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

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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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