If you are interested in studying engineering in the USA you are in good company. In 2001 over 38 percent of all USA international undergraduates in engineering were students from India. Quick Search
It is easy to understand therefore that engineering is quickly becoming one of the largest professions in the United States. Traditionally the academic fields of study are chemical, civil, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering. However, historical figures from Leonardo Da Vinci, Neil Armstrong to the Palestine Leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Yasser Arafat have all found that with a good engineering education behind them they have had the opportunity to open doors into a wide range of potential careers.
So, why is engineering such a popular study choice in the States, what sort of students does it attract and what opportunities are available to those who graduate? The Indian Student investigates…
Why would I want to become an engineer?
Studies show that by far the number-one cause of unhappiness among people in the United States is job dissatisfaction. Thus it is important to find a career that provides you with enjoyment and satisfaction. After all you might spend around forty years working eight hours or more a day, five days a week, fifty weeks a year. Do you want to dislike every minute of this time, or would you rather do something that you enjoy?For numerous reasons engineering provides a satisfying field of work
* Variety of career options * Challenging work * Intellectual development * A benefit to society * Financial security * Prestige * Working in a professional environment * Working in a technological & scientific environment * Creative thinking
What sorts of career opportunities are available?
Careers in engineering span the alphabet. The five largest traditional academic fields of study are civil, chemical, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering. There are also more specialised engineering fields from aerospace to nuclear to biomedical engineering - no other career field offers young men and women such a wide choice of options. The career opportunities are also extremely flexible to the individuals interests and needs for example:
* If you are imaginative and creative, Design Engineering may be for you * If you like laboratories and conducting experiments, you might consider Test Engineering * If you organise and expedite projects, look into being a Development Engineer * If you are persuasive and like working with people, consider a career in Sales or Field Service Engineering * If you enjoy your science and mathematics classes, then these are most strongly resembled by the work of Analytical Engineers
What sort of person do I need to be to study engineering in the USA?
If you like a challenge, engineering could be for you, as there would be no shortage of challenging problems. Generally 'real world' engineering problems are quite different from the problems you solved in schools - those usually had a single correct answer. When you get into the engineering world, virtually all problems will be open-ended. There will be no single answer, no answer in the back of the book, no professor to tell you that you are right or wrong. You will be required to devise a solution and persuade others that your solution is the best one. Also, because engineers spend much of their time solving problems a strong engineering candidate should enjoy problem solving and excel at it.
How do I become an Engineer?
You will need a bachelor's degree in engineering. This will take four to five years, and should be taken in a solid engineering school, which is known for its accomplished faculty members and often conducts important research.
How do I know that it is a quality engineering course?
Good engineering programs are ABET accredited, meaning that they meet the minimum education standards set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Currently more than 300 colleges and universities offer ABET accredited engineering programs as graduate schools. Future employers in industry and federal government all attach a great weight to the ABET Accreditation. It is important to note that ABET accredits disciplines, not schools. Therefore, within an emerging school, some fields may be accredited may be accredited whilst others are not.
Don't you have to excel academically to become an Engineer?
Although engineering is a demanding major that requires good grades, particularly in mathematics and science, you do not necessarily have to be a 'genius'. Ideally you should rank in the top one-third of your high school class and certainly in the top half.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
higher Study in the United Kingdom
Here in the UK we have been welcoming international students for generations. We have long experience of looking after your needs, and will give you special support from the moment you apply throughout your time in the UK.
For example, your local British Council office or British Library will advise on where to find information about courses and how to apply. We find that the most popular subjects with Indian students are Business and Management Studies, Engineering, Information Technology, Medicine and subjects related to medicine, Law, Science and Technology courses and Art & Design courses. However, with courses on offer from Equine Studies to Video Games Technology you may find it difficult to choose!!
A good starting point for information is the EducationUK website - http://www.educationuk-in.org/ which has a course search facility, answers to frequently asked questions, news stories about life in the UK, funding information and much, much more.
One question that I am constantly asked is "How much will a UK education cost me?" The answer? It costs less then you think!
The cost of an education in the UK consists of two areas: course fees and living costs.
Comparing course fees between countries is by no means a clear-cut process. But because courses in the UK are often shorter, the total cost of study can be lower. Shorter courses also mean students can realise their earning potential sooner than their counterparts elsewhere. All of which makes UK courses better value for money overall.
The information below gives a rough idea of annual overseas fees in the UK, but remember it is always best to check exact costs with the institutions you're interested in.
Universities
Undergraduate classroom-based courses £6,000 - £7,000 Undergraduate laboratory-based courses £8,000 - £9,000 Undergraduate clinical courses £16,000 - £17,000 Postgraduate classroom-based courses £6,000 - £7,000 Postgraduate clinical-based courses £16,000 - £17,500 MBA courses £6,000 - £16,000
Further Education Colleges
Access Courses £3,750 - £5,500 Further education courses £3,000 - £4,250 Higher level courses (such as HNC/Ds) £4,000 - £7,950
The cost of living is not the same throughout the country. Generally, it is more expensive to live in London and the South-East of England, and cheaper in the North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Average annual costs of living for a typical student in the UK are given below:
London Academic year £7,300 Per month £811
Outside London Academic year £5,936 Per month £659
It is also worth remembering that there are many benefits available to international students that can make life in the UK more affordable;
* NUS Discounts The National Union of Students negotiate discounts on behalf of their members which Can mean up to 50% off anything from books, stationery and food to clothes, travel and entertainment. * Free Healthcare. All international students staying in the UK for a period of six months or more qualify for free healthcare through the National Health Service. * Part-time Work. If you want to earn extra money, you can work for up to twenty hours per week during term and full-time in your vacations.
So now that you know it is affordable your next questions are likely to be about the institutions themselves and what you can expect once you get to the UK.
Universities and colleges in the UK are increasingly international. When you study here, you are likely to find yourself meeting students from all over the world. More than ninety countries may be represented on campus and each student makes a unique contribution to the life of the institution, both academically and culturally.
You can see some of this diversity in the student societies established within students' unions, where those centred around religious or geographical themes are numerous.
Many UK universities and colleges have specialist international officers whose job is to provide support for international students. You can approach these officers for independent advice and information on almost anything, from accommodation through to how to extend your permission to stay in the UK.
Most institutions also arrange orientation programmes for new international students at the beginning of the academic session. The duration and content of these programmes vary considerably: some last only one or two days and others for a whole week. Typical elements include: a tour of the campus, an overview of the facilities and how to use them, explanations of the institution's rules, help with registering for your course, an outline of teaching methods, discussion of important aspects of life in the UK, and social events where you can meet staff and other students.
Once you've settled in, you'll find that the support continues. Advice on personal, financial, practical and health matters is always on hand, and at the end of course you can even seek advice from qualified career counsellors who will help you make a decision about your future career options.
For example, your local British Council office or British Library will advise on where to find information about courses and how to apply. We find that the most popular subjects with Indian students are Business and Management Studies, Engineering, Information Technology, Medicine and subjects related to medicine, Law, Science and Technology courses and Art & Design courses. However, with courses on offer from Equine Studies to Video Games Technology you may find it difficult to choose!!
A good starting point for information is the EducationUK website - http://www.educationuk-in.org/ which has a course search facility, answers to frequently asked questions, news stories about life in the UK, funding information and much, much more.
One question that I am constantly asked is "How much will a UK education cost me?" The answer? It costs less then you think!
The cost of an education in the UK consists of two areas: course fees and living costs.
Comparing course fees between countries is by no means a clear-cut process. But because courses in the UK are often shorter, the total cost of study can be lower. Shorter courses also mean students can realise their earning potential sooner than their counterparts elsewhere. All of which makes UK courses better value for money overall.
The information below gives a rough idea of annual overseas fees in the UK, but remember it is always best to check exact costs with the institutions you're interested in.
Universities
Undergraduate classroom-based courses £6,000 - £7,000 Undergraduate laboratory-based courses £8,000 - £9,000 Undergraduate clinical courses £16,000 - £17,000 Postgraduate classroom-based courses £6,000 - £7,000 Postgraduate clinical-based courses £16,000 - £17,500 MBA courses £6,000 - £16,000
Further Education Colleges
Access Courses £3,750 - £5,500 Further education courses £3,000 - £4,250 Higher level courses (such as HNC/Ds) £4,000 - £7,950
The cost of living is not the same throughout the country. Generally, it is more expensive to live in London and the South-East of England, and cheaper in the North of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Average annual costs of living for a typical student in the UK are given below:
London Academic year £7,300 Per month £811
Outside London Academic year £5,936 Per month £659
It is also worth remembering that there are many benefits available to international students that can make life in the UK more affordable;
* NUS Discounts The National Union of Students negotiate discounts on behalf of their members which Can mean up to 50% off anything from books, stationery and food to clothes, travel and entertainment. * Free Healthcare. All international students staying in the UK for a period of six months or more qualify for free healthcare through the National Health Service. * Part-time Work. If you want to earn extra money, you can work for up to twenty hours per week during term and full-time in your vacations.
So now that you know it is affordable your next questions are likely to be about the institutions themselves and what you can expect once you get to the UK.
Universities and colleges in the UK are increasingly international. When you study here, you are likely to find yourself meeting students from all over the world. More than ninety countries may be represented on campus and each student makes a unique contribution to the life of the institution, both academically and culturally.
You can see some of this diversity in the student societies established within students' unions, where those centred around religious or geographical themes are numerous.
Many UK universities and colleges have specialist international officers whose job is to provide support for international students. You can approach these officers for independent advice and information on almost anything, from accommodation through to how to extend your permission to stay in the UK.
Most institutions also arrange orientation programmes for new international students at the beginning of the academic session. The duration and content of these programmes vary considerably: some last only one or two days and others for a whole week. Typical elements include: a tour of the campus, an overview of the facilities and how to use them, explanations of the institution's rules, help with registering for your course, an outline of teaching methods, discussion of important aspects of life in the UK, and social events where you can meet staff and other students.
Once you've settled in, you'll find that the support continues. Advice on personal, financial, practical and health matters is always on hand, and at the end of course you can even seek advice from qualified career counsellors who will help you make a decision about your future career options.
Study education in the USA
Study in the United States is a serious and expensive undertaking. To decide if it is the best option for you, consider carefully how it will fit into your long-term educational and professional plans. The Indian Student asked NAFSA, the Association of International Educators and the leading association for international education in the USA, for advice on studying in the states.
In order to decide whether the USA is really for you will need to ask yourself a numbers of key questions:
What are your goals?
* Do you have academic preparation necessary to achieve those goals? Do you have adequate English? Do you have enough money? * Are you prepared to live in another country and culture for the time it takes to earn a degree?
What are your goals?
Studying in the United States is not an end unto itself. Students pursue higher education, in their home country or abroad, because the experience will help them to achieve their professional and personal goals. Those goals may include professional advancement, a higher-paying job, or a greater appreciation and knowledge of the world.
As you define your educational and professional goals, here are some questions to ask:
Am I willing to spend this much time in higher education? Is there a need for my chosen profession in my home country? Will I earn enough in this profession to justify the investment? Will my U.S educational credentials be recognised at home by institutions of higher education, professional licensing boards, and potential employers when I return? Will spending time abroad cause me to miss important opportunities at home? Is the knowledge I will gain during my study in the United States readily transferable to situations in my home country? Will the technological expertise I acquire in the United States be of use at home? Is the training or education I need available at home?
Are you academically prepared?
If you are applying for undergraduate study at a two or four year U.S University you must have completed at least 12 years of school and obtained the equivalent of a U.S high school diploma. If you are considering graduate study at the master's or doctorate level, you will need academic credentials equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
Some U.S universities are very competitive, selecting only students with excellent grades and test scores as well as leadership skills. Many U.S universities are less selective, but almost all require some demonstration that you have succeeded in your previous schooling and that you have the potential to success at a more advanced level. Most graduate schools also require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from previous study.Be realistic about your academic record and test scores. Apply to universities whose requirements match your academic background and interests. Be aware that graduate work in the United States involves a great deal of independent work and classroom discussion, forms of learning that may be different from what you have experienced.
U.S. Colleges and universities place a great deal of emphasis on neat, organised and clearly written presentations. Almost nothing is accepted in handwriting; projects and term papers should be typed or produced on a computer. More and more research at campus libraries is conducted using computers to access on-line resources instead of books. Most universities will issue students a personal electronic mail account upon enrolment and expect them to use it for homework assignments.
Do you have adequate English?
Most universities will require undergraduate and graduate students to prove their English Language ability as part of the admissions process by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The level of proficiency required varies from school to school and from department to department, but it is important to remember that the more prepared you are before you begin study, the more confident you will feel as a student in the United States.
It is an advantage to have a good command of written and spoke English from the very beginning of the application process. Some universities will require applicants to submit at least one essay as part of their application; others may request an interview or teleconference with you to hear how you express yourself in English.
Do you have enough money?
When considering the cost of a U.S education, include the cost of tuition, living expenses, books and other items. Tuition varies widely from university to university, but it is usually the largest single cost an international student faces. A community college may have a yearly tuition of $28,000. Sources of financial aid available to international students at the undergraduate level are limited and highly competitive.
Your financial plans should cover your entire program. An undergraduate degree in the United States takes an average of four to five years to complete. Master's programs may last one to three years. Doctoral programs may take anywhere from five to seven years, depending on your field of study and previous education. Non-degree or vocational programs last anywhere from several month to two years.
Be realistic if you plan to bring your family with you during your time in the United States. You will probably need an additional $5,000 per year to bring your spouse with you and an extra $4,000 per year for each child. Health insurance is a necessity for living in the United States; budget for these costs as well. The cost of health insurance varies but generally ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 per year for a family.
Are you prepared to live in another country and culture?
Living in the United States for an extended period of time while pursuing your educational goals is much different from visiting the country for a few weeks or months as a tourist. Give some thought to how living in a new environment and a new culture might change you, and the additional changes you may need to make upon your return home. Consider whether you have the skills to live independently in a new culture. You will likely be separated from family and friends for a long period. If you do bring your family, consider their adjustment as well.
Resourcefulness, creativity and realistic planning are all key factors in determining whether you will succeed in your plan to study in the United States.
In order to decide whether the USA is really for you will need to ask yourself a numbers of key questions:
What are your goals?
* Do you have academic preparation necessary to achieve those goals? Do you have adequate English? Do you have enough money? * Are you prepared to live in another country and culture for the time it takes to earn a degree?
What are your goals?
Studying in the United States is not an end unto itself. Students pursue higher education, in their home country or abroad, because the experience will help them to achieve their professional and personal goals. Those goals may include professional advancement, a higher-paying job, or a greater appreciation and knowledge of the world.
As you define your educational and professional goals, here are some questions to ask:
Am I willing to spend this much time in higher education? Is there a need for my chosen profession in my home country? Will I earn enough in this profession to justify the investment? Will my U.S educational credentials be recognised at home by institutions of higher education, professional licensing boards, and potential employers when I return? Will spending time abroad cause me to miss important opportunities at home? Is the knowledge I will gain during my study in the United States readily transferable to situations in my home country? Will the technological expertise I acquire in the United States be of use at home? Is the training or education I need available at home?
Are you academically prepared?
If you are applying for undergraduate study at a two or four year U.S University you must have completed at least 12 years of school and obtained the equivalent of a U.S high school diploma. If you are considering graduate study at the master's or doctorate level, you will need academic credentials equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
Some U.S universities are very competitive, selecting only students with excellent grades and test scores as well as leadership skills. Many U.S universities are less selective, but almost all require some demonstration that you have succeeded in your previous schooling and that you have the potential to success at a more advanced level. Most graduate schools also require a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from previous study.Be realistic about your academic record and test scores. Apply to universities whose requirements match your academic background and interests. Be aware that graduate work in the United States involves a great deal of independent work and classroom discussion, forms of learning that may be different from what you have experienced.
U.S. Colleges and universities place a great deal of emphasis on neat, organised and clearly written presentations. Almost nothing is accepted in handwriting; projects and term papers should be typed or produced on a computer. More and more research at campus libraries is conducted using computers to access on-line resources instead of books. Most universities will issue students a personal electronic mail account upon enrolment and expect them to use it for homework assignments.
Do you have adequate English?
Most universities will require undergraduate and graduate students to prove their English Language ability as part of the admissions process by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The level of proficiency required varies from school to school and from department to department, but it is important to remember that the more prepared you are before you begin study, the more confident you will feel as a student in the United States.
It is an advantage to have a good command of written and spoke English from the very beginning of the application process. Some universities will require applicants to submit at least one essay as part of their application; others may request an interview or teleconference with you to hear how you express yourself in English.
Do you have enough money?
When considering the cost of a U.S education, include the cost of tuition, living expenses, books and other items. Tuition varies widely from university to university, but it is usually the largest single cost an international student faces. A community college may have a yearly tuition of $28,000. Sources of financial aid available to international students at the undergraduate level are limited and highly competitive.
Your financial plans should cover your entire program. An undergraduate degree in the United States takes an average of four to five years to complete. Master's programs may last one to three years. Doctoral programs may take anywhere from five to seven years, depending on your field of study and previous education. Non-degree or vocational programs last anywhere from several month to two years.
Be realistic if you plan to bring your family with you during your time in the United States. You will probably need an additional $5,000 per year to bring your spouse with you and an extra $4,000 per year for each child. Health insurance is a necessity for living in the United States; budget for these costs as well. The cost of health insurance varies but generally ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 per year for a family.
Are you prepared to live in another country and culture?
Living in the United States for an extended period of time while pursuing your educational goals is much different from visiting the country for a few weeks or months as a tourist. Give some thought to how living in a new environment and a new culture might change you, and the additional changes you may need to make upon your return home. Consider whether you have the skills to live independently in a new culture. You will likely be separated from family and friends for a long period. If you do bring your family, consider their adjustment as well.
Resourcefulness, creativity and realistic planning are all key factors in determining whether you will succeed in your plan to study in the United States.
higher education study in abroad
Almost as important as the academic advantages of an international education are the chances it offers to experience life abroad. Quite simply, there is no better environment for Indian students to take hold of their future...and be the best they can be. A study abroad education in the UK or USA has always placed great importance on the ability of students to work independently and to develop their own thinking.
The end result is that students emerge from an international education not only with a thorough understanding of their subject but also with analytical abilities and problem-solving skills that are much prized by employers in later life.
Please browse our wide range of articles that offer advice and information on all aspects of studying abroad and take advantage of our free Information and Application Service.
The end result is that students emerge from an international education not only with a thorough understanding of their subject but also with analytical abilities and problem-solving skills that are much prized by employers in later life.
Please browse our wide range of articles that offer advice and information on all aspects of studying abroad and take advantage of our free Information and Application Service.
