20+ FAQs About Studying in the USA for International Students

FAQs About Studying in the USA

Q1. Which is the safest state in the USA for Indian students?

Particularly, there is no 1 city that we say is the safest in the USA for Indian students, however it depends on the factors you are considering including campuses and city safety etc. According to the recent analysis, some of the cities that are considered the safest for students going for studies in the US are:

• New Hampshire
• Irvine, California
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Utah
• California (some parts)

Boston is often talked about as the safest option for students. Students going for their studies abroad, especially to the USA must consider going to these cities depending upon their university and program choices.

Q2. Is it worth studying in the US for Indian students?

Ans: Yes, of course. Studying in the USA is surely worthwhile especially for Indian students. As we all know America is known for its world-class education including the best of universities such as Stanford and Harvard etc. With cutting-edge education, world class research labs and plethora of program options to choose from, the US has always topped the charts among those studying abroad. The flexibility of choosing programs and the education model there is quite flexible. Talking about benefits of studying in USA, here is the list that cannot be ignored:

• World class education and top-ranked universities
• Globally recognized degrees
• Research and innovation opportunities
• International culture, studies and work exposure for students
• Return on investment
• World-class infrastructure with better amenities for students studying abroad.
• Strong alumni network
• Multicultural environment adaptability

Return on investment is the best part of your study abroad experience. Though the costs, tuition fee and other living expenses in the USA are quite high, the wages for graduates from top universities in the US is also extremely high and the growth is even faster. Other than these benefits numerous scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students and other financial aid for research exists. So, yes, studying in the USA is completely worthwhile. Here, we have listed some of the best courses for undergrad in the USA for Indian students.

Q3. Are Indian students still planning to choose the USA for higher education?

Yes, many Indian students are still planning to go to the US for higher studies because the USA has always remained the top destination for study in the USA for Indian students along with world-class universities and career prospects. Despite some concerns and visa policy updates in 2025 students still show strong interest and they are particularly taking interest in STEM and AI programs. There are several reasons for the continued interest of Indian students wanting to pursue higher education in the USA.

Students who often show interest in studying abroad weigh costs vs. benefits carefully. Before taking a final decision the visa, work and other aspects are analyzed well and of course they look for alternative study destinations. Other than all this, scholarship and funding options are even considered seriously by them. Jamboree has an expert team of counsellors who can help you in sorting all these details and help you choose the right study destination, right university and right course for undergraduate, MBA or master’s programs in the USA or in any other country.

Q4: Which USA colleges/universities are preferred by the Indian students?

As per the recent data mentioned below is the list of top USA universities which Indian students prefer to go to and these are filtered on the basis of multiple factors including:

• Global reputation of these top universities in the US
• STEM, data science and other popular course options to study in America
• Support for international students
• Better job opportunities
• Well-funded labs and better research opportunities
• Better scholarships and other financial aid

Here are the top universities preferred by Indian students:

Apart from these Indian students studying abroad even choose university on the basis of their affordability and safety ofcourse.

Q5: Should I consider other possible countries to study including Canada, UK and Germany etc instead of the USA.

As they say that there should always be a plan B in case A doesn’t work. So, this answer is based on quite a neutral aspect that yes, it is worth considering other countries when it comes to study abroad. Jamboree as an expert study abroad consultant will always guide you well and shall handhold you till the time you are out of any confusion or even beyond that if required.

Every study abroad destination has its own merits and de-merits in terms of fees, university and preferred program options, career prospects, safety, research opportunities and of course quality of education. Other countries that Indian students wanting to study abroad can choose:

• Study in Australia
• Study in Germany
• Study in Netherlands
• Study in UAE
• Study in UK

Q6: How safe is the United States for an international student?

If we talk about the safety of an international student going to study in the USA , the United States can actually give a safe environment for the students, especially in the campus areas where there is 24-hour security and emergency services. Many students have lately started to ask these questions because of the disturbing news which comes often. Despite all the media coverage, the US is considered as a safe study abroad destination, but one must still remain careful and follow some basic safety tips.

Safety is usually the first concern for any parent when thinking about studying the USA. Students can stay safe by keeping the following points in mind:

• Choose a university recommended housing and if it is an on-campus housing then nothing is better.
• Avoid sneaky and unsafe neighborhoods
• Stay alert at all times and know your surroundings well
• Ask for help if at all required

With smart choices and university support students usually feel safe in the US.

Q7: Is studying in the USA overrated?

Studying in the US is not overrated, however it is often considered as overrated because of the increasing study costs, living expenses and visa uncertainties etc. Studying abroad, especially in the US, can never be overrated to those who aim for world class universities, top in demand courses, scholarships and financial stability.

USA can never be considered overrated because of the following reasons:

• Top global universities
• Strong network and alumni connection
• STEM and other thriving fields to study
• High standards of education and flexibility

The degree you get from these top universities in the US adds a great value to your career, however everything depends upon your goals.

Q8: How easy / hard is it to get a job (internship or full‑time) after graduation in the USA? What are the prospects / challenges?

Ans: Investing in a US degree is a decision that needs a lot of planning not only in terms of selecting the best university to study in the US, but also in terms of finances and scholarships etc. Talking about getting a job in America after graduation actually no-one can guarantee it. There are certain key factors or challenges which may arise anytime.

• OPT – Initial work experience can be gained through OPT that is optional practical training, however this is temporary.
• Visa – H-1B is to be sponsored by the employer that is yet another competitive process.
• Experience – Those who have specialized knowledge or few years of work experience stand a better chance.
• High-Demand Fields – Graduates in STEM have an added advantage of securing a job in the US.

The job market in the USA is quite competitive and the uncertainty lies in the fact that job prospects shift quickly because of the economic conditions. Thus, there is no direct yes or no to this question. Chances are better if you have chosen STEM fields and have used your OPT wisely. On the contrary, it gets difficult for those who have chosen a non-STEM field in the USA and have not used their internships wisely by not doing any networking or connection building.

Q9: How do student loans work for Indian students? Which are the most preferred banks?

For a student to be eligible for a student loan, he/she must be an Indian citizen and a strong academic background can make things easier. Financing options for study abroad can be quick and hassle free if handed over the task to Jamboree. There is a streamlined process for study loan for the US including the following steps:

Step 1: Loan application and approval

Step 2: Loan disbursement

Step 3: Course and moratorium period

Step 5: Repayment options and tenure

Jamboree helps you to get:

• Collateral/Non-Collateral Loans
• Public/Private/ International Partners
• Compare Loan Options & Get Better ROI
• Quick Approvals & Hassle-free Application

Most preferred student loan providers for studying in the USA are:

Q10: Can I convert a study visa into a work permit in the USA?

No, you cannot directly convert a US student visa (F-1) into a work permit. The OPT is one of the most common ways by which students studying in the US can gain work experience in their field. It is to be applied for after graduation and then your employer in the US will have to sponsor you for a work visa such as the H-1B visa. Your student visa gives you the permission to work, but not indefinitely.

So, this is only possible if your employer sponsored you and due to high demand, H-1B visa has a lottery system and the H-1B visa is granted for 3 years and then it is extendable to 6 years.

Q11: What are the changes in 2025 in the rules for student visas in the US?

Ans: There are a few proposed changes for the USA student visas in 2025. Mentioning below are the changes. These are not implemented yet, but are still in the proposed rule-making phase. Have a look at the proposed changes below:

• Strict Background Checks – As per the new rule, the social media scanning would be compulsory as a background check.
• Fixed Admission Period – The replacement of the current duration of status policy with a fixed period of admission which is often cited as up to four years for F-1 students.
• Increased Fee – A Visa Integrity Fee” of $250 and a $24 Form I-94 fee were introduced. This fee is mandatory for all the students applying.
• Interview Requirements – For most students starting Sep 2025, there would now be in-person interviews.
• Increased Scrutiny – Higher proofs are now required in terms of financial stability, English language ability, social media and other background checks.

Q12: How many years can we stay in the USA with a student visa?

It actually depends upon the duration of your program. Indian students going to study in the USA can stay in the US for the entire duration of their program.

• For Bachelor’s – 4 years
• For Master’s – 1.5 to 2 years
• For PhD – 4–7 years

The duration of your status to stay and study in the US is indicated on your Form I-94. You may be eligible for an OPT that allows you to work in the US after graduation for 1 year in order to gain work experience. STEM degree holders may extend their OPT for an additional two years.

Q13: How much money is required for a US student visa?

In order to apply for the USA student visa you must have sufficient funds to show for tuition fee and other living expenses for the last 6 to 9 months. As far as the US student visa fee is concerned, an applicant outside the USA will have to pay:

• US $160 as an application visa fee.
• US $350 SEVIS fee on F and M visa applications
• US $220 on most of the J Visa applications

NOTE: Check the latest fee when applying.