To Your Future in a
Diverse Culture

An associate degree is generally a two-year degree (60 credits) that can be earned in a variety of disciplines through an accredited community college. An associate degree requires less time than a four-year Bachelor's degree, and it provides the same level of education as the first two years of a full Bachelor's degree of four years. TOEFL, IELTS or PTE are required.

A bachelor's degree is generally a four-year program (120-150 credits) and may require students to complete an internship or co-op term as part of its curriculum. Students who have already started their undergraduate studies elsewhere but would want to continue them in the United States may do so as transfer students. A bachelor's degree might be in either the liberal arts (BA) or the sciences (BS). In order to enroll, students need to take either the SAT or ACT, as well as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

A master's degree is generally a two-year program (30-48 credits) that provides specialized studies in a specific area. A minimum of 16 years of schooling is required for master's level. The GMAT is needed for business-related majors, while the GRE is necessary for majors in the arts, sciences, and other areas. In addition, the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE is necessary for international students.

A doctoral degree is a research-based program and can three to five years to complete. Students who have already earned a master's degree are eligible for PhD admission. Research proposals, as well as GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS/PTE test scores, are required of prospective PhD candidates.

During the summer, students can gain access to valuable academic, cultural, and recreational experiences that they would not be able to access during the school year through summer programs in the US. They are a popular option for students who want to expand their knowledge base and exposure. Usually, TOEFL, IELTS or PTE are required.

The Ivy League consists of Harvard University, Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, the Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, and Princeton University. Located in the Northeastern part of the USA, the Ivy League colleges are considered to be some of the oldest and the most prestigious universities in the country and have a reputation for being among the hardest universities to get into. In order to be accepted, students usually need to have an excellent academic background and high standardized test scores. Many students apply to multiple Ivy League schools, hoping to be accepted at one of the elite institutions. These universities offer excellent financial aid and have one of the highest graduation rates in the country, making them an excellent option for students who want to be sure that they are getting the most out of their education. However, the Ivy League schools are expensive and have a reputation for being highly competitive, making them an unusual choice for average students.

Liberal arts colleges provide undergraduate students with a broad education that is designed to develop critical thinking skills, rather than just teaching specific skills, in subjects like humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Of around 200 liberal arts colleges in the country, some are Swarthmore College, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, and so on.

Public universities are funded by the government, and therefore are generally free to attend. These universities often have much lower tuition rates than many private universities. These frequently offer more flexible degree programs and are sometimes more likely to accept students based on their academic potential, rather than their background. These types of universities include Pennsylvania State University, University of Texas, Ohio State University, etc.

Private universities in the US are higher education institutions that are not funded by the government, but instead rely on tuition, private donations, and endowments. Some of the well-known private universities in the US include Long Island University, New York University, Carnegie Mellon University, George Washington University, and so on.

Community colleges are a type of public institution that provide two-year degrees and vocational training, granting certificates, diplomas, and Associate degrees. Examples include Montgomery Community College, Bellevue Community College, and De Anza Colleges, among others.

Emphasizing independent study and research, American universities are generally known for having a rigorous academic workload. It's no exaggeration to say that student life at US campuses is unlike anything else in the world, but don't expect to experience it exactly as you may have seen it in movies. Student life may be demanding for anybody, but it can be especially difficult for Master's students to find time to join campus groups like clubs and societies. Nevertheless, you will find ways to balance your studies and social life to make the most of both the aspects without compromising one for another.

Some common activities that international students may engage in as part of their social life in the USA include cultural or ethnic groups, sports teams, theater groups, and so on. And of course, there are plenty of social events, from fraternity and sorority gatherings to campus-wide parties. However, considering the hectic nature of American student life, you may find yourself spending much of your free time buying groceries, cooking, cleaning, and performing other routine tasks. After you have adjusted into your new environment, go out and about to expand your network and explore the land of the free.

Whether it's the bright lights of New York or the glitz of Los Angeles, such large cities will be filled with plenty of activities to enjoy. There are more exciting destinations, such as the smaller city of San Francisco, home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge; or the ‘Windy City', Chicago, known for its vibrant music and art scene. Apart from these, you may also explore natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park during your time in the States.

In many parts of the United States, Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated by the Indian or local Indian-American communities, and also by universities with a significant Indian student population. Major cities, such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, have their own annual Diwali events. The beauty of these events is that they draw large crowds from various backgrounds to spread the joy and happiness of Indian festivals. The Indian cuisine served at these events is usually free but may not be as good as what you're used to, for nothing beats homecooked food.

Unfortunately, discrimination against Indian students in the US is not unheard of. It may come in the form of verbal or physical harassment or prejudice against one's skin color or accent. There have been reports of racism and xenophobia in states like Texas and Pennsylvania, though it's important to note that these are not reflective of the attitudes of the entire American population. To be on the safe side, have your accommodation options close to your campus. In addition to the aforementioned, forget about converting the currency and explore all that America has to offer! Yes! You may find yourself converting USD to INR during your first few months in the USA. It's important to try and break this habit if you truly want to savor your experience, save time and energy, and transition into life in a new country. Keep track of your finances, as it can help you understand how much money you need for different activities.