The
U.S. education system is large and complex and confusing even to many
who have been raised in it. The decentralized system—different from
that of many other nations, which feature government oversight—can be
as foreign as the culture to international students. Here are some tips
and information for navigating the system:
The U.S. Department of Education is a good starting point. Within this site you will find several useful pages:
- A visual chart of the structure of the educational system
- Text descriptions of the structure of the educational system, including grading, the levels of education, and specialized programs
- The system of accreditation and making sure you select a legitimate school
- The U.S. Network for Education Information seeks to present educational information in a central location
- Foreign citizens are not eligible for most forms of federal student aid. To find out what types of aid are available, visit Federal Student Aid and Financial Aid at EducationUSA. Keep in mind that some schools will offer grants or scholarships for international students.
The Council on Higher Education Accreditation oversees the six regional accrediting boards. For a good overview of the regional accrediting boards and additional specialized accrediting bodies, visit the U.S. Department of Education. The CHEA maintains a list of accredited institutions, and the University of Texas-Austin also maintains a comprehensive listing of accredited institutions. This list is updated monthly and is searchable by state and by school name.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, an online and print publication, provides news for college and university faculty members, administrators, and students.
EducationUSA,funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, has a wealth of information for international students. Topics covered include the visa process, financial aid, educational fairs, U.S. culture, and even a glossary of education terms.
