Study Overseas

Experience Illinois

You wont be disappointed if you decide to enrol for undergraduate study in Illinois. A great blend of city life can be found in Chicago, the state's largest city, as well as a more relaxed atmosphere around Springfield and central Illinois. A variety of smaller cities can be found throughout the state the provide a more peaceful atmosphere to students.

Requirements Illinois is looking for Undergraduate Study:

Major institutes in Illinois want to recruit students who have completed high school. Each university has different requirements when it comes to submitting an application so check your school's requirements thoroughly. A majority require an online application, academic records, declaration of finances, standardized test scores and copy of your passport. If English is not your first language you will also need to complete an English proficiency test.

Many universities in the United States base their admissions on a combination of your academic records from high school and a standardized test score. These tests are taken independently by students all over the United States, however depending on the availability of the ACT or SAT (both versions of this national test) where you live the university may waive it or ask you to substitute it with something different.

Living Costs:

Your living arrangements will roughly cost you between 8,000 to 12,000 US dollars per per semester to live in student housing at a University in Illinois. This will include your housing arrangement and meal accommodations. Generally as a first year student if you choose to live in student housing the meal program will be mandatory to purchase with the housing costs.

The range of tuition costs differs greatly among the different universities in Illinois depending on if the university is public or private. Public schools such as Illinois State University and the University of Illinois (Springfield) cost around 18,000 US dollars per semester. The University of Chicago and Northwestern University are private schools and cost around 42,000 US dollars per semester.

Visa Requirements:

You can apply for your visa as soon as you are within 120 days (four months) of leaving for Illinois. Check with the requirements from your embassy, but many students fill out a F I-20 Form to receive a F-1 Student Visa.

Education Overview:

The University of Chicago is where U.S. President Obama taught law in the early stages of his career. It is a prestigious school that has a sought after reputation in economics and science. A top research school that has contributed greatly with discoveries in science, including carbon dating.

Northwestern University is ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report every year for its undergraduate programs as a whole. In particular Northwestern is highly regarded for its programs in economics, journalism, education and engineering.

The University of Illinois has a selection of campuses all spread out all over the state. So take your pick from anywhere around the state. With three main locations at Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield this is the largest university in Illinois. Students are offered a huge selection of undergraduate degrees as well as the choice between attending class on campus or online.

If being a teacher interests you the perfect place to study is at Northern Illinois University. At the heart of the university has always been the focus of creating college-educated teachers. Currently they offer a variety of different fields of study but there is still an emphasis on preparing teachers and the teacher certification programs.

Growing from a school for teachers Southern Illinois University now offers a wide range of degrees. With specialized locations for studying medicine and dentistry as well as more standard locations to study basic undergraduate degrees.

International Programs:

Universities in Illinois are accustom to accommodating many international students. Most universities offer an international student orientation that will prep you for the new culture and surroundings. These orientations offer advice on finding your way around and important information on things you should be aware of.

Music Culture:

In Chicago the blues are still popular and you will have your pick of great night clubs to hear jazz music at. Jazz has its routes in Chicago and the term jazz was first used to describe music performed here. The House of Blues and Green Mill Jazz Club are the perfect places to check in with, find out the current line-ups and come back to with friends. If your studying during the summer the Chicago Blues Festival in June is a fun free event to attend.

Attractions Guide:

Finding an exciting way to spend your weekends is a breeze in Illinois. Six Flags Great America has one of their legendary parks just north of Chicago. The latest addition to the park includes an an indoor roller coaster based on the film the Dark Knight. Visiting this park is a great escape from a studious week at university and will make for an entertaining afternoon.

A unique perspective of the city of Chicago can be founded by visiting the top of the Willis Tower. Standing on the glass floor and viewing the city underneath your feet on the 103^rd floors above a breath taking view.

A Ferris wheel and hot air balloon rides are found at Navy Pier. This coastal area off of Lake Michigan is a great source of entertainment. There will never be a lack of entertainment with an IMAX theatre and a collection of shops and restaurants. Another water front attraction is Peoria River Front where paddle boat cruises are available in the summer months. A unique Steamboat festival takes place in June and is one of the largest in the world.

The Millennium Park is a great place to spend time in any season. A scenic park in the summer with a interactive water fountain and outdoor performances. During the winter a skating rink can be found and is another enjoyable way to spend a few hours at the park.

If your interested in attending a performance the Loop Theatre District is a great place to attend one. A handful of different venues are located in this area from performing arts theatres to orchestra halls.

Illinois has a lot to offer its students and many international students are feeling more welcomed by this state. In 2010 around 28, 000 international students studied in Illinois and the numbers are growing.

Sources:

www.enjoyillinois.com/brochures/Default.aspx (travel book)

www.diplomaguide.com/articles/Top_Illinois_Colleges_and_Universities.html

www.studyillinois.info/colleges_universities.php