To find out about babysitting, childcare, and nursery schools, read chapter 25, "Your Younger Child" in Hello! USA.
To find out more about public and private schools, read:
- chapter 26, "Your Older Child," in Hello! USA.
- the 30-page booklet Choosing Elementary and Secondary Schools.
To find a good school, talk to:
- a relocation center or service
- a real estate agent
- an educational counselor
- other expats or residents in the area
- a relocation company such as Full Circle International, Inc. (This service is available to companies and institutions involved in international relocation.) Personal Services
With high schools, you often can find out the level of instruction by looking at:
- scores on College Admissions Tests such as the SAT
- the percentage of students going to college and the quality of the colleges they attend
- the courses offered. Schools with high academic standards offer many honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Warning: Every child is different. To find out which school is best for your child, you need to ask the right questions. Read:
- Choosing Elementary and Secondary Schools: Questions parents need to ask. Two sections are on special education and private schools.
- chapter 25, "Your Older Child," in Hello! USA. This chapter explains the American educational system-with advice about choosing a school, dealing with common problems, and registering your child.
Colleges and Universities
The U.S. has over 2,700 colleges. To find out more about the U.S. system-including costs and admissions:
- Read chapter 28, "Colleges and Universities, in Hello! USA.
- Use the Student Visa Package: a Self-Immigration Kit, which has the forms and information you need to apply.
- Get advice on choosing a college or on filling out college application forms. Contact a private consultant such as Dr. France Pruitt, President of International Educational Associates, Inc. Personal Services.
When you apply to a college or university, you need the following:
- an application. Call or write to the admissions office and ask for an application. Be sure to say you are a foreign student.
- official transcripts, or the official records of your courses and grades from high school or college. Allow plenty of time to order your transcripts from your home country. Send only original copies (no photocopies!) with official English translations.
- letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or employers
- medical and immunization records, with English translations
- admissions test scores such as the TOEFL, the SAT I and II, and the ACT
- a statement of financial ability. You may need to fill out a form to prove that you can pay for your U.S. Education. You may also need documents such as bank records and salary statements.
Warning: Many foreign students want to apply for a scholarship to a U.S. college or university. Unfortunately, most undergraduate scholarships are only for U.S. students. If you cannot pay for the high cost of a U.S. higher education, you may not be able to study here unless your grades are unusually high. Graduate students are more likely to get a scholarship. Consult with an expert such as Dr. France Pruitt to find out if you have a good chance. Personal Services.
