Cultural Affairs OfficeU.S. Mission to Algeria

Study in the USA and Exchange Programs

Introduction – Who We Are Amina Eddouaouda Alumni Coordinator/Educational Advisor U.S. Embassy Algiers

Outline of Presentation

1. Graduate/Undergraduate Education in the U.S.

2. Applying to Study in the U.S. 3. Other Embassy Programing

Introduction - Differences Choice Cost Application Process

Is studying in the U.S. right for you ?

Choice: A Wealth of Diversity!

Nearly 5000 post-secondary institutions in United States

Over 1,700 post-secondary institutions offer graduate degrees

Choice: Types of Higher EducationCommunity Colleges

2 year associate degree

Community based

Lower tuition

Transfer/articulation agreements

Public Universities

Subsidized by state taxpayers

Lower cost for residents

Large research institutions

Private Universities

Funded by endowments, tuition,

grants and giftsTuition the same for

everyoneUsually smaller; may be religiously affiliated or

single sexMay focus on

particular discipline or area

Choice: Types of Graduate Degrees

AcademicMasters

MA or MSOne or two

yearsThesis/

No thesis optionCan lead to

Ph.D. Program

Professional Masters

MBA, JD, M. Arch.

1-3 yearsStructured Course

of StudyTerminal Degrees

Doctoral Programs

Ph.D. Ed.D. D.BA., JSD

5-8 YearsAdvanced

CourseworkDissertation and Comprehensive

Exam

Cost: University Costs – 1 yearFinances CostTuition $8,000- $35,000Room/board $4,000- $10,000Books/supplies $400- $1,000Health Insurance $500- $1,000Personal Expenses $1,200- $3,000Travel to USA $1,200+ ______________Total $15,000- $50,000+

Self-funded, Scholarship, Work-Study

Cost: How do U.S. Students Pay?

Students borrow money 40 million students Owe $1.2 Trillion USD 119,390,867,792,522 Algerian

Dinar GDP of Algeria is 0.21 Trillion

USD Borrow Money from Banks or

U.S. Gov.

Cost: Can I get Financial Aid United States

• Institutions you are applying to

• Foundations, professional associations, corporations

• Partial Funding possible in some cases

• Full funding difficult• Scholarships may only cover

tuition

Are There Any Other Education Options?

Community College (Associate Degrees)

Over 1,100 Community Colleges Two Year Associate Degrees Advantages:

Lower Costs MUCH easier application process compared to four

year programs Automatic Matriculation Improve English and ease into U.S. Higher Education

What about Non-Degree Programs?

English as a Second Language Over 400 educational institutions offer ESL

programs Range from highly academic to casual and

part time. Advantages:

Shorter time frame (5 weeks – Several Months) Lower costs ($2,000-$3,000+ and travel costs) Less difficult application process Learn and practice with native speakers

Application: Understand the Requirements

Strong English language skills

Tests Good GPA (Notes) Adequate financing

…And your Personal GoalsWhat . . . career do you want to

pursue?

employment prospects are in your home country?

degrees and qualifications are required to realize these goals?

Application: Assemble Parts

r

Essay

Recommendations

Application FeeTest Scores

Application form

Transcripts

Application: Tests!

Designed to assess your aptitude

Will be required by most programs

Designed to assess English language skill

Required for all non-native speakers of English

GRE/SAT TOEFL

Student F1 Visa Receive an I-20 from a

accredited school Fill in DS160 online Make appointment online

through VisaPoint Pay fees Interview at

Embassy/ConsulateFor complete instructions, visit

the U.S. Embassy-Algiers Website at

http://algiers.usembassy.gov/visas.html

How We Can Help! College counseling and advice Specialized Info Sessions Bulletins, handouts, and education

publications Competitive College Club Webinars/Virtual College Fair Email: 

EducationUSA-Algiers@state.govwww.EducationUSA.state.gov

If You Want to Study in the USABook 2

Download for free at:http://www.educationusa.info/pdf/study/english2.pdf

Download for free at:http://www.educationusa.info/pdf/study/french2.pdf

Your five steps to study in the U.S.

Exchange Program Opportunities The U.S. Embassy, Algiers sponsors over 40 unique exchange programs for Algerians.

Short-term and long-term scholarship opportunities

Available in a variety of fields and at different stages in your education

Applications and more information available on the website

http://algiers.usembassy.gov/academic_exchanges.html

The Fulbright Program Fully-funded Masters degree program The Deadline is beginning of June Applicants must:

Have completed their undergraduate degree, with an equivalent to a B.A. degree

Strong English skills Have TOEFL and GRE Scores

Tips for Successful Applications Start Early – it takes months! Don’t plagiarize; find your own voice Complete every aspect of the application Consider the essays carefully; they are

looked at closely and tell your story

American Cultural Center Algeria

• Free cultural and information resource center for those interested in English and American culture.

• Access to over 2,000 fiction and non-fiction books, including specialized reference publications.

• Access to computers with free internet access and electronic books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.

• The ACCA hosts regular events including, speakers, book discussions, movies, and English language conversation groups.

• Open Sunday through Wednesday, 9am-3pm• US Embassy, Algiers• Contact: Algiers_ACCA@state.gov 48 hours ahead of first visit

Thank You!And g