Want to study in the USA this summer?
Summer is a wonderful time to continue your studies and explore the U.S. With the right planning, you'll have an exciting and rewarding experience studying abroad in the U.S.!
How can I afford it?
Spending a summer studying abroad in the U.S. can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. So much can be gained from the people you meet, the events you experience, and the lessons you learn - the memories you create during a summer in the U.S. can be some of the best of your life!
As an international student studying in the summer, you may experience the U.S. educational system in very different ways than you would during the regular academic year. Many times, you will find that summer study abroad programs are more relaxed than semester or year-long programs, allowing you to more fully experience American culture.
If you choose your location and school carefully, you can combine the best features of a vacation abroad with actual study. You can improve your English language fluency, acquire new professional skills and deepen your understanding of life in the USA.
International students can do all of this for an affordable price. The cost of attending summer school in the United States is low compared to the cost of studying for a full year. Plus, even if it is just for one summer, your education in the United States is an investment that will reward you for a lifetime.
Cost of summer programs
The amount you spend will depend primarily on how long you study in the U.S. Summer sessions usually last between 4 and 12 weeks.
You can find up-to-date information about the cost and length of summer courses on a university or college's program website and in its catalog. Go to the "Contact Us" form on the school's profile page on StudyUSA.com . Write directly to the summer session office or English language program at each school you are interested in, and mention Study in the U.S. when writing. When you write.
It is difficult to estimate average total expenses for summer study in the U.S. because tuition and fees vary widely from school to school. One program may include the full cost from start to finish, while another has a lower fee, but charges separately for meals, lodging, etc. To make your own comparisons, here are some of the costs you can expect.
Application Fee:
When you apply to study in a summer program, you will submit an application fee with your application. This non-refundable application fee can range from $30 to $75. Most institutions accept credit cards, or you can pay by check or money transfer.
Admission to some summer programs is selective. You may be asked to send copies of your transcripts (grades) from the school or university you last attended. If your native language is not English, you may also be asked to provide your TOEFL or IELTS score. If your TOEFL or IELTS score is below a certain level, the school may refer you to the English language program, or you may have to take an English language placement test when you arrive.
Not all U.S. institutions require the TOEFL or IELTS test for international students. Community colleges often do not require the TOEFL or IELTS test. Students who are not particularly confident with their English should consider a summer intensive English program or begin their studies in a summer program at a community college.
Tuition:
Summer program costs vary so much from program to program and school to school that any average price would be misleading. The quality of a program does not depend on its cost. You will consider cost when choosing a program, but education, experience, personal attention, facilities, geographic location, opportunities to participate in activities and excursions with other students are important factors that should determine your final decision. Prioritize what is most important to you and start looking for the perfect match to begin your exciting summer adventure in the USA!
Similarly, there is no typical or average price for English language programs. Important factors to consider are accreditation, university and TOEFL preparation, class size, hours of instruction, and what workshops, activities or services are included in the tuition.
Health Services and Insurance:
Most summer programs charge a health service fee of approximately US$50 to US$80. For this fee, students can use the school's clinic for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses.
Because medical costs in the U.S. are extremely high, you should also purchase medical and accident insurance if the program does not offer an insurance plan to its students. Many schools may require you to have separate medical insurance. Please factor this into your budget.
Write to the school's international student advisor or ask your country's academic advisor about health insurance plans and options before traveling to the U.S. Also, always check what the school requires.
Other charges:
You will pay special fees if you use a science lab, fine arts studio or athletic facilities.
Room and board:
You can live in a dorm during the summer at most U.S. universities and colleges, although many community colleges do not provide housing, so plan accordingly. On-campus rooms are generally available for summer program students who want them.
Most schools offer a room and board payment plan. In this case, you would pay for both your room and your meals in the cafeteria or dining hall. You can also purchase food at the school's cafeterias or at the campus center. Many campuses now offer a variety of food and coffee options in addition to the cafeteria. One advantage of living in the dorms is that the lower rent in the dorms often offsets the higher cost of living. However, if you prefer to live off-campus in an apartment, keep in mind that costs, furnishings and availability will vary greatly by location. Some cities have very little affordable student housing, and choosing this option can be risky, as you may not find housing as quickly as you had hoped and could incur very high hotel costs.
The cost of renting an off-campus apartment varies widely depending on the type of housing you find and the city you select. The United States is a large and economically diverse country, so the cost of living is very different from place to place. Metropolitan cities are generally going to be more expensive.
Books and Subjects:
Students in the U.S. buy their own textbooks, notebooks, and other supplies. You can save a lot of money by buying used books. This can be done at your campus bookstore or online. We recommend www.efollet.com or www.amazon.com for used book deals. At the end of your summer course, you may be able to sell your textbooks at the bookstore or online to other students.
However, you may want to keep them so that you can continue your studies of the English language and American culture at home. Don't let your adventures abroad end at the end of your program!
Personal expenses:
You will pay up to several hundred dollars a month for transportation, entertainment, and necessities such as soap, toothpaste, and stamps. You will also pay for laundry and dry cleaning. You can often find a self-service laundromat (coin- or debit card-operated washer and dryer) in your residence hall or near campus.
Payment
Students are not always required to register in advance for summer programs. At many schools, you can register and pay your tuition during the first week of classes. However, as an international student, you should plan ahead and reserve space in the course you wish to attend by writing to the program office well in advance.
U.S. banks often delay payment of money being transferred from foreign banks. Students should bring debit cards or have their money available in a checking account. Most programs accept credit cards. It is also a good idea to request a small amount of U.S. currency during the first few days in the U.S. to take care of immediate needs, such as a cab or shuttle service home from the airport. Keep in mind that you will also need large sums of money during the first few days of your program for things like rental deposits, textbooks, course fees, etc. Be prepared!
Financial Aid and Working in the U.S.
Financial aid is almost never available for summer study, even for U.S. students. Therefore, do not plan to finance even a portion of your summer experience through college scholarships.
You may be able to get a private loan to cover the cost of summer study abroad, with your parents or someone else as a co-signer. It may seem like a lot of money to spend, but consider it an investment in yourself and your future - study abroad in the U.S. now, before the realities of student loans and full-time work prohibit you from fulfilling your travel dreams!
The U.S. government regulates the employment of international students. International students cannot work during their first academic year in the United States. You may be able to work at an on-campus job. Ask the schools you are interested in if these opportunities are available in the summer. In addition, spouses of students on F visas (the majority of students) cannot work while in the U.S.
Once you have experienced the life-changing effects of studying abroad, you will probably want to return to the U.S. to study for a longer period of time. True appreciation of another culture and people often takes a year or more. Cross-cultural immersion is a lifelong gift you give yourself and provides you with a special ability to understand other cultures that you can't get anywhere else.
Summer is a wonderful time to continue your studies and explore the United States. With proper planning, you will have an exciting and rewarding experience! Start today: plan your next summer adventure abroad to learn English and experience the United States first hand.
Summer is a wonderful time to continue your studies and explore the U.S. With the right planning, you'll have an exciting and rewarding experience studying abroad in the U.S.!
How can I afford it?
Spending a summer studying abroad in the U.S. can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. So much can be gained from the people you meet, the events you experience, and the lessons you learn - the memories you create during a summer in the U.S. can be some of the best of your life!
As an international student studying in the summer, you may experience the U.S. educational system in very different ways than you would during the regular academic year. Many times, you will find that summer study abroad programs are more relaxed than semester or year-long programs, allowing you to more fully experience American culture.
If you choose your location and school carefully, you can combine the best features of a vacation abroad with actual study. You can improve your English language fluency, acquire new professional skills and deepen your understanding of life in the USA.
International students can do all of this for an affordable price. The cost of attending summer school in the United States is low compared to the cost of studying for a full year. Plus, even if it is just for one summer, your education in the United States is an investment that will reward you for a lifetime.
Cost of summer programs
The amount you spend will depend primarily on how long you study in the U.S. Summer sessions usually last between 4 and 12 weeks.
You can find up-to-date information about the cost and length of summer courses on a university or college's program website and in its catalog. Go to the "Contact Us" form on the school's profile page on StudyUSA.com . Write directly to the summer session office or English language program at each school you are interested in, and mention Study in the U.S. when writing. When you write.
It is difficult to estimate average total expenses for summer study in the U.S. because tuition and fees vary widely from school to school. One program may include the full cost from start to finish, while another has a lower fee, but charges separately for meals, lodging, etc. To make your own comparisons, here are some of the costs you can expect.
Application Fee:
When you apply to study in a summer program, you will submit an application fee with your application. This non-refundable application fee can range from $30 to $75. Most institutions accept credit cards, or you can pay by check or money transfer.
Admission to some summer programs is selective. You may be asked to send copies of your transcripts (grades) from the school or university you last attended. If your native language is not English, you may also be asked to provide your TOEFL or IELTS score. If your TOEFL or IELTS score is below a certain level, the school may refer you to the English language program, or you may have to take an English language placement test when you arrive.
Not all U.S. institutions require the TOEFL or IELTS test for international students. Community colleges often do not require the TOEFL or IELTS test. Students who are not particularly confident with their English should consider a summer intensive English program or begin their studies in a summer program at a community college.
Tuition:
Summer program costs vary so much from program to program and school to school that any average price would be misleading. The quality of a program does not depend on its cost. You will consider cost when choosing a program, but education, experience, personal attention, facilities, geographic location, opportunities to participate in activities and excursions with other students are important factors that should determine your final decision. Prioritize what is most important to you and start looking for the perfect match to begin your exciting summer adventure in the USA!
Similarly, there is no typical or average price for English language programs. Important factors to consider are accreditation, university and TOEFL preparation, class size, hours of instruction, and what workshops, activities or services are included in the tuition.
Health Services and Insurance:
Most summer programs charge a health service fee of approximately US$50 to US$80. For this fee, students can use the school's clinic for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses.
Because medical costs in the U.S. are extremely high, you should also purchase medical and accident insurance if the program does not offer an insurance plan to its students. Many schools may require you to have separate medical insurance. Please factor this into your budget.
Write to the school's international student advisor or ask your country's academic advisor about health insurance plans and options before traveling to the U.S. Also, always check what the school requires.
Other charges:
You will pay special fees if you use a science lab, fine arts studio or athletic facilities.
Room and board:
You can live in a dorm during the summer at most U.S. universities and colleges, although many community colleges do not provide housing, so plan accordingly. On-campus rooms are generally available for summer program students who want them.
Most schools offer a room and board payment plan. In this case, you would pay for both your room and your meals in the cafeteria or dining hall. You can also purchase food at the school's cafeterias or at the campus center. Many campuses now offer a variety of food and coffee options in addition to the cafeteria. One advantage of living in the dorms is that the lower rent in the dorms often offsets the higher cost of living. However, if you prefer to live off-campus in an apartment, keep in mind that costs, furnishings and availability will vary greatly by location. Some cities have very little affordable student housing, and choosing this option can be risky, as you may not find housing as quickly as you had hoped and could incur very high hotel costs.
The cost of renting an off-campus apartment varies widely depending on the type of housing you find and the city you select. The United States is a large and economically diverse country, so the cost of living is very different from place to place. Metropolitan cities are generally going to be more expensive.
Books and Subjects:
Students in the U.S. buy their own textbooks, notebooks, and other supplies. You can save a lot of money by buying used books. This can be done at your campus bookstore or online. We recommend www.efollet.com or www.amazon.com for used book deals. At the end of your summer course, you may be able to sell your textbooks at the bookstore or online to other students.
However, you may want to keep them so that you can continue your studies of the English language and American culture at home. Don't let your adventures abroad end at the end of your program!
Personal expenses:
You will pay up to several hundred dollars a month for transportation, entertainment, and necessities such as soap, toothpaste, and stamps. You will also pay for laundry and dry cleaning. You can often find a self-service laundromat (coin- or debit card-operated washer and dryer) in your residence hall or near campus.
Payment
Students are not always required to register in advance for summer programs. At many schools, you can register and pay your tuition during the first week of classes. However, as an international student, you should plan ahead and reserve space in the course you wish to attend by writing to the program office well in advance.
U.S. banks often delay payment of money being transferred from foreign banks. Students should bring debit cards or have their money available in a checking account. Most programs accept credit cards. It is also a good idea to request a small amount of U.S. currency during the first few days in the U.S. to take care of immediate needs, such as a cab or shuttle service home from the airport. Keep in mind that you will also need large sums of money during the first few days of your program for things like rental deposits, textbooks, course fees, etc. Be prepared!
Financial Aid and Working in the U.S.
Financial aid is almost never available for summer study, even for U.S. students. Therefore, do not plan to finance even a portion of your summer experience through college scholarships.
You may be able to get a private loan to cover the cost of summer study abroad, with your parents or someone else as a co-signer. It may seem like a lot of money to spend, but consider it an investment in yourself and your future - study abroad in the U.S. now, before the realities of student loans and full-time work prohibit you from fulfilling your travel dreams!
The U.S. government regulates the employment of international students. International students cannot work during their first academic year in the United States. You may be able to work at an on-campus job. Ask the schools you are interested in if these opportunities are available in the summer. In addition, spouses of students on F visas (the majority of students) cannot work while in the U.S.
Once you have experienced the life-changing effects of studying abroad, you will probably want to return to the U.S. to study for a longer period of time. True appreciation of another culture and people often takes a year or more. Cross-cultural immersion is a lifelong gift you give yourself and provides you with a special ability to understand other cultures that you can't get anywhere else.
Summer is a wonderful time to continue your studies and explore the United States. With proper planning, you will have an exciting and rewarding experience! Start today: plan your next summer adventure abroad to learn English and experience the United States first hand.