The program helps students from around the world apply to and join American institutions for higher studies.
As part of the worldwide network of US government’s State Department, EducationUSA often stands out for being the go-to hub for student queries and assistance about studying in the United States.
The program helps students from around the world apply to and join American institutions for higher studies.
Adib Mohammad is a Bangladeshi who went to the United States through EducationUSA.
• Where are you now and how are you adjusting?
I am studying Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This is my fourth year in the United States. Looking back to where I began, I have undergone many developments in every aspect of myself, both personal and professional.
• How did you learn about EducationUSA?
After finishing my A’levels, I decided to take a gap year to work on my extracurricular activities and get more exposure to real world problems we are facing as a nation in Bangladesh. At the same time, I was looking for opportunities to study abroad and make the best out of the prime years of my life. This is when I started gathering information from my seniors at school and coaching center, and I came across EducationUSA and all the wonderful resources it has to offer.
• What did EducationUSA provide you with?
EducationUSA is a platform that guided me to become a successful university applicant. There are so many resources a student can use to prepare for the SAT, SAT subject tests, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS and many more standardized tests that are required by certain universities for admissions. During my time spent at EducationUSA, I extensively used the available resources to prepare for the SAT and IELTS. Most importantly, the application guidelines provided by EducationUSA are simple and straightforward. Any student who correctly follows the guidelines is destined for success when they come to study in the United States.
To me, EducationUSA is more than just a resource center. I got to meet many talented individuals and network with many people from different walks of life.
• How was the application process as described by EducationUSA?
The application process involved five steps in sequence.
First you start with researching universities that is the best fit for you based on your long-term goals and not the other way around where you are trying to match with what the university is looking for.
After shortlisting the universities that you are interested in, you plan on financing your studies: see how much you can afford in terms of tuition and living expenses as these major expenses vary across the United States. This is also the best time to research on various scholarships available at the prospective universities.
Once you are ready with your standardized test scores, recommendation letters, school transcripts and any other requirements from the university, you submit your completed application. Next, you apply for your student visa after receiving acceptance offer and choosing the university that is the vest fit for you out of all the acceptances.
Finally, you attend a pre-departure orientation at EducationUSA and get ready for your departure to study in the United States!
• What would you recommend the future student applicants to the United States?
Use the resources at EducationUSA as it guides you throughout the application process and shows you how all the aspects of the application can be done.
Take full advantage of the university fairs that happen throughout the year where you get to directly network with university representatives.
EducationUSA is the only place you need to go for creating successful applications. I strongly urge students to stay away from third parties who charge extravagant amount of money. With the help of EducationUSA, all students can complete the application themselves.
Focus on self-growth outside of school by volunteering, coding bootcamps, Olympiads, playing a musical instrument etc. You will get to know about your abilities in the process. Also, make sure you do a lot of research on universities, ask for recommendation letters early from teachers, and start preparing for the standardized tests early. In other words, be strong in networking and try to be a generalist. Surround yourself and seek for students who are trying to reach the same goals as you are so that you have a support system and grow with the people around you.
Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
