Student Visa


For those international students vying to get seats into the United States from around the world to study and improve their skills, they have to be clear about student visas. Before applying for the student visa, one should clearly understand that students must first be admitted to a U.S. school or university before starting the visa process. Especially after the terrifying attacks of September 11, 2001 by terrorists, certain visible adjustments have been made by the U.S. government in visa procedures to safeguard U.S. citizens as well as the international students. Therefore make sure to check whether the correct student visa is applied for BEFORE coming to the U.S for studies and other high school study programs.

Some of the facts that need to be clarified regarding a student visa are-

An interview is required for most visa applicants as a standard part of visa processing. Through this the student Visa applications are thoroughly assessed and comparative, various inquiries are conducted for safety. Understandably some of the abroad student visa applications require more security screening and yes, an important matter to be kept in mind is that the student’s acceptance by a U.S. educational institution is not a guarantee for issuance of a student visa. Therefore students should make careful inquiries about this before enrolling for the student housing and scholarships details.


In fact there are three types of student visas. One is the Academic studies F student Visa meant for students selected into a program to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or university. The second one is the non academic or vocational studies M student Visa. It’s for those international students enrolled to study or train at a non academic institution in the U.S. As for the third Visa, it’s called the academic studies student visa as an exchange visitor J Visa. It’s meant for those students accepted into a program through a designated sponsoring organization to participate in an exchange visitor program in the U.S., an educational and cultural exchange programs student’s visa.


So for any students' visa application instructions, forms and such, it would be smart to contact a U.S. embassy or consulate regarding the visa interview appointment or its visa application processing fee and such matters. Also there are other student visas such as the International Cultural Exchange Program Q-1 Visa too meant solely for certain international cultural exchange programs designed to provide practical training and employment. There is also the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program or Walsh Program Q-2, Q-3 visa, another cultural exchange and employment training program for students.


The months of June, July and August are very busy and so students seeking visas should keep this in mind while trying to get interview appointments in the summer months. Remember, Embassies and Consulates can issue student visa 120 days or less in advance of the course of study registration date. Also it would be good for the new students to enter the U.S. 30 days or less ahead of the course of summer study. Those seeking early entry, say more than 30 days in advance to the course start date, may have to qualify and obtain a visitor visa.


Study Abroad

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Foreign Exchange Student Roundup

This is a roundup of current foreign exchange student news, blogs and happenings.

First up this week is yellojkt who posts a daily recap about the recent experience of having a Chinese exchange student for a week. You can read all about it at
Foma*: Exchange Student Excitement

Next we have talksmart who blogs about his wishes for a happy holiday in South Dakota. An established writer, this is his 8th column in the South Dakota Collegian newspaper
The Composed Gentleman: Exchange student fears lonely holidays

and finally, petArtist Cmoses writes about her new foreign exchange student from Japan and has great pictures of her students' day with their horse.
Rotary exchange student meets harness horse


Study Abroad

ForeignExchangeStudent.com

STUDY ABROAD: AUSTRALIA

Australia provides one of the best academic environments to the student. With its scenic views and beautiful landscapes, it is one of the most popular destinations for students to study abroad. Australia’s secondary and tertiary education system consists of high schools, senior colleges, vocational institutes and universities. These institutions offer summer study abroad programs in their curriculum for the students who wish to study abroad. The academic year is a little different from the normal year of other countries because Australia is situated in the southern hemisphere. For universities with a semester system, first semester starts in mid- February and ends in late June; second semester starts in mid- July and ends in late November.

The student can apply for a student visa only after being accepted by the educational provider. The international student has to first produce the formal proof of offer or enrolment. The individual can apply for a student visa once he receives either a letter of offer or a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). However, if only a letter of offer is submitted, the student visa cannot be granted until the CoE has been issued. The student will need the student visa for the whole duration of the study program in the country. One can be granted a student visa only if the student wishes to undertake a registered course or a part of a registered course on a full time basis.

The international wishing to study abroad in Australia can choose from the numerous institutions and universities that are in the country. Most institutions offer student housing that have single rooms with shared bathrooms. Student health insurance is also covered either by the institute itself or another agency that specializes in student insurance. Medical services that the student may require are offered within the campus itself.

Most academic institutions and universities offer study abroad programs that the student can opt in for. For the international student at the graduate level, she can choose from a number of summer study programs that includes field trips among other things. The student can get to travel to plenty of places other than the ones within the country. The cost of the student travel are covered or included in the fees in some institutions. This makes it far easier and convenient for student travel.

Some of the places that the student can travel to are Fiji, New Zealand and the Great Barrier Reef among other destinations. Summer study abroad programs available, to name a few are Wildlife and Conservation Studies, Tourism and Recreation Management and Summer Internship programs. For the student who wishes to study high school abroad in the summer, there are institutions that offer summer high school programs that include Art, Music and Language programs. Australia is a popular choice for many international students wanting to study abroad not only for the variety of study programs offered but also for the amazing landscapes and culture that the country has to offer to any visitor.


Study Abroad

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The Who, How and When of Student Exchange and Study Abroad Programs

Whether you’re aspiring to participate in a student exchange program for summer study abroad or to volunteer as a host family, it’s important to understand the who, how and when of these exchange programs. Regardless if it’s a summer study abroad program or a standard study abroad program, generally student visas are not required. Most programs will manage the details involved in handling the travel documents and student visas (if needed)

The Who on Student Exchange Programs

Besides the organization supporting the student exchange there are 3 other groups of people involved. The person who will be studying in another country is known as the foreign exchange student The people who will have the student living with them for the duration of the program are known as the host family. And last but not least, the person who will be coordinating the program from start to finish, also known as the student representative.

All high school student exchange programs represent a positive life altering experience for high school students between the ages of 15 – 18 as well as college age study abroad students. Based on the international student’s application and grades, the program will determine which grade to place the student. (Most high school foreign exchange students will be placed as a junior in their new high school). A true desire to learn a new culture, language, customs and ways will help make the exchange a satisfying one.

While there are not any specific preconceived notions on the race, religion or personalities of the types of families who host a foreign exchange student, the most important step of any student exchange program is the ability to match an exchange student with the appropriate host family. A loving family that appreciates the possibilities of giving back, gaining personal growth and experiencing a rich life lesson will have the most rewarding encounter for them and their student.

Area Representatives worldwide act as a liaison between host families and foreign exchange students, a counselor if you will, helping to ensure the successful completion of a study abroad program. Some of their responsibilities include, seeking vacancies for foreign students in local high schools, recruiting and interviewing prospective host families, the orientation of both the host family in preparation of the arriving student and the foreign exchange student on their arrival. The best student reps are enthusiastic, patient and reliable.

The When on Study Abroad Programs

From summer study abroad program to student exchange program, the span of study varies from international student and program. For instance one study abroad program may begin in August and last for the entire academic school year or 10 months. As a result, the exchange student would not return from the study abroad program until June of the next year. Alternatively, adolescents participating in a student exchange program in the Southern Hemisphere may start January for the 10-month study abroad program.

Other student exchange programs are based on semesters. In these exchange programs, students stay for five months. A student could commence the study abroad program in August and return to their country in January – making their stay a five-month span.

A summer study abroad program will generally last about 3 months, although some may be as short as two weeks. (Keep in mind summer in the Southern Hemisphere, is from January to April and in the Northern Hemisphere June to September).

The How on Student Exchange Programs

The student will ultimately decide which type of program is best for them to enroll in, but before an exchange student can consider beginning a study abroad program experience, certain documents are needed to participate in the exchange program. In America, most study abroad programs require the students to enter the United States on a J-1 exchange visitor visa as opposed to an actual student visa. The form, known as the DS 2019 is secured and issued by participating programs – including and not limited to various summer study abroad programs and student exchange programs.

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Study Abroad

STUDY ABROAD: SPAIN


Known for being the land of beautiful women, rich culture, Flamenco music and dance, fantastic beaches and a lot more, Spain offers one of the most exciting places to study abroad for a student wishing to soak up some international culture or learn Spanish.

Students that take up summer abroad programs can choose to be in either a short-term or a long-term course. Study programs in Spain offer the international student the opportunity to take electives in a variety of disciplines at prestigious universities like Allocate, Barcelona, Granada and Madrid to name a few.

Scholarships for an international student are available through a number of agencies that facilitate the study programs. Student loans are also available. Agencies like Collegiate Funding Services, Smart Money and Understanding Financial Aid are some of the more well known.

International students doing study abroad programs choose from a number of student housing opportunities. A student can opt for student housing that houses more than a hundred students such as apartments or casa universitarias (off campus shared furnished flats or residencies).

Or a home stay option is available in which the student can stay with a host family to get the real taste of Spanish culture and have a more in-depth experience. Students should also apply for an International Student ID card. This card helps the student in getting discounts at museums and cathedrals or boat tickets and train tickets. Even though you'll be studying you'll still have plenty of time to sight-see.

The student has to apply for a student visa in due time. It is advisable to apply for a multiple entry visa for the international student. Most study abroad programs in Spain offer courses that may include field trips and plenty of excursions. The multiple entry visa allows the international student to travel between countries during the program should the student wish to do so.

Summer study abroad programs are interesting and the student can choose from a variety of options. High school summer programs are also offered for the student who wishes to finish high school abroad. The courses that are offered for international high school students vary from language courses to cultural recreational activities to Art and Architecture.

Internship programs and scholarships are also available in the various educational institutions. Scholarships for international high school students based on merit can be attained by the student in some institutions. Usually the institution will also cover student health insurances. (Student Travel and Health Insurance 101)

Spain is a beautiful country and because of the cheaper educational programs as compared to other countries in Europe, it is one of the most popular academic destinations among students who wish to study abroad. Among other things, it is not difficult to get student visas for study abroad programs to Spain; Student travel is easier with student travel discounts that are available and there is no problem when it comes to the question of student housing, the international student also has the pleasure of choosing suitable accommodations from a variety of options.

For more info see Study Abroad

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Do Foreign Student Exchange and Cultural Exchange Programs Offer Lessons in Life?

In the world of cultural exchange programs, learning transcends the walls of classrooms. Adventure enthusiasts, the ambitious as well as bilingual students are drawn to the allure of education via a foreign student exchange program. The excitement of learning, living and experiencing another culture is quite enriching. But aside from the thrill of embarking upon a foreign student exchange, are there any real benefits in cultural exchange programs?

Foreign student exchanges are the perfect medium for living and studying in another country. For students considering international law, employment with a corporate global giant, or just working with another culture, profound knowledge can be gained from the participation of a foreign student exchange. Cultural exchange programs are rewarding because it’s virtually a real-life study on a country’s cultural traditions, language, etiquette, and history. Not to mention, participating in a foreign student exchange can enhance one’s transnational competencies, a redeeming quality in future employment opportunities.

Aside from the academic benefits of a foreign student exchange, the personal development potential is invaluable. Study abroad students can grow on many levels. Cultural exchange programs represent the opportunity for young adults to mature on a personal and intellectual level. More importantly, with the life experience gained from foreign student exchange, the exposure inspires students to make the following personal improvements:

■ Personal growth

■ Boosts self-confidence

■ Encourages leaderships through independent thinking

■ Challenges students academically

The vast majority of high school and college students, who embark upon a foreign student exchange opportunity, have never really been away from home – in the sense of leaving the United States. Although, many students may experience a little homesickness in the beginning, once they are acclimated to the cultural exchange program, the experience can be life transforming.

Studying abroad can expand one’s intellectual horizon. From an informed and real-life perspective, students are able to learn about international affairs and how geopolitics and economic factors affect the world we live in.

Participating in a foreign student exchange or cultural exchange program study is a way for student to secure their future career path. Aside from the academic advantages and personal empowerment, foreign student exchanges symbolize a wealth of career benefits. Cultural exchange programs offer students the following professional, career and life skills advantages:

■ Improve cross-cultural communication skills

■ More employment opportunities in business, international affairs, and government service.

■ Enhance analytical skills

■ Gain the ability to adapt and be flexible to new circumstances

■ Constructively cope and deal with differences

■ An understanding and familiarity of local customs

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Study Abroad

Blog This! at the top of the blogspot.com page will generate and post the link for you. Way cool! Here are the 2 blogger pages from the round up below.

South America - Watch Out :-)

I loves me some Sverige

Foreign Exchange Student Blog Roundup................

swaantje a German exchange student from the Exchange Student in Angthong - lost in thailand! blog has pictures of her trip along with her experiences so far in Thailand.

Jess from South America - Watch Out :-) blog gives a detailed description of the experiences from her new home in Bolivia. She promises to update every 2 weeks. I hope so Jess!

American Sarah of the I loves me some Sverige blog fills us in on her first 2 days in Sweden as an exchange student. 4 posts in 2 days...I think Sarah is going to keep us well informed on her Swedish excursion.

Candlejmr of AjourneytoaNewMe discovers a New Type of Stress as her and the family go to the airport to welcome their new foreign exchange student from Taiwan.

Foreign Exchange Student News

Students get their first taste of America

from the News Leader in Springfield, MO reports on an outing of some foreign exchange students from China, Japan, Indonesia, the Czech Republic and Germany.

'Christmas in August' for Aspen boys tennis in the Aspen Times - Aspen boys tennis coach Sherril Kerr knew a foreign exchange student from the Czech Republic was going to join her team this fall. She had no clue he would be her best player.