Tech Valley is a welcoming and diverse place to pursue a higher education. Thousands of international students from more than a hundred different countries study in Tech Valley each year and take advantage of the region’s vast educational opportunities, ideal location and cultural offerings.
Tech Valley students are native to countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Guam, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Panama, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela.
Tech Valley is a richer place because of the presence and contributions of international students.
The region is ideally situated for students studying abroad. Besides offering a world class education, Tech Valley colleges are located within a short drive to cultural hubs such as Montreal, New York City and Boston. Schools will often arrange bus trips – sometimes specifically for international students – to these cities.
Admissions ProcessEach school has a different admissions process for international students. Carefully read a school’s admissions policy to make sure you have fully satisfied each requirement and have met application deadlines before applying. If you do not understand any part of the admissions process, contact the school’s admissions office. It is suggested that you begin the application process 10 to 12 months before you intend to begin classes.
Most schools will require exam results from the
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and/or
Test of Spoken English. The
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may also be accepted. The purpose of these tests is to determine your level of English proficiency and to enable your school to meet your academic needs. Standardized tests such as the
SAT or
ACT may also be required.
Other requirements may include:
- Evidence of adequate financial resources to pay for educational and living expenses
- High school or secondary school transcript. For transfer students this may include your college transcript.
- Medical records showing immunizations against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and tuberculosis.
- A certificate of student health insurance indicating coverage for the duration of study in the U.S. You may be able (or be required) to purchase health insurance through your school once on campus.
Visas & PassportsOnce accepted, the school will provide you with USCIS Form I-20. If you require a visa, you must take Form I-20 to your country’s (or the nearest) U.S. consulate to obtain an F-1 student visa. You must also prove to the consulate that you have the financial resources required for your education and stay in the United States.
The time required to obtain a student visa from the U.S. Consulate varies from country to country. It is recommended that you start the process at least two months in advance of your departure.
You will also need a valid passport from your home country. Most passports are good for a limited period of time. Your passport must be valid at all times after you arrive in the United States. If your passport will expire during your stay in the U.S., you must contact the nearest Consulate or Embassy of your country in the U.S. to renew it.
You are allowed to stay in the United States for as long as you are enrolled as a full-time student and progressing toward completion of your course of study. You may be allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to twelve months beyond graduation to pursue training. At the end of your studies or training, you will have sixty days to leave the country.
For more student immigration and visa information or if you are in the U.S. on another nonimmigrant visa and you wish to study full time, visit the
U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services Web site.
Financial Assistance & Employment
Financial aid – including scholarships, loans and grants – specifically for international students may also be available. Contact the school’s financial aid office to learn more about financial assistance.
You may be eligible to work on-campus or off-campus after the completion of your first year of study although accompanying spouses and children may not accept employment. The main reason for your stay in the U.S. is to be a full-time student, not to work. U.S law, however, provides you with opportunities to accept employment as long as the job augments your education and does not suspend it. You may not drop below full-time student status in order to work. Proper authorization through the International Student Services office of the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must be obtained before any on-campus or off-campus work commences.
As long as you maintain full-time enrollment, you may take an on-campus, part-time job of no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. When school is not in session – typically during the summer months – international students may work full-time on-campus.
After maintaining full-time status for one full academic year (fall and spring semesters), you may be eligible to work off-campus. As with on-campus work, employment off-campus may not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. Contact DHS for authorization to work off-campus.
Housing
While most schools provide on-campus or college-owned housing, some schools may not provide on-campus accomodations. Students, therefore, must find their own housing. This often means renting an apartment. Landlords typically require an initial payment of the first month’s rent, last month’s rent and a security deposit (usually equal to a month’s rent). Most apartments are unfurnished.
Living off campus will also require a method of transportation to get to and from classes. Some accommodations may be within walking or biking distance of the campus. If not, public transportation may be available or you may need to purchase a car.
A home stay with an American family is also possible.
Orientation
Colleges typically offer a comprehensive orientation program to introduce international students to their new surroundings and assist them in adjusting to college life and the cultural differences in U.S. classrooms. During these programs, you may meet fellow international students and the school’s staff and faculty.
Campus Life
Professional mentoring and counseling are provided throughout your educational experience as well as international student advisors who will help ease the adjustment to college life in the United States.
International students will find a culturally diverse campus life and may participate in a number of ethnic clubs and events. Most campuses support an international student organization or similar group that fosters a strong sense of community among international students. These organizations typically sponsor educational and entertaining events such as food festivals, formals, movie series, panel discussions and lectures. Perhaps more importantly, these groups provide assistance and support for students adjusting to the challenges college.
Just as importantly, international students are encouraged to take part in American traditions and festivities. For example, during Thanksgiving – a time when most schools take a short break – a school’s local students, staff and faulty often will invite international students to celebrate the holiday with their families.
English as a Second Language (ESL) programs may also be offered. These classes help to improve non-native English speakers with their English proficiency before they begin classes.