Educational Exchange

EducationUSA Advising Center

The Educational Advising Section provides both resources and services to assist those who want to study in the U.S.A. The office's regular activities include:  

• Advice on planning your education and career
• Orientation to study in the U.S.A.
• Information and guidance on undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Advice on application procedures, including standardized tests such as TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT and others
• Access to publications and videos on study in the U.S., university descriptions and addresses
• Individual consultations for students and help in filling out application forms for schools
• Computer data searches for career choices, selection of universities and other information
• Advice on financing your education
• Verifying academic records for applications to universities.
  

Special sessions may be arranged for visiting U.S. university representatives, and for advice and orientation before leaving the country and other areas. 

The Educational Adviser is also available to make presentations to schools, professional groups and community groups, especially for orientation in specialty areas (e.g. studies in engineering, computer or MBA programs). Please see the adviser to make a presentation schedule. 

 Schedule of activities

Introductory group session	Wednesdays  1:30-3:00 P.M.	Free and open to the public
Individual consultation	Wednesdays  3:00-5:00 P.M.	Pay service fee
Access to Advising Library	Mondays and Tuesdays  8:00-12:00 A.M.  Wednesdays and Thursdays  1:00-5:00 P.M.	Free and open to the public
Individual appointments	Fridays  8:30 - 13:30 P.M.	Pay service fee

Fees for educational advising services and resources
Service	Fee in CFA francs
General information Introductory Group advising session	Free
Advising Library visits	Free
Individual Consultation (20 minutes)	500
Assistance with filling out forms: (20 minutes)	1,000
Computer usage (per half hour)	1,000
Computer printouts (per page)	100
Photocopying (per page)	30

For further information, please contact the Educational Adviser.

Sources of Information

General sites

 

• CollegeJournal
  (http://www.collegejournal.com)
• Studying Abroad
  (http://www.intstudy.com)

Specific guidance for students and scholars

• Undergraduate Study
  (http://educationusa.state.gov/undergrad.htm)
• Graduate Study
  (http://educationusa.state.gov/graduate.htm)
• Opportunities for scholars
  (http://educationusa.state.gov/scholars.htm)
• Predeparture information
  (http://educationusa.state.gov/predeparture.htm)

University & College Homepages



• University of Texas compilation
  (http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ)

Ranking of Universities & Colleges



• Compiled by U.S. News & World Report
  (http://www.usnews.com/usnews/rankguide/rghome.htm)

Admission testing

• College Board Online (SAT I and II)
  (http://www.collegeboard.com)
• Educational Testing Service Online (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL)
  (http://www.ets.org)

Financial aid




A US education is very expensive. Tuition, room and board at an undergraduate institution will cost from $15,000 to $40,000 a year, depending on the school. A graduate education can be even more expensive. There is very little financial aid for foreign nationals to study in the US, with the possible exception of citizens of Canada and Mexico. Most grants, scholarships, and loans from public and private sources are restricted to US citizens.

However, some US schools are more likely than others to offer financial aid for international undergraduate students. (source: EDUPASS)

 

• Schools which offer aid (including grants, loans, and jobs) to the largest numbers of international students.
  (http://www.edupass.org/finaid/undergraduate.phtml)
• EDUPASS
  (http://www.edupass.org/finaid)
• Fulbright grants: Grants to pursue academic courses, for credit, or to engage in research or projects supervised by an approved institution, or a combination of both. The grants are awarded for study in the US.
  Estimated number of grants: 20
  (http://www.fulbright.org.za)
• Scholar$ite: Search a financial aid database
  (http://www.scholarsite.com/)
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators (http://www.nafsa.org/content/AboutInternationalEducation/
  ForStudents/ForeignStudentFunding.htm)

Careers in specific occupations
Information on numerous jobs and professions including the education and qualifications needed.


• Occupational Outlook Handbook online
  (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)

Associations involved in international education and exchanges

• Institute of International Education
  (http://www.iie.org/)
• Association of International Educators
  (http://www.nafsa.org)