Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Semester Abroad in the United States

Travelling to a foreign country to study is an exciting and rewarding experience, especially if you choose to go to the United States. The US boasts some of the best colleges and universities in the world because professors from all over the globe can be found in their classrooms, laboratories, theaters, and concert halls. However, if you decide to study at a US institution of higher education, it is important to prepare well in advance, even if you are only there for a few short weeks or an entire semester. It is important to understand student visas, local laws, and insurance.

Student visas are required for foreign students to study in the United States. In order to obtain a student visa, you must first be accepted into a United States school. The college or university that accepted you will provide the proper documents necessary to apply for a student visa. As soon as you receive these forms, fill them out and send them back as soon as possible. The earlier, the better! You can learn more about the process and requirements for applying for a student visa here: US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Before going to the United States, learn the law. Even though you are not a citizen, you are still required to abide by the laws that govern the United States. For instance, if you live in a country that does not have a minimum drinking age, you should know that the US does not allow anyone under the age of 21 to buy or consume alcohol, and you cannot serve alcohol to anyone under 21 years old. Also, there is a minimum age for buying cigarettes (19 years old). It is important to also find out the local laws specific to the city and state where you will be studying. Some laws are unique to the area where you will be living.

You are not allowed to enroll for classes in any United States school without proof of insurance. Applying for International Student Insurance USA costs less than applying for the insurance provided by the college or university you will be attending. You can find information on International Student Insurance USA on the web.

It is wise to obtain student travel insurance. In the event that you get sick or injured while in the United States, student travel insurance can reduce the cost of medical bills. Also, if you need to cancel your trip, you can apply for insurance that covers up to a certain amount of the trip, so that you do not lose all of your money if you no longer can travel abroad for any reason (this is only for those who plan on being in the US for 30 days are less).

Those are just some tips for ensuring that you are well prepared for your study abroad. Another piece of advice: family members such as your mother or father should obtain current passports. In case of an emergency, they can travel to the United States as quickly as possible if they have current passports. Also, understand the currency rates and how your country’s money measures up to the US dollar. Find out what kind of fees credit cards may hold for exchanging currency. It is also extremely important to know how to protect yourself and your possessions. For instance, never travel alone at night, and have a safe to keep expensive items or important documents such as your passport and cash.

Above all, have fun! By choosing to study abroad in the United States, you have given yourself the opportunity to explore a whole new world, to learn the American culture, and to experience exactly why so many students like you choose the United States as their study abroad location.

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