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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Student Housing: Sharing a Flat vs. Staying with a Host Family

Are you soon planning to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to study abroad? Have you considered your student housing options, or more specifically, have you considered whether you’d prefer to share a flat with other students or perhaps stay with a host family? This can be a complicated decision, as each of these options has advantages and disadvantages to consider. To help you weigh these two student housing options, below we will take a closer look at each of them in a bit more detail, and provide you with some of the information you’ll need to make an informed decision based on your preferences.

Student Housing Options: Sharing a Flat

Studying abroad can be one of the most memorable experiences in a student’s life. Not only will you gain a new perspective on that country’s academia, but you’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet new people and learn their culture.

If you’re like most students, you probably enjoy being surrounded by people your age who possess similar views to your own. You also take pleasure in having a degree of independence from your parents and the university. These feelings are only natural, and definitely among the benefits of sharing a flat with other students. Of course your studies are important, but so too are the people, events and experiences outside of the school setting that will collectively help shape your life.

However, if you do decide to opt for the independence and enjoyment that comes from a sharing flat, you will want to make absolutely certain that the roommate(s) you choose to cohabitate with are at least somewhat compatible to you. Nothing is worse than spending an entire semester or longer with a person or people you’re constantly at odds with or who irritate you, so spend some extra time getting to know your potential roommates before you make any snap or rash decisions to take this step.

There are of course other factors to consider before deciding to share a flat. Some of these include:

Expenses. Sharing a flat can be very expensive, especially as compared to staying with a host family (which is usually free). You’ll also need to consider the income of your roommates so you don’t get stuck paying for more than your fair share of the household expenses.

Lease. Sharing a flat will usually involve signing a lease, so it’s important that you and each of your roommates are in agreement with the lease’s terms.

Other Guests. Are you all in agreement to the idea of one or more roommates having the occasional overnight guest? This may sound like a strange question, but you’d be surprised by how many tensions can arise from situations just like this. That is why it is so important to have a frank discussion about questions such as these, and come to a unified agreement in advance.

Student Housing Options: Staying with a Host Family

9- are essentially resident landlords who often have children who are similar in age to you, the student. This student housing option also has several benefits, along with a few disadvantages. The benefits include:

Cost. Host families usually allow students to stay with them at no cost, and this usually includes meals—a very attractive benefit for many students

Culture and Language.Living with residents of the host country affords you the opportunity to learn the traditions and customs of that region, and perhaps even acquire some new language skills.

No Commitment. When you sign a lease, as would normally be required when sharing a flat, you are committed to that agreement for the entire term. However, if you decide to stay with a host family there is no commitment, so if things aren’t working out you are always free to leave.

Of course there are also some disadvantages to this type of living arrangement, including, perhaps, some limitations on your freedom. As a guest of a host family you will be expected to abide by the rules they’ve established, which in some cases could include a curfew along with other house rules.

So what will you decide? Essentially the decision is a matter of preference, one that, in the end comes down to what’s most important to you. Granted, when sharing a flat you’ll almost certainly have more freedom, but this freedom will come with a fairly hefty price tag, and there’s no guarantee that you and your roommates will be compatible. On the other hand, if you decide to stay with a host family, you’ll probably have a bit less freedom, but your accommodations and meals will be free, and you’ll have many opportunities for cultural enhancement. It can be an agonizing decision, but whatever you decide you can rest assured that the advantages for each of these options almost always outweigh the drawbacks.

School Exchange Programs: Promoting Academic Excellence and Cultural Understanding

School exchange programs give participants from many different countries around the world an all-access pass to study in another country and to discover and explore the wonders of a new culture. The programs became very popular after World War II, and since that time millions of students have had the opportunity to embark on the educational journey of a lifetime, one that fosters a wealth of personal and academic experiences that will never be forgotten.

School Exchange Programs: About the Program, Participants and Host School

School exchanges are programs in which students of a variety of ages have the opportunity to study in a foreign country for a predetermined length of time, usually 10-12 months, or the duration of one school year. The programs are open to high school students, predominantly juniors and seniors, and to students at the university level. There are several countries from around the world that participate in school exchange programs, ranging from countries as far east as China and Japan, to as far west as the United States, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The application process for a school exchange program usually commences one year to 18 months prior to the start of the program. Students are usually required to complete a lengthy application, and will most likely undergo a series of interviews with the program staff to ensure they are a good match for the program. If accepted, they will typically be notified approximately 6 months in advance to their departure, giving them ample time to secure the required travel documents—such as a student visa—make the necessary travel arrangements and arrange for student housing (to be explained later).

When students arrive in their destination country, they will attend a host school, and have the benefit of interacting on a daily basis with their new-found peers. They will learn new teaching and learning methods, make new friends and have plenty of opportunities to share their own experience of living and studying in another country. Students and teachers at the host school will also benefit from the program. They have the opportunity to share a year-long bond with someone who offers a different cultural perspective, a bond where each student brings with them valuable insights and their own unique cultural perspective, allowing both the exchange student and the members of the host school to learn from one another.

School Exchange Programs: Student Housing and Activities

The opportunity to study at a host school is an incredible experience, but academics is only half of what school exchange participants will take away from the program. College-aged exchange students can choose to share an apartment or flat with other students their age, living independently and enjoying the college atmosphere and activities. Some will elect to save money, however, and opt for the same student housing option that is open to secondary students: living with a host family.

Host families, who generally have children roughly the same age as the program participants, are essential to the school exchange program. Not only do they house and feed their international house guests, they support them through by hosting nightly discussions, playing games and helping with homework. On the weekends they all embark upon various cultural events and exciting activities, allowing the exchange student to get a taste for, and fully absorb all the customs, traditions, food, language and fun associated with their host country.

School exchange programs help to promote academic excellence, as well as cultural learning, understanding and tolerance, and those students lucky enough to set off on of these international adventures will have a memorable experience that will help shape their perspective for the rest of their lives.

Student Exchange: The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Are you a secondary or college-level student interested in participating in a student exchange program of some type? Do you need more information on how these programs operate and the various options available? Student exchange programs have been in existence for decades as a means of providing students an opportunity to study abroad and soak in the traditions and customs of another culture. To help you become a bit more familiar with these programs, here we will discuss them in a bit more detail, including some of the specifics associated with the application process and a list of some of the benefits students will receive as program participants.

What Is a Student Exchange Program?

Student exchange is a program in which two or more secondary schools or universities partner together to offer educational opportunities and cultural enhancement for students who wish to study and travel abroad. For example, in a student exchange program between two partner schools in China and the United States, a student in China can elect to study at a school in the United States, while meanwhile an American student will travel abroad and study in the partner Chinese school. These programs are an absolute once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students, not only from an academic standpoint, but as an affordable way to learn the customs, culture and even the language of the host country.

Student exchange programs have been in existence for many years now. They became popular after the Second World War in an effort to promote the understanding and tolerance of other cultures, and since that time, they have evolved and expanded considerably. Currently there are hundreds of potential host nations and schools throughout the world that take part in student exchange, thus bolstering the number of opportunities for students who wish to take advantage of this very unique experience.

Student Exchange Program: The Details

The checklist below highlights some of the details and specifics normally involved with the student exchange program, although certain particulars will vary from program to program:

Application. The application process, which includes a written application and a series of interviews with a designated panel, usually begins one year prior to the scheduled student exchange.

Qualifications. To participate in a student exchange, qualified individuals will have demonstrated success in and out of the classroom and be of high moral character. Also, at the secondary level, students must be between 16-18 years of age.

Costs. Costs will vary depending on the type of student exchange program. At the university level the tuition for these programs is usually provided as part of a scholarship opportunity or federal grant, but at the secondary level these costs are usually absorbed by the participant’s family. Most additional costs revolve around travel and health insurance, as well as other risk management components.

Duration. The duration of student exchange programs can range from 6-24 months, but generally the exchange will span approximately 10 months.

Student Housing. At the secondary school level, housing and meals are usually provided exclusively by host families at no extra cost. This “host family” option is also available for university students, but since these students are of legal age they have many more housing options to choose from, including sharing an off-campus flat or apartment with other students or living on-campus in the residence halls or school dormitories.

Student Exchange: The Benefits


The benefits of student exchange are many, too numerous, in fact, to mention them all here. They include:

Cultural awareness, understanding and acceptance

Language acquisition

Gaining perspective of new teaching and learning methods and modalities

An enhanced interest and appreciation of global issues

Learning independence and attaining maturity

A sense of accomplishment

And many more…

Students who participate in, and successfully complete a student exchange program will return not only as better students, but as better people, with a deeper understanding of cultural issues, tolerance and flexibility

Friday, August 26, 2011

Online Degrees in Nursing: Train to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse

Are you currently stuck in an unfulfilling, low-paying, go-nowhere job? Have you ever considered a rewarding career as a licensed practical nurse, or LPN? The ongoing nursing shortage in this country continues to grow and has prompted many schools and universities to expand their base curriculum to include even more online degrees in nursing, one of which, the Associate Degree in Nursing, can quickly train you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). To give you some more background on this program, in this article we will discuss some of the educational and licensing qualifications for a licensed practical nurse, outline some of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position, and show you how this particular online degree in nursing can be the gateway to further career advancement.

Online Degrees in Nursing: Training and Qualifications for an LPN

There are many different types of online degrees in nursing, but the shortest, and certainly one of the most popular, is the Associates Degree in Nursing, a program that will help you meet the requirements of a Licensed Practical Nurse.

After you complete the core general education subjects, which are required for all types of associate degrees, training to become an LPN will typically span one year and will include both classroom study (courses that can be taken online) and supervised clinical practice. While pursuing this online degree in nursing you will learn the basic concepts and subjects that are involved in patient care, including anatomy, physiology, surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, nutrition and first aid, all of which will prepare you for the nurse’s licensing exam.

Licensure is required for all LPNs, which is really nothing more than a four-part computer-based exam called the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN. This exam will cover topics ranging from maintaining a safe and effective care environment to health promotion and maintenance. Those students who have satisfactorily completed their LPN coursework have a very high rate of passage on this exam.

Online Degrees in Nursing: What Can You Do With an LPN License?

Those who complete the online LPN nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-PN are immediately eligible to begin working with patients, assisting physicians and registered nurses in a variety of care settings, including hospitals and elder care facilities. Duties of an LPN usually include tasks such as recording patients’ vital signs, preparing and administering injections and enemas, dressing wounds and helping patients with their daily hygienic needs, such as dressing and bathing.

With an online degree in nursing you will instantly become very marketable, as the career outlook for LPNs continues to be exceptional, despite the recent economic downturn. There are currently nursing shortages in every state, and qualified nurses are always needed to fill those roles. The salary range for an LPN, while somewhat lower than that of Registered Nurses, is still very competitive, with plenty of room for advancement. In fact, the experience gained working with in these types of care facilities is very valuable, and many LPNs will later go on to complete their Bachelors or Masters Degree in Nursing and become registered nurses with higher salaries and increased responsibility.

Online Degrees in Nursing: How Do Online Degrees in Nursing Work?

Have you considered enrolling in one of the many available online degree programs in nursing? Do you need additional information about how online degrees in nursing work, including what you’ll need to get started? Online degrees in nursing have recently become very popular, largely due to the bright career prospects for qualified nurses throughout the country. However, before you commence on one of these programs there are certain qualifications and program aspects you should be aware of. To help prepare you for what you’ll need, in this article we will discuss online degrees in nursing in a bit more detail, including a list of what you’ll need before you enroll and what you can expect once the classes begin.

Online Degrees in Nursing: What You Will Need to Get Started

As the name implies, online degrees in nursing are college degree programs in which the majority—and sometimes the entirety—of the coursework is conducted online. As a result, to be successful in these types of programs, you will need to possess certain equipment and qualifications before you enroll, including:

Personal Computer This could be a desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet-style computer to which you have regular access.

Reliable Internet Connection A high-speed internet connection (broadband, DSL, Wireless, etc.) is essential when taking any online nursing degree class.

Email Account An email account is necessary for receiving and sending course information and coursework, however if you do not have one they are very easy to obtain.

Basic Computer Knowledge A basic understanding of how your computer and the Internet operate is essential when enrolling in an online nursing degree program.

Ability to Work Independently. Because the majority of the coursework will be completed online, students must possess the discipline to work independently to meet course deadlines.

While these are the base qualifications and equipment you will need to enroll in an online degree in nursing program, the school or university in which you enroll may have additional requirements, such as the ability to video chat or the ability to run a particular operating system.

Online Degrees in Nursing: How Do The Degree Programs Work?

These days almost every nursing degree, from an associate degree to degree at the doctoral level, is available online. Typically, these programs are broken down into two sections: course work and clinical practice, with the former being conducted over the Internet, and the latter at a medical facility of some type.

For the coursework section of the program, the school or university will generally host its own website, and students will be given a password. With this they will be able to access the site and participate in regularly scheduled activities, such as group chat sessions, video conferencing, lectures and seminars. Between these arranged sessions, students can also access the site to view any course assignments they may have missed and to read and contribute to bulletin board discussions.

Online Degrees in Finance: Bachelor of Science in Finance

Are you a business professional considering a return to school to help maximize your earning potential and improve your career prospects? Are you worried that you currently lack the time in your busy schedule to attend classes in the traditional sense and make the daily or semi-daily commute to the nearest college or university? If so, you may want to check out one of the many fabulous online degrees in finance that are currently being offered throughout the country, including the bachelor’s degree program in finance. To help get you started, here we will outline some of the specifics associated with this bachelor’s program, and show you why pursuing this particular online degree in finance may help you reach your goals without putting too much of a burden on your busy schedule.

Online Degrees in Finance: About the Online Bachelor of Science in Finance Degree

The online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree is a program featured at many colleges and universities across the country. The program is designed for busy, career-oriented professionals who are looking to advance within their current company, and for those seeking management-level employment opportunities in a variety of industries, including banking, investing, retail, insurance, financial services and government agencies.

The curriculum for the online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree is very thorough, and structured to include the most current trends in finance, including the latest techniques and practices that will allow graduates to compete in an ever-growing global economy. Throughout this online degree program, students will learn the basics of effective financial management, including the latest information and practices in financial analysis and planning, making important financial decisions and managing the financial resources of the firm and the firm’s clients.

Those who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science in Finance degree are in very high demand, and will be prepared for employment in areas/businesses such as:

Large private companies in a variety of industries

Government agencies and organizations

Non-profits groups

Small businesses

Management groups

Marketing and Financial services

Accounting

Investment firms

And much, much more…

Online Bachelor of Science in Finance Degree: Who Should Enroll?

The online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree is ideal for busy professionals—just like you—who are looking for a quality finance program that is flexible and convenient enough so as not to interfere with your current work schedule. Coursework is completed online at your own convenience, and when assignments are completed you simply email them back to the instructor for comments and evaluation. It really is that simple. This allows you to schedule your studies around your work schedule and family responsibilities, studying only when it’s an opportune time for you, including nights and weekends if you prefer.

A Bachelor Degree in Finance will not only provide you with the fundamental skills and principles you need to succeed in the financial world, it will almost always open new doors to more expansive opportunities and higher salaries. In fact, many will go on to earn and receive their MBA or Doctorate degree with an emphasis in Finance, and for both of these degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Finance is the perfect stepping stone.

Online Degrees in Education: What to Look for When Choosing a Program

Have you decided to pursue an online degree in education—a degree which will allow you to become a teacher and share your love of learning with the next generation of students? Education is a very popular course of study, with a variety of degree levels and programs to choose from. However, before you make any rash decisions regarding school enrollment, it’s important that you first consider whether or not the program(s) they offer suits your goals, matches your interests and fits your schedule. To help you accomplish this, in this article we will point out some of the primary factors to consider when shopping online education programs, and provide you with a list of questions to consider that will help you narrow down your selections.

Online Degrees in Education: What to Look For and Questions to Ask

The primary goal of any online degree in education program should be to fully prepare you for a career as a teacher. Thus, your primary selection criteria should be a school with which you feel comfortable—one that offers the most effective instructional methods and caters to a variety of learning styles. In addition, there are several factors and characteristics to consider—questions you need to ask to ensure you get the most from your educational experience. Some of these include:


Accreditation. Is the school and program through which you’ll earn your online degree in education accredited? This is very crucial and must always be considered, because if not, you may be wasting your time. Although most online schools of education are fully accredited through either the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, there are a few schools operating online without the proper credentials, and therefore a degree from one of these schools may be worthless, preventing you from becoming employed after graduation.

Schedule. One of the primary reasons for pursuing an online degree in education as opposed to a traditional degree is the flexibility. Sadly, some schools will promote their education program as “online,” when in reality only a small portion of that program is conducted via the Internet. For that reason, always make sure that the schedule requirements for your degree program will not interfere with your other responsibilities.

Curriculum. Are you certain that the curriculum offered through the online education program addresses your career interests and requirements? Has the curriculum been approved by a recognized standards committee? Always research the curriculum fully before making an enrollment decision.

Faculty. Does the faculty include doctoral level instructors and/or instructors with real-world teaching experience? Who you learn from is often as important as what you learn, so take some time to investigate your instructors’ qualifications beforehand.

Student Teaching. Does the institution you’re considering attending offer student teaching towards the end of the program? Student teaching is an important component of any teacher readiness program, and one that most states will require before you can become certificated.

Career Assistance. Does the online degree program help with placement assistance? Are the majority of graduates able to pass the state licensing exam? Competition for teaching jobs can be fierce in some states, which is why those schools that offer career services should be high on your list.

An online degree in education can open up a whole world of opportunities, but before jumping “feet first” into the first educational opportunity you come across, it is always a good idea to first do some research to ensure the school is a good fit for your unique interests and abilities.

Language Exchange Programs Defined

Are you interested in learning a new language, but perhaps having a difficult time doing so in the traditional manner? Would you be interested in becoming part of a language exchange program—a comfortable and collaborative new method for language acquisition? If so, the following information may prove very useful. In this article we will discuss the concept of language exchange in a bit more detail, first by defining the term and how the practice works, followed by a brief section outlining some of the benefits of this type of program.

What Is a Language Exchange and How Does It Work?

Simply put, a language exchange is a type of language acquisition program in which two or more people who speak a different language come together—either in person or electronically via email, voice chat, etc.—to practice one another’s language. For instance, if an English speaker is interested in learning Spanish, in a language exchange program he/she would be paired with a Spanish speaker interested in learning English.

There are several different ways a language exchange can be performed and practiced, including one of the more popular techniques called the Cormier method. In this system, small mixed groups of native speakers—speakers of two languages—will spend half the time conversing in one language and the other half speaking in the alternate language. This is carried out through various activities that are designed to address every important area of effective language acquisition, including vocabulary, comprehension and pronunciation.

While language exchange programs can take place in person, the improvements in technology in recent years have made it possible for speakers of different languages to get together electronically from thousands of miles away to practice each other’s language. This is often accomplished using a language exchange service of some type—one that provides a lesson plan and simplified instructions, usually for a very nominal fee. At the beginner level, speakers in a language exchange will often communicate exclusively through email or text, but as speakers become more advanced in each other’s language, video chat is often added to enhance the experience and to stress proper pronunciation.

The Benefits of a Language Exchange

Learning a new language takes not just practice, but the right kind of practice. Unlike other popular ways to learn a new language, methods such as a language class—in which the instructor does most of the speaking—and total immersion—in which the native speakers really have no motivation to help you learn—a language exchange allows both parties to speak, write and practice the new language often, with both parties sharing the same goal and thus just as motivated to help the other learn.

Another benefit of language exchange is that it stresses the type of communication most often used by people—conversational communication—and does so in a way that is very structured, yet comfortable. Through the carefully designed lesson plans and how-to guides, a language exchange program ensures that speakers will always have something to talk about, and because there is no evaluation process or penalty for mistakes, students tend to feel more at ease with the process and are more apt to practice on a regular basis.

Language exchanges offer a “win-win” scenario for both parties, and because these programs create an environment that is both supportive and collaborative, they are the perfect solution for anyone desiring to learn a new language.

Language Exchange: One on One vs. Group Language Exchange

Have you heard about the program called “language exchange”—an increasingly popular language acquisition program, based loosely around the premise of student and school exchanges? If you have, you know that there are essentially two ways to participate in a language exchange: in a one-on-one setting and with a group. And while both of these programs offer a number of advantages for new language learners, there has been some recent debate about which program model is the more effective. To help clarify this issue, here we will take a closer look at each of these styles of language exchange, explain their differences and similarities of each, and let you decide for yourself which of these programs offers the most benefit to learners.

Language Exchange: What Is Language Exchange?

Language exchange is a unique and extremely effective form of new language learning in which two or more people are grouped together, either physically in the same room or electronically through email, video chat etc., to learn each other’s language. The program can be conducted in either a one on one or group setting, with activities designed to teach and learn the other language.

In recent years, the language exchange model of new language acquisition has been lauded for the benefits it offers to all learners involved. It is a great alternative to the traditional model of language learning, direct language instruction, because instead of having one person teach many, this program demands a direct, even intimate participation between both parties, with plenty of opportunities for one on one discussions and language activities. This not only helps to learn the word and grammar equivalents in another language, but also the various idioms and pronunciations in language that are so vital to complete fluency.

One-on-One Language Exchange

One-on-one language exchange is a style in which two learners participate together in activities and dialogue designed to teach and learn the other’s language. In other words, a student from, say, Mexico would be paired with a French student, each desiring to learn the other’s language. This type of one-on-one exchange, with activities and instructions that are part of an overall lesson plan designed by the language exchange coordinator, can span several months or even a couple of years, and during that time it is not uncommon for the two learners to become very close friends as well as teachers and learners respectively.

One of the benefits to the “one-on-one” language exchange model is the program is much more conducive to electronic communication than is group instruction, essentially allowing two learners from opposite ends of the globe to meet regularly through email, instant messaging and video chat.

The obvious disadvantage to a one-on-one approach is the program is limited to only two teachers/learners instead of many. This tends to limit the amount of activities that can be performed and may not be completely representative of the language(s) that are being taught and learned.

Group Language Exchange

In group language exchange, several people meet together, some of which speak one language and some the other (usually 50-50), to conduct group discussions and participate in group activities, all designed to learn the other’s language. In other words, using the same example as above, a group language exchange with 10 participants would likely have 5 individuals from Mexico and 5 from France who meet regularly to participate in the program. Like one-on-one instruction, the activities are usually part of an overall lesson plan designed by the language exchange coordinator.

The advantage to a group language exchange is that it allows participants the opportunity to learn from several people at once. For example, in a group dialogue learners can hear various people speak the language on a single topic, both male and female, and a larger group usually translates to more discussion and longer dialogues. This repetition and the longer sessions can lead to increased comprehension.

Naturally, the group setting is not very conducive to electronic communication, as it is much more difficult to coordinate such activities when many people are involved. And while the group method can also lead to lifelong friendships, it tends to be much less intimate than one-on-one instruction, as people tend to be a bit more inhibited in a group setting.

Whether you decide to pursue one-on-one instruction, with increased opportunities for electronic communication, or a group setting, with more teachers/learners and more discussion, it is clear that the language exchange model is an excellent vehicle for achieving total fluency in another language and a much more beneficial alternative when compared to the often ineffective method of traditional direct instruction.

Want to Learn English in the United States? Some Factors to Consider

Do you need to improve your English language skills, perhaps for use in your profession or to qualify for a degree program in the United States or United Kingdom? Did you know that there are several programs available through which you can learn English in the United States? English language programs in the United States, also called ESL programs, are designed for non-native speakers who wish to learn the English language. Other types of English language programs simply cannot compare to those in the United States, as there is no better way to study the English language than to be constantly surrounded by native speakers. Not only will these programs allow you to learn advanced English language skills, they will also improve your resume and provide you with many opportunities to bask in the American culture.

Learn English in the United States: Some Factors to Consider

While the English language programs in the US are among the best in the world, there are several factors to consider before you make the decision to study here. Some of these factors include:

Location. Where do you want to study? The United States is a very unique country from a geographical standpoint. It features mountains, deserts and oceans; cold weather states and warm weather states; small rural communities and bustling metropolises. Deciding on the location that best suits your interests is one of the first steps prior to enrolling in an English language course.

Class Type What is your preference in terms of class type or size? There are many different types of schools that offer English language courses in the United States. From large, prestigious universities with many students, to smaller colleges and private institutions with fewer students, the US offers many different class options to suit your preferences.

Cost. The decision to study English in the United States can be a very expensive one. The cost of higher education is on the rise in the US and International students typically pay much higher tuition fees than native students, so if cost is a major issue you may want to consider studying at a private language learning institution instead.

Housing. There are many different housing options for international students. For example, if cost is not an issue, as is the case with many students on scholarship, you might prefer to live in an on-campus dormitory or in a private or shared apartment nearby. Those with cost concerns may be able to find a host family to live with—an option that is usually very affordable, if not free that also includes meals.

Credit Transfer. While most major colleges and universities are able to transfer your credits back to your home school, some of the smaller colleges and private institutions may not offer this benefit. It’s important to research this question beforehand, especially if you will need those credits to graduate

As you can see there are many factors to consider before making the decision to study English in the United States. Many of these questions can be answered by simply searching the Internet, but if you need additional assistance, check with your home university to see what resources they can provide you with, including some potential funding resources, as there are many grants and scholarships available for international students.