Study and Work Opportunities in the United States of America

Studying in the United States is the topping wish list of most students from developing countries, including students from developed countries. However, this may seem difficult as some students don't know how to get started. The costs and requirements of studying in the US, and whether universities in the United States accept international students are some of the factors that discourage international students.

However, as an international student, you shouldn't let such worries stop you from achieving your dream of studying in one of the best countries in the world. This article outlines the different study and work opportunities available in the USA for international students to make their study experience seamless. Continue reading to learn more.

Study Opportunities in the United States of America

Meanwhile, let's quickly take a look at the top 10 universities in the USA that easily admit international students. Each year, many international students are admitted into US universities. Here are some of the top universities that receive a high number of international students and will do this without much stress.

• Ohio State University, Columbus
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University of Washington
• University of Texas, Dallas
• Boston University
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Colombia University
• Arizona State University, Tempe
• University of California, San Diego
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Scholarships for International Students in the USA

International students can find several scholarship opportunities in the US to help lower the cost of studying and living in the States. While some of these scholarship opportunities require the IELTS Certification, there are others you can apply for without it. The following scholarships are awarded by top US organizations and universities and, in most cases, requiring No IELTS to apply:

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States at U.S. universities or other academic institutions.

American University Emerging Leaders Scholarship

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is targeted to high-achieving international students who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in the US and who are dedicated to positive civic and social change. It is intended for students who will be to returning home to improve under-resourced, underserved communities in his/her home country.

Harvard Business School MBA Scholarships

Harvard business school provides one of the largest pool of scholarship money of any top 25 MBA school, with 65% of MBA students receiving some sort of financial assistance. Need-based awards in the form of scholarships and fellowships can be found in the range of $5,000 to full tuition plus monthly stipends.

Clark University Scholarships

Clark University offers the Clark Global Scholars Program which are open to first-year applicants (not a transfer student) who has attended school overseas for at least four years as well as international citizens attending school in the United States. A scholarship of $15,000 to $25,000 per year (for four years, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal) and a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship or research assistantship taken for academic credit during the summer following your sophomore or junior year is included with the award.

Global Undergraduate Exchange Program of USA

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (also known as the Global UGRAD Program) provides one semester scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students from around the world for non-degree full-time study combined with community service, professional development, and cultural enrichment. Global UGRAD is administered by World Learning on behalf of U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships

The vision of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is to educate and develop academically qualified yet economically disadvantaged young people in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent. This program will provide students in secondary school and university with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to contribute to economic and social progress across Africa.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is for experienced professionals interested in strengthening their leadership skills through a mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding about issues of common concern in the U.S. and Fellows’ home countries.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides a year of professional enrichment in the United States for experienced professionals from designated countries throughout the world. Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or private sector.  The fellowships are full grants covering all related expenses.

Work Opportunities in the USA for International Students

Another great strategy to lower the cost of education and living is to work while you are a student in the United States, while acquiring useful work experience. International students can find several employment opportunities in the US. The following categories apply to these jobs:

On-Campus Jobs

International students with an F1 visa can typically find these job types during their first year of school. These are jobs that can be found on campus or in associated organizations off campus. Jobs on campus may directly assist students and are related to the school’s curriculum. Mailroom clerk, college teaching assistant, barista, student library assistant, and campus ambassador are a few examples of on-campus professions.

Off-Campus Jobs

International students who have finished their first academic year are eligible to work off campus. Students who are experiencing financial hardship, such as losing a job on campus that was not their fault, losing financial aid, seeing a sharp increase in tuition or living expenses, etc., can also apply. Cashier, retail sales associate, bank teller, driver, and social media assistant are a few examples of off-campus employment.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Employment under CPT are temporary permits that provide students at US universities practical experience in their subject of study. Students are not constrained by restrictions on work hours and can work full-time at CPT positions. Internships, summer internships, or co-ops that are either paid or unpaid positions can serve as curricular practical training.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT jobs are relevant to your field of study as well. Students qualified for optional practical training can get employment for up to 12 months, working 20 hours every week. There are two types of OPT: pre- and post-completion.

• Pre-completion OPT is open to students who have gone through one academic year in the US and their programs are still ongoing. They can work full time during holidays and 20 hours weekly during school sessions.
• Post-completion OPT is open to students when they complete their studies. They can work full time or 20 hours every week. Students with STEM degrees can do OPT jobs for 24 months.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, international students studying in the USA have the opportunity to work part-time and earn up to $30,000 annually. The children will make new friends, gain work experience, and have extra money in their pockets. We hop this article will help answr some of your questions regarding study and employment opportunities in the US.