Janice Lozano
Sending gifts to international students is a great way to show your support and care. Practical gifts such as travel adapters, portable chargers, and luggage locks can be extremely useful for students abroad. To make their travel experience more comfortable, you can consider gifting them a travel pillow, a lightweight towel, or a compact laundry bag. To help them capture their memories, a camera, a journal, or a selfie stick can be wonderful gifts. For students moving to a different climate, clothing items suitable for the weather, such as a versatile coat, can be a thoughtful gift. Including a piece of your culture, such as iconic snacks or local treats, can also be a delightful addition to their welcome package.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | F or M visa, depending on the course of study and type of school |
| Form I-20 | "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," issued by the school after acceptance |
| Passport | Must be valid for at least six months after the date of reentry |
| SEVP Certification | Required for schools enrolling F and M students |
| Financial Aid | Limited scholarships and aid available for international students; private and public institutions may waive application fees |
| Money Transfer | Traditional banks charge fees for sending and exchanging money; consider money transfer specialists or non-bank payment service providers |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for international students
International students often find it challenging to secure fully funded scholarships. However, several scholarship opportunities are available for international students, and below are some of them:
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial aid for their graduate studies. The scholarships are 50% grant and 50% loan.
Foreign Fulbright Student Program
The Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships to graduate students worldwide, as well as young professionals and artists, who wish to study in the USA.
MPOWER Financing
MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students. Its Global Citizen Scholarship Program is offered throughout the year and has broad eligibility criteria. MPOWER also offers scholarships for students from Central America.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. This scholarship is for students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and are applying for a development-related Master's program.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the USA.
The College Board
The College Board provides scholarship and other financial aid and internship information from more than 2,200 programs.
IEFA
IEFA is a database of scholarships for international students, providing information on international scholarship and grant opportunities.
International students can also use EducationUSA's Find Financial Aid tool and visit their local EducationUSA advising centre for more information about the options available to them.
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Money transfer services
When choosing a money transfer service, it is important to select a reputable provider that is licensed and regulated by financial authorities. Some popular options include Wise (formerly TransferWise), Flywire, PayPal, TorFX, OFX, Xoom, MoneyGram, and Western Union. These services offer various benefits, such as high sending limits, low fees, fast transfers, and large global networks.
It is also essential to understand the fees associated with money transfers. Some providers may charge a flat fee per transaction, while others may take a percentage of the transferred amount or add a margin to the exchange rate. It is recommended to get estimates from multiple providers and compare their total transfer costs, including upfront fees and exchange rate markups. Additionally, be sure to check that the platform supports the currencies and destinations you need.
To ensure the security of your transactions, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and only use secure and private internet connections when conducting financial transactions online. It is also crucial to monitor your transaction history and account activity regularly to detect any unauthorized transactions.
By choosing a reputable money transfer service, understanding the fees, and implementing security measures, you can safely and effectively send money to an international student using these services.
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Visa application process
To study in the United States, international students must obtain a student visa. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. F-1 and M-1 visas are the most common types of student visas, with F-1 being for academic and language students, and M-1 being for vocational students.
The visa application process for international students typically involves the following steps:
- Enrolment in an SEVP-certified school: International students must first enrol in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. This certification indicates that the school is authorised to issue Forms I-20, which are necessary for the visa application process.
- Obtaining Form I-20: Once accepted into an SEVP-certified school, the school official will send the student a Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form confirms the student's acceptance into the school and is required for the visa application.
- Completing the online visa application: Students need to submit the online visa application form (DS-160) and schedule an in-person interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The application form requires accurate and complete information, and a confirmation page with a barcode is generated, which is needed for the interview.
- Visa interview: The visa interview is a crucial step in the process. Consular officers will interview the applicant to determine their qualifications for a student visa and may request additional documents, such as standardised test scores, proof of financial support, and evidence of the applicant's intent to return to their home country after completing their studies. It is important to make a positive impression during the interview.
- Visa processing and issuance: After the interview, the consular officer will inform the applicant if further administrative processing is required. If the visa is approved, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality. The processing times can vary, and a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States but allows the student to travel there.
It is important to note that the visa application process can vary slightly depending on the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate and the type of visa being applied for (F, M, or J-1). Additionally, certain steps, such as paying the SEVIS fee and providing specific documentation, may be required based on the student's circumstances.
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Cost of living
The cost of living is a significant concern for international students, who often face higher expenses than domestic students. These costs include not just tuition fees but also housing, food, textbooks, supplies, health insurance, travel expenses, and entertainment.
International students can face difficulties in securing financial aid, as many scholarships, grants, and loans are reserved for citizens or permanent residents of the host country. However, there are still several options available to help with the cost of living. Firstly, international students can explore scholarships and grants specifically designed for international students. These can be offered by the host country's government, the student's home country, or private organisations. Databases such as IEFA.org and InternationalScholarships.com provide free information on such opportunities. It is important to be cautious about scholarship scams and never pay any fees or provide financial details during the application process.
Secondly, some universities offer financial aid packages for international students, which can be need-based or merit-based. It is recommended to contact the institution's admissions office, financial aid office, or international student services office to enquire about available aid. Additionally, public institutions may offer lower tuition rates than private universities, so this is an important factor to consider when choosing a university.
Thirdly, international students may be eligible for private international student loans, although these usually require a cosigner. It is important to carefully consider the amount borrowed and only take on necessary debt. Finally, part-time, on-campus employment may be an option for students with certain visa statuses, such as F-1 or J-1 visas, allowing for a limited number of working hours per week.
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On-campus employment
Eligibility:
International students with F-1 visas are eligible to work on their home campuses in the United States. To qualify for on-campus jobs, students must be enrolled in an academic program full-time. Additionally, international students should maintain their status by having a valid I-20 document, which serves as proof of work eligibility.
Work Hours:
International students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During periods when school is not in session or during summer vacation before graduation, they can work more than 20 hours per week. There is no limit on the number of months an international student can work on campus as long as they remain enrolled.
Job Types:
International students can apply for the same jobs as domestic students on campus. Common examples include working in a bookstore, cafeteria, research facility, or sports stadium. Jobs must directly provide services for students and be affiliated with the school. International students may also be able to work for third-party companies contracted by the university, such as security units for university events.
Benefits:
On-campus jobs offer international students the chance to gain valuable work experience and build their resumes with U.S.-based references. They can work in areas unrelated to their field of study, providing more opportunities. Additionally, on-campus employment does not affect eligibility for CPT, pre-completion OPT, or post-completion OPT. In some cases, students can even hold both on-campus and CPT off-campus jobs simultaneously.
Finding On-Campus Jobs:
International students can find on-campus job opportunities through online job boards on the school's website or by networking with peers and professors. It is recommended to contact the school's international student services office for specific information, as policies may vary by institution.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for an international student:
- A passport holder
- A travel adapter
- A portable charger
- A camera
- A travel journal
- A pair of comfortable walking shoes
- A luggage set
Being away from home can be difficult, so here are some gifts that can help with homesickness:
- Notes and photographs from home
- Iconic snacks or trademark brand names from their home country
- Postcards from their hometown
Practical gifts are always useful, so consider the following:
- A reusable water bottle
- A lightweight and compact travel towel
- Laundry sheets
- A pop-up hamper or laundry bag
- A safety lockbox for storing valuables
Gifts that can enhance their travel experience include:
- Ryanair or EasyJet vouchers for European travel
- A durable and versatile coat
- A tripod/selfie stick combo for capturing memories
