The first step to undergraduate and graduate study in the U.S. is to find a college or university that best fits your needs. A bachelor’s degree is usually completed in four years of full-time study. As in South Africa, the two main graduate degrees in the United States are the master’s degree and the doctoral degree. Both degrees involve a combination of research and coursework. Many universities offer partial or full bursaries to international students based on merit or sporting accomplishments.

Community colleges offer two-year programs leading to the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. Undergraduate students can earn academic credit towards a bachelor’s degree and at a lower overall cost of a bachelor’s degree. In a“2+2 process,” you can earn a bachelor’s degree with two years of community college, followed by two years of university study. The small size of classes at community colleges can assist international students to adjust to U.S. academic life and practice their Englishlanguage skills. Community colleges offer a variety of support services many designed specifically for international students.

Short-Term Study Programmes

A number of short-term study programs lasting 12 months or less are offered by universities and other organisations. The U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program offers multifaceted opportunities to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills, or receive on-the-job training

English Studies

The U.S. is a popular destination for international students interested in learning English or improving their English skills.

Online learning

Online learning or distance education is a great way to experience the U.S. education system. A variety of fulltime degree programmes at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as individual courses are offered. There many Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) available that are usually tuition-free, but in most cases do not offer credit.

FINANCE FOR YOUR STUDIES

Fulbright Program

The primary goal of the Fulbright Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the US and the people of South Africa through educational exchanges. The Public Affairs Office of U.S. Mission in South Africa administers several programs for both American and South African citizens to whom grants are given for research, teaching, curriculum development, and master’s and doctoral studies in a wide variety of fields.

http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/postgraduate.html

Fulbright Foreign
Language Teaching
Assistant (FLTA)
Program: Teach
isiZulu in the United
States: https://za.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educationalexchanges/teachers/

The Fulbright FLTA Program is a nine-month, State Department-funded, non-degree program for early career English teachers or professionals in related fields (e.g., American Studies, American/English
Literature, etc.). Participants have the opportunity to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency, and extend their knowledge of the society and culture of the United States; they will be engaged as teaching assistants in Zulu classrooms for U.S. university students, thereby strengthening foreign language instruction and spreading awareness of South African culture in the United States. Fulbright FLTA participants also interact with their host communities in conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects.

Applications are currently open and close 15 July.

Sports

If you excel in sports and would like to be a university student athlete in the U.S. go to http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes

Youth Leadership Program (YLP)

Provides secondary school students a three-week opportunity in the U.S. to participate in workshops, community service activities, team-building exercises, home-stays with American host families, meetings with community leaders, and a wide range of leadership development activities.

https://youngafricanleaders.state.gov/

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program

Provides scholarships to high school students to spend up to one academic year in the United States. Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values, and educate others about their home countries and cultures.

For in-depth information on these and other exchange programs please visit the following websites:

https://za.usembassy.gov/education/educational-exchanges/

Cultural exchanges: https://za.usembassy.gov/education/cultural-exchanges/

Education USA offers general information sessions for students interested in studying in the United States of America.

Durban Advisor: Susan Knowles
Tel: 031 305-7600 x 3135 | Fax: 031 305-7693
Old Mutual Bldg., 30th Fl., 303
Dr. Pixley KaSeme St., Durban
EducationUSAdbn@state.gov