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: University Of Houston; Master of Science - Electrical Engineering , USA; Aadish, Male, Mumbai; I have just reached the University of Houston. Its too early to answer this section. Even my over all rating is subject ...; Read full review

: University Of Colorado At Boulder; Summer internship, USA; Animesh, Male, Kolkata; I did my summer internship at the University of Colrado. It was a great experience. I would love to visit again.; Read full review

Study abroad in the USA

"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 there. The section outlines basic aspects of the culture and lifestyle of America, in addition to discussing the eligibility criteria and other requirements for an Indian student to enroll for a course of study abroad in the USA.

Click on a region to see institutions in the vicinity on an interactive map.

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 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.

The USA - a country of immigrants

History and culture of 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.

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Getting to and around 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.

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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.

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Qualification criteria and admission procedure

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination is an important part of the qualifying package for those aspiring to study abroad in the USA. The examination can be taken in a number of countries around the world. Other major examinations that need to be taken are the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), for undergraduate application, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), for Masters' applicants. Those applying for an MBA and other business related programs have to take up the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

The personal application form should contain, apart from details like a student's name address and citizenship, a well-written essay clearly outlining the student's academic ambitions, goals, achievements, interests and a comprehensive account of why they want to study in the USA (known as the statement of purpose) and their expectations from the chosen course of study. All universities and colleges in the US, without exception, require 'transcripts' (official records) of school-leaving and diploma certificates.

A favorable recommendation from a professor or a former employer, especially one who is familiar with the student's work and/or one who is/has been involved in a subject related to the student's chosen course of study, can go a long way in enhancing the student's admission prospects.

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Studying in America - international visa requirements

First and foremost, the student visa applicant must be of sound physical and mental health. The visa officer reserves the right to reject applications on medical grounds, as in the case of HIV-positive students.

International students who wish to pursue any course of study in America must also agree to abide by all the laws of the U.S. failing which they risk deportation. They must also be agreeable to leaving the country once the course of study enrolled for is completed.

As is the case worldwide, applicants who wish to study in the USA must produce proof of ability to support themselves financially and need to furnish relevant documents to that effect.

The American consulate operates visa offices in India in the four metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

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US Consulate Offices in India

The table below gives the pertinent information about the US Consulate Offices in India
	New Delhi	Mumbai	Calcutta	Chennai
Note: Some consulates e.g. Mumbai consulate is also closed on the last working day of each month.
Address	US Embassy, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi	The U.S. Consulate General Lincoln House 78, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400 026	The U.S. Consulate General 5/1 Ho Chi Minh, Sarani Kolkata 700 071	The U.S. Consulate General Mount Road Chennai 600 006
Phone/Fax:	Phone: (11) 2419-0106 Fax: (11) 2419-0017	Phone: (22) 2363-3611 Fax: (22) 2363-0350	Phone: (33) 2282-3611 Fax: (33) 2282-2335	Phone: (44) 2811 2000 Fax: (44) 2811 2050
Immigration Office Timings:	8:30 AM. to 5:00 PM. (Mon to Fri).	8:15 AM. to 5:00 PM. (Mon to Fri).	This is not done in Calcutta. (For this service go to Mumbai consulate.)	8:15 AM to 5:00 PM. (Mon to Fri)
Nonimmigrant Office Timings:	8:30 AM. to 5:30 PM. (Mon to Fri).	8:30 AM. to 5:00 PM. (Mon to Fri).	8 AM to 5:00 PM. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri). **(Closed on Wed).	8:15 AM to 5:00 PM. (Mon to Fri)
States covered	Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.	Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Goa.	Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal	Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

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Traveling to the US

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.

As a popular song goes "pack your bags and get ready to leave on a jet plane".

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