5 Things you MUST know before you study in America

#1 - STEM vs Non-STEM course STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Check your university website to make sure that your course is a STEM course. Students with a degree in stem will have 36 months i.e 12 months optional practical training (OPT) + 24 months extension to stay and work in the U.S. In this period they will be able to apply three times for their H1B visa. A non-stem course only have the 12 months OPT and they do not have the option of the extension. The chances are getting the visa getting picked up is also higher for a STEM course. #2 - Plagiarism Plagiarism or presenting someone's work as your own is completely unacceptable in the U.S. Plagiarism is taken very seriously and you can be expelled from the school that it. If you are expelled your VISA will be terminated and you will have to return to your country immediately. #3 - Healthcare Healthcare works very differently in U.S as compared to other countries. The healthcare is very expansive and you must have health insurance if you don't want to accuse huge amount of medical debt. A visit to the emergency can cost up to $5000 if you do not have healthcare. #4 - Cost of living Cost of living in U.S is very high . When accounting for the cost of tuition also consider the cost of living in the city that school is in, in your calculation. Living in a city in the U.S can cost a minimum of $1400 a month with everything included. Consider this cost when applying to schools. #5 - Work Study Option Most university will allow you to work on campus during your study. Do not go out of campus to work. If caught this will have serious consequences. That small amount of money is not worth effect it will have on your life. Hope you like the video. Feel free to ask any questions your have in the comments below ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About us: Namaskara y'all! We are Colleen and Sohan, an Indian and American couple based out of Raleigh, NC. Sohan is from Mumbai, India and Colleen is from Pennsylvania, USA. We love sharing our light-hearted experiences with you and learning from other cultures along the way. Follow us along as we discuss our past and as we figure out our future!