t offer one, take medical insurance to cover your medical needs and emergencies.
Unlike in India, you must make prior appointments at least a couple of days earlier to visit your doctor. However, you can contact the healthcare professional over call or visit in person during emergencies.
6. Cultural shock
Cultural shock is an inevitable part of your life once you move abroad. But the good news is that it is just a phase that shall pass. Cultural shock moves from one stage to another and peaks when you feel homesick. Eventually, you will adjust to the new culture and life in the US. Look at it as an opportunity to interact with people from different countries and cultures. Be open to new ideologies and experiences to avoid miscommunication or cultural misunderstandings. Build connections, initiate conversations and put in some effort to make new friends. Take the first step, and don’t dwell on prejudice.
7. Employment
Employment is the ultimate goal for most students going to the US for education. However, tuition fees in the US start at $12,000 and can range above $50,000. Depending on your lifestyle, you will incur a significant cost of living.
To bear those huge expenses, you will still need to look for a part-time job even if you have enough funds in your bank account. Working while studying has more significance than just making money. Relevant jobs and internships add to your work experience and increase your employability after graduation.
As an international student in the US, your eligibility to work while studying depends on the student Visa type and its permits. If you can work part-time, you can work up to 20 hours a week as you study, or full-time if your academic credit requires you to work.
You can work after completing your studies in the US if your student visa permits you to work, or you will have to switch your visa to a work visa.
As Indian students, you must embrace the challenges and opportunities of studying in the US, for which these tips serve as a compass. Take a thoughtful approach to academic choices and admission timelines, cultural adaptation, and employment prospects to ensure a rewarding experience. We hope this article was helpful for you and provided all information to you as an International Students Moving to USA from India.
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FAQs Related to Students Moving to USA from India
Q1. What are the difficulties faced by Indian students?
Indian pupils may have particular difficulties regarding social relationships, learning strategies, and communication styles. Issues with Mental Health: Academic pressure, loneliness, and homesickness can all be detrimental to mental health. Especially, International Students Moving to USA from India will an emotional rollar coaster and also expensive for some.
Q2. Is moving to USA from India a good option?
The USA, in terms of providing quality education, is by far the best, and it can provide you with immense opportunities for career enhancement. The fall intake in USA is a popular intake where universities offer many courses and provide good fee waivers to students. Therefore, going to US for higher education will not make you regret it.
Q3. How much money is required to move to USA from India for students?
Tuition is the biggest and most important cost of attending school in the United States. However, the costs can change depending on the university, degree program, and course selected. For Indian students, the annual cost of education in the USA ranges from $7,000 to $55,000. Studying in the United States typically costs about $35,000 a year.
