There is an increasing trend of international students in the USA. Globally, and in the U.S., students are pursuing degrees in higher education. It was estimated that in 2020, over a million international students came to the U.S.1
Choosing the right university for you can be tricky and exciting. However, preparing for your journey is important. To help narrow down your search, some key questions you should ask yourself include:
- Is there a specific state I want to study in?
- Am I pursuing a sport? If so, could I get an athletic scholarship?
- What degree program am I interested in?
- What is my budget?
- What are the different deadlines and application processes?
- Do I want to go to a big or small school?
- What is campus living like, and are there other international students?
A good place to start is to envision what you want and which school is within your budget. Researching universities and degree programs can be crucial for your experience at a school. At GCU, for example, you can browse the degree programs page and fill out a form to contact a university counselor who can answer your questions. In addition to counselors, GCU has an International Student Office, which is there to strictly help international students uphold their F-1 Visa status and guide them through their journey in the States.
School size and campus living can vary greatly from university to university. You might have certain preferences, and at GCU, there are many student living options.
Exploring eligibility for international student scholarships can assist in determining which schools may fall within your financial range.
International students in the USA are important for cultural and academic diversity. But like other countries, one must follow visa and immigration procedures to be able to study in the States. A student visa (typically F-1) is required for you to study in the United States.2 There are several steps to apply for a visa, and one should visit the U.S. Embassy homepage or consulate in their respective country for instructions.
Remember that visa processes can take time, so it’s best to allow several months to get everything in order. The university's approval for the visa application is required, typically along with demonstrating proof of funds at this stage.
