As part of a worldwide network of the US government's State Department, EducationUSA often stands out for being the go-to hub for student queries and assistance about studying in the United States.
The program helps students from around the world apply to and join American institutions for higher studies.
Zayan Faiyad is a Bangladeshi who traveled to the United States to study for her undergraduate degree. In her words:
Where are you now and how are you adjusting?
I am currently a program manager for a Boston-based venture capital firm. Prior to this, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University.
The last five years have definitely helped me adjust to life in the States. But when you first arrived on campus as a freshman - regardless of any preparation, you will experience culture shock. I was particularly surprised by how participatory US classroom instruction is compared to the culture at home.
How did you learn about EducationUSA?
I first learned about EducationUSA during my first year of A levels in Bangladesh. Since I was interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in North America, my physics teacher recommended I attend an undergraduate admissions information session ofEducationUSA at the American Center in Dhaka , and that is how it began.
It was quite intimidating when I first stepped into the EducationUSA compound in Baridhara, since it is situated right next to the embassy itself. But my fears were calmed when I met the team at the American Center.
Q: What did EducationUSA provide you?
Several things, actually! As anyone will tell you, the application process is lengthy, challenging, and mired in myth and mystery. Attending the admissions info session at the American Center helped me cut through the noise, clearly identify steps in the process, and chart out my course of action.
Next, I was able to sign up for a 1-on-1 session with the admissions counselor at EducationUSA to talk about my goals and to identify what types of institutions would be a good fit for me: i.e., small college size vs. large, liberal arts colleges vs. public and research universities, etc.
Very few schools in Bangladesh have an admissions counselor (i.e. someone who exclusively works with students on the university admissions process), which is why these sessions are invaluable.
Finally, the center has extensive resources for standardized test-taking, including overview sessions for SAT/IELTS/TOEFL, books, and practice tests.
Q: How was the application process as described by EducationUSA?
I can only speak to my experience with the undergraduate admissions process, but EducationUSA also has a wealth of resources for postgraduate admissions.
In broad strokes, the first step is to identify and then narrow down a list of institutions that are a good personal fit. This includes screening for desired institutional attributes such as average class size, affordability in terms of expected cost of attendance and opportunities for financial aid and scholarships, and the strength of academic departments for your intended major. EducationUSA has a chart with key information (e.g. average class size, total cost of attendance, average financial aid packages for international students, etc.) for hundreds of accredited institutions, which can help you in the screening process.
The second step is to put together your application materials, prep for standardized tests, and apply!
Once you have heard back from colleges and made your choice, the final step is to prepare for departure. This includes applying for your student visa, attending a pre-departure orientation, and prepping for your next 4 years!
Q: What would you recommend to future student applicants to the United States?
If you are just starting out with the process or even just thinking about applying to the States, make sure you attend an admissions info session at EducationUSA. This will help you understand the process quickly and effectively.
Next, seek advice from previous applicants. If you are wondering how to reach out to them, there is an active forum on Facebook called Bangladeshis Beyond Border - make sure to check it out! You can learn so much from the discussions
and documents in that forum alone.
Start early! You should ideally give yourself 8-12 months before the admissions deadline for a successful application outcome. Start preparing for standardized testing as soon as you can as that is often the most stressful part.
If you can, chart out the dates and deadlines for each step of the process on a spreadsheet or paper to help you stay on track.
And last but not least, please prioritize your mental health. Applying to universities can be a prolonged period of stress, and there are a lot of expectations that are often attached to it. It will definitely feel overwhelming, but please know that everything will work out somehow.
Good luck!
