In-Person Schooling
Whether or not you should study abroad is a personal choice that only you can make. Just because a friend or family member does it, or encourages you to do so, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right option for you. This is a serious decision, and you should carefully consider both the benefits and drawbacks before making any commitments.
Studying abroad can be an enriching, invaluable time in the lives of many students. The experience is a unique opportunity for both personal and academic development. Some of the benefits include: making new friends, experiencing new cultures, personal growth, and many others.
Though studying overseas can be a great opportunity, it can also pose unique challenges for students who chose to pursue it. Students who are interested in studying abroad should think about how they would handle certain difficulties. Some of which may include: language barriers, financial stability, being far away from family and friends, and cultural differences.
As you begin to think about funding sources for your educational and living expenses in the United States, remember that you cannot count on working in the United States unless you have been granted a teaching or research assistantship. Immigration regulations are very strict with respect to working while carrying a student visa, and when you submit evidence of your financial resources, you cannot rely on potential income. The income on which you base your application must be assured, and it must be equal to or exceed the costs of the first year of your studies.
Careful long-term and short-term planning is necessary to ensure that you will have a rewarding educational experience in the United States. If you are realistic about your financial needs, you will be better able to enjoy the exciting academic and cultural experience of living and learning in the United States.
You need to be aware that even if your visa is granted, it does not guarantee your entry into the United States. It is ultimately up to the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) to let you into the United States. It is also the job of the CBP to determine how long you may remain in the United States.
At the port of entry, a CBP official validates Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted. This will be a small white card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon your entry to the U.S. The form I-94 is your permit to stay in the U.S.
