Explaining the incredibly diverse U.S. higher education landscape and decentralized admission process for thousands of U.S. institutions is a monumental task. EducationUSA has simplified the path a prospective international student takes to in order to reach their goal of studying in the United States with “Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study“:

1. Research Your Options

The first step to studying in the United States is researching your options to find a college or university that best fits your needs. You shouldn’t try to match yourself to the school, but rather find the school that matches you, your priorities, and long-term goals.

2. Finance Your Studies

Invest in yourself! The cost of living and studying varies across the United States. With the right amount of planning and research, pursuing a U.S. higher education can be made affordable with high returns on your investment. Start your financial planning as early as possible.

3. Complete Your Application

Applying for U.S. study is a task that takes time and concentration as each application is different and involves collecting recommendations, writing essays, and sending results of required standard examinations. Plan to give this step the time it deserves for a successful result. Make sure you are aware of the different university requirements, standardized tests and deadlines.

4. Apply for Your Student Visa

Information about visas and travel can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website  and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States. More information about non-immigrant visas for Mozambicans can be found on the U.S. Consular Mozambique webpage.

5. Prepare for Your Departure

This final step includes making your travel arrangements, gathering pre-departure materials and collecting documents for arrival. EducationUSA advising centers organize pre-departure orientations for students getting ready to depart for the United States. Topics discussed include cultural differences, motivation, changes from your home environment, academic systems and expectations, housing, and coping in a new cultural setting. Contact us to register for a pre-departure orientation.

Whether you plan to pursue a short-term or full degree program in the United States, EducationUSA has the resources you need in ‘Your Five Steps to U.S. Study’. On the primary EducationUSA website, you will also find a wealth of information designed for international students.