US

Study Abroad

The US and its world-class, globally recognized institutions is the number one destination for international students.

The US invests more in research, faculty and facilities than any other nation in the world.

Study in the US

When you study at one of our US centers, you will find yourself part of a truly global community - surrounded by the brightest students seeking success at the world's finest universities.

Study in the US will provide you with broad knowledge of the wider world as well as in-depth study in your specific academic area of interest. Our US partner universities provide affordable, safe, multi-cultural and friendly campus environments, as well as the highest level of athletic talent and competition in the world.

The following section covers important information about studying in the US. Please see INTO University of South Florida, INTO Oregon State University or INTO Colorado State University for additional information specific to each of our US centers.

 

Costs 

Planning your expenses

It's important to plan your expenses as an international student in advance. The following section provides general advice about currency and managing your money in the US. We do not advise carrying large sums of cash with you to the US.  Bring enough cash with you to cover your first two weeks.  It is safer to bring large sums of money in travelers checks which can be cashed in banks, post offices and airports, but be aware that there is often a minimum transaction fee.


Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the US, with MasterCard and Visa being the most common. Diners Club and American Express are less commonly accepted. You can also withdraw money from a cash machine (also known as an 'ATM' or cash point) if you have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for that card.

You may want to inform your current bank that you are moving to the US and ask if you can use your card here.

Currency

Currency across the US is the dollar ($USD). One dollar is divided into one hundred cents (¢). Notes are issued in the value of $100, $50, $20, $10, $5 and $1. Coins are issued in the value of $1, 50¢, 10¢, 5¢, and 1¢. Please note that $100 and $50 notes are uncommon and should be avoided as they can often be the target of counterfeiters.

Bank accounts

US banks are generally open 10am to 6pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturday mornings. If you are going to be in the US for longer than six months, we strongly recommended you open a US bank account when you arrive.

Living costs

It is important to plan for the cost of living in the US in advance. It is a good idea to transfer enough money to cover expenses for one term in addition to tuition paid. You should have access to at least $500, and up to $1,000, or more. This is just an indication and should be adjusted depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. 

Visas 

Your visa

With your letter of admission from one of our US centers, you will receive an I-20 form issued by the university. This form must be submitted to the US Embassy in your home country along with the completed non-immigrant visa application form DS-156 and the form DS-158. An I-20 is a document issued by colleges and universities that provides supporting information for the issuance of an F-1 visa.

In the United States, the F visas are a type of non-immigrant student visa that allows foreigners to pursue education (academic studies and/or language training programs) in the United States. F-1 visas are only issued in U.S. embassies and consulates outside the United States. Prospective F-1 students must apply at the university and receive a form I-20 in order to apply for an F-1 visa.

F-1 students must show that they are able to support themselves during their stay in the U.S., as opportunities for legal employment are quite limited. F-2 visas are given to dependents of an F-1 student. F-2 visa-holders are prohibited from any form of compensated employment. Minor children may attend public schools.

Learn more about obtaining student visas for the United States »

For more information specific to our US centers, please use the links below:

Safety 

Personal safety

Student safety and security are a high priority. Before your arrival at the INTO center, you will be given an emergency telephone number that can be used to ask for assistance from student services staff at any time of the day or night.

Once you arrive on campus, you'll be introduced to other individuals and resources that are dedicated to ensuring that you feel safe and supported. Within the university residence halls, there are full-time, live-in Resident Assistants/Directors who are responsible for the welfare of students who live on-campus.

Free transportation to, from, or around campus is available for anyone who does not feel comfortable walking around at night. Emergency phones are placed around campus for quick communication with Campus Security.