The United States of America represents a dream for many students. Strolling through San Francisco after the lecture? However, studying so far away seems like an insurmountable obstacle. If you search for information about studying in the USA, you will find numerous sources with a flood of information. But where to start? What is the right way? How to study in I the USA?
The educational system in the U.S. is more complex than the German system and seems quite confusing at first glance. But already with a few minutes you can get a rough overview. Studying in America usually takes four years and is equivalent to a bachelor's degree. The "Master" in the USA lasts another two years. The terms are also different from the German terms. Thus, the bachelor's degree there is called undergraduate studies and the master's degree is called graduate studies. If you are still in the undergraduate studies, you have the possibility to fan out your subject allocation. Students here do not yet commit themselves to a specific specialization. Only in graduate studies do you take a special subject area and learn it in detail.
How to study in America, you can find out here.
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Application and admission to an American university
Many myths surround the admissions processes of American universities. Basically, you have two options to study in the US:
- A semester abroad
- A full course of study in America
If you would like to spend a semester abroad in the USA, it makes sense to find out about partnerships with American universities at your current university. The easiest way to get that coveted university place. It is also advisable to look directly for an exchange program, as here many things will be taken off your shoulders by the university or organization. In addition to this, you will probably receive financial benefits or even concrete financial support.
If you want to apply for an exchange place, you can usually do this at your German university or at the exchange program directly.
For an application you need the following documents:
- Letter of motivation (in English)
- Your application form (usually found on your university's website or exchange program)
- Letters of recommendation from (at least) two professors
- Scorecard
- Possibly the certificate of a language test
- Possibly your passport
Make sure to apply on time as many American universities have long deadlines in advance. You should be prepared for a long approval process here.
If you have a full course of study in the United States in mind, there are other requirements to consider.
Basically you should apply to several universities in any case. The probability of being rejected is high. Not all universities have places for foreign students and if they do, they are usually in high demand. you should attach importance to an expressive application. Also, you must not forget that your high school diploma may not be recognized by the university. But you can find out about this in advance at the university. Many colleges in America are looking for that "certain something". Therefore, they want to see what you have up your sleeve. Some universities prefer applicants who are very active in sports, others attach importance to honorary activities. You can also find information about these preferences on the website of the respective university.
Again, please make sure to meet all deadlines and submit all important documents early.
Tuition fees in the USA
Universities in America are not organized by the state. This means that they act like companies, which have to think economically and generate revenue. The system is most comparable to private universities in Germany. Basically you should expect costs of 2.000 and 35.000 dollars per year. Finally, the fees vary from university to university. The more prestigious the university, the higher the fee. If you study in America as part of an exchange program, you often do not pay any fees. However, you should not rub this in the faces of American students, as this is often perceived as unfair there.
Financing a study in America
Studying in the USA is not cheap. You should keep this in mind. There are some costs, which already start with the flight. But there are a few ways to get financial aid.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships for young people who want to study in the USA. We have compiled a few for you:
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Scholarships of the DAAD
- Scholarships from the German National Academic Foundation
Bafog abroad
In addition to scholarships, there is the possibility to apply for Bafog abroad. This is based on the financial situation of the family. Even if you don't get a regular Bafog, you should try to apply for one. The limits for the foreign Bafog are usually higher. Take a look at different cities; living in San Francisco, for example, is comparatively expensive.
Education loans
If you are not able to get a scholarship or the Bafog abroad, there is always the possibility to take out an educational loan. This is offered by various banks and is usually accompanied by very low interest rates. You have to pay back the money, but you don't have to worry about horrendous interest surcharges.
Attention: When planning your stay abroad, you should also consider your health insurance. An international health insurance especially for students will help you there.
