Savanna Hoffman
International students are classified as nonimmigrants, meaning they are in a country temporarily to complete a program of study. International students must navigate a unique set of rules, visa requirements, and cultural adjustments. They may also be eligible for certain benefits, such as part-time work or the option to transfer to another school. This guide will explore the steps international students can take to successfully transition to their host country, covering topics such as visa applications, cultural integration, and the academic journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | UK, USA, Canada |
| Student Status | Nonimmigrant, Refugee, Asylum seeker, F-1, M-1, F-2, M-2 |
| Requirements | Proficiency in English, Sufficient funds, Residence abroad |
| Resources | UCAS Hub, UKCISA, Study in the States, EducationUSA, USCIS |
| Opportunities | Part-time jobs, Work after graduation, Optional practical training (OPT) |
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What You'll Learn
International student visas
International students need to obtain a visa to study in a foreign country. The visa requirements and types vary depending on the host country and the nature of the course. Here is an overview of the visa process for international students in the United States and the United Kingdom, two of the most popular destinations for international students.
The United States offers several types of visas for international students, with the most common ones being the F-1 and M-1 visas. The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while the M-1 visa is for those enrolled in vocational studies. To be eligible for either of these visas, students must be enrolled in a programme or course of study that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and must be authorised by the US government to accept foreign students. Additionally, students must be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency and must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
Another type of visa is the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs. This includes visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants. Holders of F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas may be eligible to work in the US, but their employment is typically restricted to on-campus jobs or positions related to their field of study.
The visa requirements for international students in the UK depend on the student's country of origin. Students from countries outside the EU/EEA (excluding Switzerland) have always needed a visa to study in the UK. After Brexit, students from the EU/EEA who started studying after January 2021 also need an international student visa.
If the duration of the course is less than six months, a Standard Visitor visa is required. This visa does not allow the holder to work in the UK, except for electives as part of specific courses. For longer courses, students need to apply for a Student visa, which allows them to work during their stay. There is also a Short-term study visa for courses between six and eleven months, which is applicable for English language courses.
Additional Considerations for International Students
International students should be mindful of their social media presence, as some countries' immigration authorities may screen applicants' social media accounts during the visa process. It is important to familiarise yourself with the visa requirements and restrictions of your intended destination country and plan your finances accordingly, as you may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses. Additionally, consider the cost of international shipping or storage solutions for your belongings when moving overseas as an international student.
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Funding and scholarships
Funding your education as an international student can be challenging, but there are many scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities available to help you pursue your dream of an international education. Here are some tips and resources to help you get started:
Scholarship Websites
There are several websites that provide comprehensive listings of scholarships specifically for international students. These sites allow you to search for scholarships based on criteria such as location, subject of study, and student origin. Some popular websites include:
- InternationalScholarships.com: This site offers over 2,000 scholarships for international students, along with financial aid resources and information on study abroad loans.
- IEFA.org: IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) is a premier database for international scholarships and grants. It also provides information on international student loan programs.
- EduPASS: This site offers a searchable database of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other financial information for international students.
- InternationalStudent.com: In addition to scholarship listings, this site features schools that are actively looking for international students and provides country-specific information.
Government Scholarships
Many governments offer scholarships and financial support to international students. For example, the UK government provides a variety of scholarship programs, including the GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships. The US government also offers scholarships through organizations like Fulbright and MPOWER Financing.
University Scholarships
Universities themselves often provide scholarships and financial aid for international students. These can be subject-specific scholarships offered by individual departments or scholarships for specific groups, such as refugees, asylum seekers, or students with disabilities. Contact the universities you are interested in to inquire about their scholarship opportunities.
Private Sponsors and Organizations
In addition to government and university scholarships, there are many private organizations and sponsors that offer scholarships for international students. These can include foundations, non-profit organizations, or companies that support international education. Don't be afraid to reach out and inquire about funding opportunities.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships are specifically tailored for students from certain regions or countries. For example, the MPOWER/InternationalStudent.com Central America Scholarship Program offers up to $3,000 for students from Central America. There are also scholarships for students from developing countries or specific countries, such as China or Australia.
Remember to start your search early, create accounts on scholarship websites to track your applications, and carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. With perseverance and a proactive approach, you can secure the funding you need to make your international education a reality.
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Shipping and storage
International students have several options when it comes to moving their items, with some companies offering affordable and reliable shipping and storage services. Collegeboxes, for instance, is a leading student storage and shipping company that provides full-service college moving, summer storage, and door-to-door delivery across the U.S. and Canada. Their services include pickup from your dorm or apartment, with options for storage or worldwide shipping. They also offer study abroad storage and shipping, making the process of moving in and out of the dorm room or apartment much easier.
Another option for international students is Student Storage Box, which offers economical international moving services, including free shipping boxes. They also provide the flexibility of choosing a storage and moving service with an early return date, which can be extended if needed. Additionally, they deliver empty boxes to your desired location and allow you to order extra boxes without any additional charges for moving them.
When considering shipping and storage services, it is important to evaluate your specific needs and compare the offerings of different companies. Some key factors to consider include cost, convenience, flexibility, and the reliability of the service provider. By choosing a suitable option, you can ensure a stress-free moving experience as you transition to a new phase of your student life.
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Health insurance
International students in the US have a variety of health insurance options available to them. It is important to verify your visa requirements before purchasing coverage, as your host country may require insurance. You will not be covered by either public or private health plans in your home country when living or travelling abroad for extended periods, and you may not have access to the national health insurance program in your destination country.
International Student Insurance (ISI) is a popular option, offering reliable and affordable international student insurance plans with a 5-star customer service rating. Their plans are designed to meet visa requirements and provide coverage that schools want, such as mental health, sports, and maternity. They offer plans for short and extended stays, including J Visa health insurance plans that meet US Department of State requirements.
ISO International Student Health Insurance is another option, providing coverage anywhere in the USA and worldwide, with access to over one million doctors. Their plans are affordable, comprehensive, and meet school requirements. They offer dedicated health insurance plans for F1 visa international students, J1 visa scholars and students, F1-OPT holders, and F2/J2 dependents.
IMG also provides international student health insurance, with worldwide coverage, international claims specialists, and access to 24/7 emergency assistance services with multilingual capabilities. Their plans are designed to meet J-1 and J-2 visa requirements and are available to students on an F-1 visa.
When choosing an international student health insurance plan, it is important to consider your budget, the specific coverage you need, and any requirements set by your school or host country.
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Part-time jobs
International students often take up part-time jobs to offset their costs, gain work experience, and build their resumes. While working part-time as an international student is allowed on most visas, there are strict rules and restrictions in place by the US government.
On-campus jobs
On-campus jobs are a popular choice for international students as universities often have policies that make it easier to secure these roles. These jobs rarely interfere with a student's academics and offer flexible schedules. Examples of on-campus jobs include working at a university bookstore, cafeteria, or library. International students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during annual breaks.
Off-campus jobs
Off-campus work for international students in the US must be authorized by the exchange student's sponsor and university. For F-1 visa students, off-campus employment must be with an employer educationally affiliated with the school. For M-1 visa holders, off-campus work is not permitted during the course of their studies, but they can work full-time in a practical training role related to their vocation after completing their vocational studies.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a type of off-campus employment that is an integral part of an international student's degree program or a requirement for a course. CPT employment must be directly related to the student's major or field of study and can be part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a program that allows international students in the US to work temporarily in jobs related to their field of study. OPT can be pre-completion or post-completion, with the latter allowing students to work after graduation. Students with STEM degrees can request a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.
Work in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet certain requirements. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a student visa and a basic knowledge of immigration. You must also prove that you have the necessary level of English, which varies between universities and courses.
The US government categorises international students as nonimmigrants, meaning they are in the country temporarily to complete a program of study. There are two types of nonimmigrant visas: F-1 and M-1. To obtain either, you must be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support yourself, and maintain a residence abroad.
You will need to apply for a study permit and research the requirements for working while you study.
Yes, international students can work part-time while studying in the UK. However, you must familiarise yourself with the visa rules and ensure compliance with UK laws and visa conditions.
F-1 and M-1 students can work off-campus, but the employment must be related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
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