4. Why Study in the U.S.? STUDYING IN THE US SOFT SKILLS YOU GAIN Interactive classroom discussion Communication ability Point of view / perspective Academic assignments Writing Critical Thinking Analytical skills Team projects Collaborative interpersonal skills Creative and proactive problem-solving skills Studying in the US English language skills Overall Confidence Adaptability and Flexibility International/Cultural Experience and Awareness
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6. Financial Aid & Scholarships Funding U.S. Study Online www.fundingusstudy.org
8. College Comparison Worksheet School Name 1. 2. Public / Private Class Size City / State Setting: Urban / Rural Student-to-faculty ratio % % Graduation Tuition and Fees Room and Board Expenses Required Test Scores Application Deadline
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actively promoting U.S. higher education EducationUSA EducationUSA advising centers in the EducationUSA network, function in a variety of settings and serve as the primary source of information for students and scholars around the world who seek access to U.S. Higher Education. • It is a global network of more than 450 advising centers in 170 countries supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the United States Department of State . • about the full range of educational opportunities in the United States.
Fantastic to visit schools, if possible – very open-ended, discuss older cousins, siblings, Create a neutral mindset and space – be mindful of the hurdles Check videos – IIE website – use the web The U.S. is a large country, with 50 states and nearly 300 million people. In terms of higher education, there are nearly 4,000 colleges and universities, offering virtually every field of study that you can think of. In the U.S. higher education is primarily offered by two types of colleges: 2-yr colleges, also known as junior or community colleges, which offer associate degree programs. 4-year colleges/universities, which offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs. 600 different programs The U.S. is a very large and geographically diverse country, and schools may sometimes specialize according to their location. [GIVE EXAMPLES] Internet / Online-related business – CA Political Science – DC or VA Tourism & Hospitality – Florida, Las Vegas Although many Hong Kong students consider only “popular” states such as California or New York, there are still 48 other states to consider when looking for the right school for you. Check Associated Colleges of the Midwest
All these soft skills are very important to employers. Employers know you will learn on the job, but they want you to be a self-starter, a quick learner and be independent and proactive. The US style of teaching and learning is student-centric – which challenges a student more, but also develops a student more – so students leave with a degree from a US college or university PLUS these skills that help you compete in the job market and get promoted for your high potential. Emphasis on interactive classroom discussion helps you develop a point of view and communicate it. Essays that ask you to define and defend a position help your writing skills and critical thinking Team projects with classmates develop your collaborative interpersonal skills . Studying and living in the US boosts your English and cultural awareness and your confidence and helps you adapt to change In addition to learning an academic or professional specialty, you develop creative and proactive problem-solving skills
Family support? Student support helpful? Writing labs? Sports? Clubs? Facilities? Location: urban/rural/access to cities? Weather? professor/student ratio? graduate assistants? Independent projects? Think past “brands,” look past the coasts Opportunity
You should begin the application process the summer before you intend to begin university. For example, if you want to start in Fall 2007, you should have started looking for schools during the summer of 2006. A rough timeline is included in the Study America Fair Guide, to help you plan your admissions calendar.
[READ SLIDE] For more information, please refer to the Study America fair guide.
Now, to the questions that you’ve all been waiting to ask: How do I find out much all this will cost? What are my chances of getting in? I’ll start by answering the first question. Naturally, cost is a major consideration when deciding which schools to apply to. As I said earlier, private schools are generally more expensive than public schools. Traditionally, international students haven’t had many options in terms of financial aid or scholarships. However, there are now many scholarships and packages available for overseas students. A school’s competitiveness is judged by several criteria. [READ SLIDE] You should also make sure that the schools you apply to are accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. government. You can check a school’s status at the Council of Higher Education’s website, www.chea.org.
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