Study Overseas

Dear Studying In America,

I am a working professional in Hong Kong and will soon be transferred to New York with my company. I would like to use my time in America effectively and study for an MBA as I am quite ambitious. I would like to go the best school in the city. How can I find out who this is?

Lisa Cheng, Hong Kong

Well firstly, New York is a great place to study for an MBA! Secondly, you say you want to study at the best school. Do you mean through rankings? If so, we would advise that although there is often a great emphasis placed upon ranking when choosing a business school, the higher ranking program does not necessarily mean that this will be the right school or program for you. It is extremely important that you weigh up all your needs both professional and personal. What area of business interests you the most? What are your carer goals? Where do you want to work after graduation? How much financial support will you require? What if your school choice involves a move? How close do you want to be to family and friends? Would you prefer a 16 campus or small? Etc.

Also, a top business school's trademark is its faculty. Visit the school's website to review faculty biographies and if you have trouble finding this information about them, be wary. This might indicate the less-experienced faculty may turn over frequently. While reviewing faculty qualifications, determine if they are recognized experts in their fields? Do they participate in research that they bring to the classroom? Do faculty members have practical expertise gained through professional experience and consulting?

Ultimately though the real question you should ask is if the program is accredited. AACSB International is the premier accrediting agency for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in business administration and accounting. Accreditation by the AACSB demonstrates that a school has gone through an extensive multi-year evaluation process that proves its ongoing commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Earning AACSB accreditation is a difficult process, which is why less than 10 percent of the world's business schools are authorized to display the official AACSB seal of accreditation.

For more advice contact theAACSB International at www.aacsb.edu

Dear Studying In America,

I would love to get a degree in America but I have too many commitments at home. I have heard about Distance Learning but don't know enough about it. Would it be possible to get a full degree through a distance learning program from the USA?

Holison Joshua, Nigeria

It certainly is possible to get degree through a distance learning program. Infact, the USA are leading the way when it comes to study through these programs. However, before committing to a Distance Learning program it is important that you check that your course is accredited. Accreditation is a non-governmental peer review process designed to determine whether a school meets specific standards. The Distance Education and Training Council is the premier accrediting association for distance learning institutions in the US and has over 80 years of experience within this field. Also, you need to make sure you have the right materials. Distance Learning Programs use almost every form of modern communications technology. Some programs are primarily "correspondence based", which means you send and receive materials through the mail. Other institutions operate entirely online and do not use physical textbooks or paper resources so it is important that you are fully aware of the course demands before you commit. It is also extremely important that there is some form of ongoing support from your chosen institution throughout the program. The internet plays a huge part in this, not only through e-mails but it also encourages live chats, discussion boards to help students develop a sense of community. Knowing that an instructor or a student is only an e-mail away can be a great help.

For more information on any aspect of Distance Education why not contact the Distance Education and Training Council direct at: www.ncdt.com

Dear Studying In America,

I am interested in studying in America. However, I will need to work whilst I am studying for a bit of extra income. Is it possible for me to work and study?

Raj Rishabh, Dehli, India

You will be able to work whilst studying in America. However, this will depend purely what type of visa you are on. Most international students who study in the USA come in on an F-1 or J-1 visa. If you are in this bracket you will be able to work part-time up to 20 hours a week for some additional income during your academic year and 40 hours a week during official school breaks. However, it is important to note that one of the requirements you will need to fill when applying for you visa is to show proof that you can fund yourself whilst studying so any income earn must always be seen as additional and not essential for your survival whilst studying in the US.

For more information on work and visa regulations in the States contact the United State Citizenship ands Immigration Services (USCIS) www.uscis.gov

Dear Studying In America,

I would like to study for a degree in the states but I am worried that studying in a second language may hold me back. What help will I get to improve my English?

Emho Skerrit, Ethiopia

Well, a great place to start is to find out what your English abilities actually are! Before you study in the United States you will almost certainly have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. (TOEFL) The TOEFL is an English language proficiency test that is taken by 900,000 people around the world each year so, you are not alone in your worries. Once you get a good TOEFL score and get accepted onto a program you will almost certainly be given additional help by your university or college. ESL programs are extremely varied from verbal and written programs through to subject based English such as Business English - there are programs to suit all needs. Why not ask the university or college direct about their ESL programs, I am sure they will be happy to help.

For more information however on any aspect of English as a Second Language why not contact TOEFL at: www.toefl.org

If you have any worries about Studying in the USA then why not let the Studying In America team help - why not e-mail us direct at: info@studyoverseas.com