"A guide
for Indian students intending to study abroad in the USA"
This
section is intended to provide a basic overview of student life in the USA for
Indian students wishing to pursue higher education in United states. The section
outlines basic aspects of the culture and lifestyle of America.
A GUIDE TO STUDYING AND LIVING IN USA.
American life and culture
Getting around in the USA
Higher education in the USA
Traveling to the US.
American life and culture
To study abroad
in USA is a dream for most Indian students. More than 650,000 International
students go to study in the USA every academic year. A large percentage of them
are Indian students.
The sheer number
of world-class institutes of higher learning and research facilities, is one of
the key issues which has made the USA the premiere destination for international
students from all over the world. The global aspect of American universities
coupled with the comprehensive curriculum offered at these institutions endears
them to students and employers alike. Another major reason that draws
international students in large numbers to study in the US is the wide array of
choices with regard to the subject matter which ranges from the highly academic
programs like nuclear physics to very creative courses like art and film
direction. Added to this is the quality of teaching and the research facilities
which are cutting-edge. The qualifications and credentials earned by studying in
US colleges and universities are recognized in every part of the world. Some of
the most famous universities in the world like Harvard University, Yale,
Stanford, Cornell, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the
University of Pennsylvania are all located in the USA.
Originally founded by immigrants from Europe, the United States has grown
into a large and diverse country where virtually all nationalities and
ethnicities are represented. Given the physical size and geography, one can find
every type of climate and landscape in addition to different lifestyles and
cultures. English Protestants form the majority of the population in parts of
the Northeast, Middle Atlantic and in the Southern regions in places like New
York, Washington DC, Connecticut and Florida. The Midwest and parts of the
Middle Atlantic have a fair sprinkling of other European nationalities like the
Dutch, Swedes, Norwegians and Germans in the regions of Ohio, Kansas, Minnesota,
Illinois, etc. The west and southwest are primarily peopled by the Spanish. The
native American Indians primarily live in places in and around California,
Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.
American mainstream culture is largely derived from that of migrants from
Western Europe, predominantly a mix of English, Irish, Dutch and German though
other influences have long since made their presence felt. Mexican and native
American Indian traditions, West African characteristics (from the slaves of the
19th century) and aspects of Asian influence go towards the making of what is a
homogeneous culture, yet one in which immigrants and descendants retain their
distinct identities.
Today, American arts and other creative endeavors are a mix of European
finesse and local flavor. American 'popular' culture has been exported to all
corners of the globe through sports, music and movies and continues to heavily
influence the cultural make-up of many countries the world over.
Getting around in the USA
The best option to get to the US is by air, if one is not from a neighboring
country. Going by the amount of air traffic handled, New York, Chicago,
Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles are the main international airports
though there are plenty of smaller airports dotting the landscape. Canada and
Mexico offer road and rail options also.
The options for travel within the country are vast starting with the cheap
and efficient Greyhound bus service. Surprisingly, the interstate train services
aren't very practical or comfortable, so the majority of the population prefers
to travel by air which is relatively inexpensive.
Car rentals however are the most popular option especially for neighboring
states and are plentiful and readily available. Bicycles are also increasingly
catching on as a safe and healthy option in and around smaller areas.
Higher education in the USA
The vast resources of the US offer a wide range of opportunities to students
for practical hands-on training and this experience is invaluable. This benefit
may not be accrued to many students in universities elsewhere in the world.
Students who study in America are exposed to the latest technologies, be it
computers or other gadgets, and this proves highly beneficial when they step
into the workplace.
Higher education in the USA is well known for its top quality, its easy
accessibility and its vast variety - unfettered by the federal government's
interference. The hierarchy of higher learning is a diverse mix of public and
private institutions, some of which are autonomous. There are also Community
colleges that conduct evening classes for students who have to work during the
day. These establishments are normally open to accepting international students
who wish to study in America. The schools run by the church, which are quite a
few in number, too welcome students of all nationalities and religions with a
preference for those of its own kind. However the degrees obtained from such
schools are not recognized in many countries around the world.
The prerequisite
for joining American colleges and universities is for the student to have
completed 12 years, or its equivalent, of primary and secondary education prior
to signing up for postsecondary (higher) education.
Traveling to the US.
Traveling to US from India is through the flight, which is the only means of
easy and affordable transport for a student. One needs to be aware of baggage
rules to the USA as they are different from those followed by the rest of the
world. A student traveling from India to the USA is normally entitled to carry
two bags (which may weigh no less that 23 kilograms individually). This is
comparatively much higher than what they may carry to other parts of the world.
This type of baggage allowance is known as the piece concept. Baggage allowances
for students vary from airline to airline. Most airlines are however usually
particular about the weight of one individual piece of baggage not exceeding 23
kilograms. In addition to this students are also normally allowed to carry one
piece of hand luggage. Students are advised to contact the airline directly to
avoid excess baggage problems at the airport.
From research facilities to institutions of higher learning; from professors
to employment opportunities, the US is a country which has abundant numbers of
everything. One can therefore see why a course of study in the USA is deemed
invaluable by the international academic and student fraternity.
"pack your bags
and get ready to leave on a plane".
Higher education in the United States refers to a variety of institutions of higher Education in the United states. Strong research and funding have helped make American colleges and universities among the world's most prestigious, which is particularly attractive to international students, professors and researchers in the pursuit of academic excellence. According to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University'sAcademic Ranking of World Universities, more than 30 of the highest-ranked 45 institutions are in the United States. An even stronger pattern is shown by the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities with 103 US universities in the Top 200.
Some universities have professional schools, which are attended primarily by those who plan to be practitioners instead of academics (Scholors/researchers). Examples include Journalism School,Business School ,medical Schools (which award either the M.D. or D.O.), Law School (J.D), Veterinary Schools (D.V.M), and Dental Schools. A common practice is to refer to different units within universities as colleges or schools (what is referred to in other countries as faculties). Some colleges may be divided into departments–such as an anthropology department within a college of liberal arts and sciences within a larger university.
