Student in USA
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Oct 2nd 2007, 6:41 am
#18
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 15,455
Re: Student in USA
(But I am a Mum!)
Oct 2nd 2007, 10:43 am
#19
MODERATOR
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Hong Kong, mostly.
Posts: 5,214
Re: Student in USA
It's fine that you know what you want to do. I think a lot of people are raising this issue because they 'knew what they wanted to do too' when they were in the UK planning to come to the US, and this message board is litterally full of how their expectations have not been met. I think they just want you to understand where they're coming from and how similar a story it was to yours.
But anyway, as for the visa officer, you should emphasize your desire to study at this college, or your desire to study with this particular professor or this particular program. Try to emphasize something that was unique about this school and why it is a real opportunity for you. Or mention how you want to broaden your perspective of the world, or enhance your understanding of the USA beyond that of just reading the international media (which, you will come to discover and as the visa officer knows, doesn't always get it right when covering the USA). I think you should also emphasize that you have a steady job in the UK and family and options back here, but that you've made a serious contemplated decision to take this once in a lifetime opportunity in the US before you come back to the UK to settle down and start a family.
Or something like that.
Really, I don't think it will be much of a problem.
But anyway, as for the visa officer, you should emphasize your desire to study at this college, or your desire to study with this particular professor or this particular program. Try to emphasize something that was unique about this school and why it is a real opportunity for you. Or mention how you want to broaden your perspective of the world, or enhance your understanding of the USA beyond that of just reading the international media (which, you will come to discover and as the visa officer knows, doesn't always get it right when covering the USA). I think you should also emphasize that you have a steady job in the UK and family and options back here, but that you've made a serious contemplated decision to take this once in a lifetime opportunity in the US before you come back to the UK to settle down and start a family.
Or something like that.
Really, I don't think it will be much of a problem.
Oct 2nd 2007, 2:16 pm
#20
Thinking about it
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Mid-West
Posts: 9,435
Re: Student in USA
I work in IT, and to be honest most firms I have dealt with wouldn't give a toss about your degree if you have 8 years of experience under your belt and are a capable individual.
That said hr spivs might throw your cv in the bin due to a lack of a degree - to get round this start networking or better still get taken on by a consulting/contracting firm and get them to drop you in there.
I studied a finance related discipline and worked in the City for a consulting firm very briefly - nothing I learnt at uni was of any use to me when I was writing code.
Oct 2nd 2007, 3:14 pm
#21
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5,043
Re: Student in USA
I think it is great that you want to get a college degree, but I would encourage you to 'shop around' a bit before you do so. A little known school in the NW is going to be great, if you want a job in a little known part of the NW. But if you are looking to work nationally, or internationally, you might consider spending your money on a school with a better name and a good program specifically in the field you wish to study. If it is business and finance, than you need, well--should be--on the East Coast near the financial areas, not out in the woods with beautiful scenery.
It is worth noting that your US degree will require almost a year and half to two years of required study NOT in your final degree area. So eventhough you are going for a finance degree, you are going to spend at least a year or two studying English Literature, Art, Astronomy, Basic Calculus, Psychology, etc. You may go the entire first year without a single business class.
I should note that you would really want to get an MBA in the US to be taken seriously in the business community, and that is a 2 year program AFTER your 4 years and AFTER a few years of work experience.
You might want to consider studying at home for a year or two and then getting your MBA in the states. Or taking a few classes in the UK that could transfer over to the US (i.e. take some night course in the UK--get a few of the requirements done and over with) so you can spend maybe 3 years instead of 4 in the US.
You can also let us know the name of the school and we might be able to give you a better read on the 'reputation' in the US.
It is worth noting that your US degree will require almost a year and half to two years of required study NOT in your final degree area. So eventhough you are going for a finance degree, you are going to spend at least a year or two studying English Literature, Art, Astronomy, Basic Calculus, Psychology, etc. You may go the entire first year without a single business class.
I should note that you would really want to get an MBA in the US to be taken seriously in the business community, and that is a 2 year program AFTER your 4 years and AFTER a few years of work experience.
You might want to consider studying at home for a year or two and then getting your MBA in the states. Or taking a few classes in the UK that could transfer over to the US (i.e. take some night course in the UK--get a few of the requirements done and over with) so you can spend maybe 3 years instead of 4 in the US.
You can also let us know the name of the school and we might be able to give you a better read on the 'reputation' in the US.
Oct 4th 2007, 3:35 am
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Iowa
Posts: 215
Re: Student in USA
Hello daftpunk,
I am studying in a little known college in the midwest. I started in August and I also had the choice of UK or US. Ironically I dropped out of a career in IT also had enough of it and decided to try studying in the US.
The visa is pretty easy to get. They are interested in you being able to support yourself. Make sure the college you choose has an international program. I'm sure you have looked, but on an F1 Visa you are unable to work, unless you can demonstrate economic hardship. If your college is not recognised by the UK as a foreign institution you are not eligable for grants or loans. So you need to be able to support yourself, and that is what they are looking for. Books alone are $500 per semester and that's on a lightly loaded course.
It is expensive! I've only been here since July, but I'm enjoying the change, at least you will know people, that would help somewhat. I didn't know a soul! Just me and 3 children, but so far it's worked out well.
If your degree will not count towards what you want to do, I'd not waste the money, if it doesn't matter and you want the experience, I'd go for it. I worked with people that had studied for degrees in the UK in animal husbandry, that were working in computer programming. Smaller companies tend to want you educated to degree standard, rather than being picky on what your degree is.
Good luck!
I am studying in a little known college in the midwest. I started in August and I also had the choice of UK or US. Ironically I dropped out of a career in IT also had enough of it and decided to try studying in the US.
The visa is pretty easy to get. They are interested in you being able to support yourself. Make sure the college you choose has an international program. I'm sure you have looked, but on an F1 Visa you are unable to work, unless you can demonstrate economic hardship. If your college is not recognised by the UK as a foreign institution you are not eligable for grants or loans. So you need to be able to support yourself, and that is what they are looking for. Books alone are $500 per semester and that's on a lightly loaded course.
It is expensive! I've only been here since July, but I'm enjoying the change, at least you will know people, that would help somewhat. I didn't know a soul! Just me and 3 children, but so far it's worked out well.
If your degree will not count towards what you want to do, I'd not waste the money, if it doesn't matter and you want the experience, I'd go for it. I worked with people that had studied for degrees in the UK in animal husbandry, that were working in computer programming. Smaller companies tend to want you educated to degree standard, rather than being picky on what your degree is.
Good luck!
