How to study abroad in the US and English-speaking countries

Explore the details of different types of programs you can attend, including community colleges, undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, English language programs, short-term programs, and online or virtual schools.

Explore community colleges in the United States, offering two-year programs with small classes, English practice, and affordable tuition. Follow the two-plus-two path from an associate’s degree to a four-year degree.

Navigate the undergraduate path to a bachelor's degree at a four-year university, with credits, full-time and part-time options, class sizes, and core versus elective courses, plus campus living choices.

Choose your major before applying to US undergraduate programs as part of the application process, and build a high school background in math, science, or English for college readiness.

Graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree and offer master’s or doctorates that specialize, with small programs, mentors, research, and competitive admissions shaping future lawyers or doctors.

Learn about two English language programs in the United States: intensive English for personal growth and American language and culture programs linked to university study, with accredited credits transferable.

Learn about common English program prerequisites before university, including ESOL and Tofel, and how these tests may be required for undergraduate applications.

Explore short-term and online programs, from two-week design courses in New York City to online coding classes, including certificates, exchanges, and fellowships. Earn credit and avoid the visa process.

Review the main academic pathways, including two-year community colleges with associate degrees, four-year undergraduate bachelor’s programs, graduate programs post-bachelor’s, short-term English language programs, and flexible online options.

Explore study abroad options across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia, comparing costs, degree lengths, campus life, and visa or citizenship paths.

Explore Asia with English-taught study destinations in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India, and learn how these programs help you improve your English language skills.

research US college programs, prioritize tuition, location, campus life, and majors, then build a balanced list of 10 schools with three reaches, three targets, and three likely options.

Learn about university applications: deadlines, standardized testing, grades and transcripts, recommendations, activities, essays, and interviews, plus how rolling admissions, early decision, early action, and regular decision shape timelines.

Learn how to strengthen your university application with recommendations, a detailed activities resume, personal and supplemental essays, interviews, and demonstrated interest to boost admissions.

Understand accepted, deferred, and waitlisted decisions, including early decision contracts and regular decision timelines, and how to stay in touch via letters or emails to move off the waitlist.

Explore how to pay for higher education in the United States and English-speaking countries by examining tuition and cost components, scholarships, merit-based and need-based aid, and on-campus work options.

Learn the student visa process for studying in the US and English-speaking countries, including F1, J1, and M1 visa types, admission and financial proof requirements, and a three-to-four-month timeline.

Prepare essential travel documents—passport, US visa sticker, immigration forms, visa fee receipt, admission letter, and proof of funds—for smooth immigration. Connect with the office of international students and join orientation.

Explore student life at international universities through courses, advisors, and major or elective options. Engage in social events, sports, transportation, and campus services that support life on campus.

Explore the challenges international students face abroad, including language barriers, culture shock, and adapting to new education systems. Learn strategies for success, including time management, seeking help, and avoiding plagiarism.

Debunk the myth that universities are unsafe big-city campuses and reveal that safety is prioritized, while students explore majors for two years and engage in diverse on-campus activities.

Debunk the myth that international students receive no support. You receive an academic advisor, assistance from the Office of International Students, and multiple support components.

Verify that fluency in English does not exempt you from taking the tofel, since universities have different admissions requirements; double check whether you need to take the tofel for admission.

Debunk the myth that studying abroad in the U.S. makes it hard to make friends; universities host many social events, and you meet people in dorms, classes, and study groups.

William from Seoul shares his UC Berkeley dual master's in city and regional planning, living at International House, joining Bible study and soccer club, and gaining English fluency and advantage.

Learn how studying abroad in San Diego boosts confidence and independence, improves English, and helps you make friends across cultures through campus life, local visits, and travel.

Gather information on program length, living conditions, and international student needs before studying abroad, and note how cultural and business contexts, a three-year master's program, and English shape career horizons.

Learn the local language to connect with locals and build friendships while studying abroad in Germany. This experience strengthens independence, communication skills, and cultural understanding, supporting work in Berlin.

Imane from Morocco describes her UCLA study abroad journey, focusing on choosing a high-quality U.S. bachelor program, balancing study with social life, and gaining English-language confidence for her career.

Tijana from Serbia explains how studying abroad in the United States and the United Kingdom shaped her degrees in communications, management, and event management, highlighting cultural growth and English proficiency.

Siobhan from Iraqi Kurdistan describes how studying in the United States through international studies broadened her language abilities, cultural perspective, and career prospects.