Reading: Core English skills part 1

Getting a student visa for the US can be a long and stressful process, and one of the final hurdles is the visa interview.

Conducted in English, it’s one of the parts of the US visa application process that causes international students the most stress.

We’ll briefly recap the US student visa types and application process before sharing top tips on how to prepare and build your speaking confidence for a stress-free interview experience.

Understanding the different types US student visas 

To enter the US to study, you’ll need an F-1 or M-1 visa.

F-1 visas are intended for international students looking to study at colleges or universities. This visa category also covers other academic institutions, such as language schools.

M-1 visas are for vocational studies, such as culinary school, trade school programs, and healthcare technician courses.

If you’re not sure what type of visa you need and want to understand more about the different criteria, there’s an official US Visas website with a useful Visa Wizard tool to point you in the right direction.

How to apply for a US student visa

To study in the US, you’ll need to apply for and be accepted on a course at a Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school before starting the visa process.

Once accepted, you’ll receive Form I-20 and need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.

There’s another round of forms and fees (DS-160 and the visa application fee), before it’s time to schedule that all-important visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.

On interview day, you’ll need to bring documents, such as your passport, academic transcripts, and travel history, as well as details of your intended travel to the US.

You’ll have an interview with a consulate officer and your visa will either be approved or may require further “administrative processing”.

The visa application process does vary depending on the local embassy or consulate, so check your local branch’s process on their website.

What is the US visa interview about?

Most applicants aged 13-80 must attend an in-person visa interview at a US consulate or embassy.

The interviewer is looking to understand your qualifications, study plans, and ability to support yourself during your time in the US.

They also want to make sure that anyone applying for a student visa intends to return to their home country after completing their studies.

You can find more information on what questions to expect at a US student visa interview on the International Student website.

Building your speaking confidence

A high-stakes English interview can be daunting, often making it tough to speak as confidently as you normally would when you’re in the classroom or chatting with friends. Here are four ways to build your speaking confidence ahead of a US visa interview.

1. Prepare answers to likely questions

Knowing the purpose of the interview makes it easier to anticipate the types of questions you’ll be asked. Make a list of anticipated topic areas and spend some time crafting concise answers. Once you’ve written your responses, it’s time to speak up! Practice saying the answers aloud every couple of days so that they feel familiar on the day. You don’t have to memorize the responses, but by planning out roughly what you’d like to say, you’re removing that extra pressure of thinking on the spot.

2. Immerse yourself in English

Confident speaking starts with great listening. The run-up to your visa interview is the perfect time to revisit that US sitcom you love or to start listening to an audiobook in English on your daily walk. You could even try repeating back new phrases or idioms that you hear to build your vocabulary and practice your pronunciation. If you’re listening to English shows, podcasts, and even following English social media accounts on a regular basis, then being faced with questions in English will feel less new and different on the day.

3. Find a language exchange partner

One of the most effective ways to brush up on your speaking skills is to find a language exchange partner. This could be a language swap, where you find someone who speaks English as their first language and who is learning your language, or conversation clubs where everyone is working on learning English. If you can’t find a local tandem partner, take a look at online communities, such as MeetUp, InterNations, or even Facebook, to find someone you can practice with online.

4. Use speech recognition technology 

If you can’t find a language tandem partner or are short on time, several language learning apps now include speech recognition — a technology first introduced by Mondly by Pearson.

This technology allows you to practice pronunciation and conversation without the pressure of another human waiting on or judging your responses.

In Mondly, for example, the app offers over 500 minutes of conversation practice with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) options to allow you to practice conversations in realistic scenarios.

With less pressure and instant feedback, virtual conversations using speech recognition can be a great way to build your confidence ahead of real-life challenges like visa interviews.

It’s natural to feel the pressure with interviews — especially when your dreams of studying in the US hang in the balance.

Remember, interviewers aren’t looking for flawless language skills, just that your English is at a high enough level to fully participate in your course and enjoy life in the US.

By thinking through the likely topics and actively finding more opportunities to practice speaking English, you’ll be able to head into your visa interview with confidence.

With 50 states to pick from, choosing where to study in the US can be overwhelming.  

There’s lots of information out there about the different universities and courses, but sometimes it just comes down to fit and feel. 

Whether you’re weighing up two different options or not sure where to start, we've matched some major states with personality types to help you find your perfect fit.  

1. California: The Free Spirit 

Are you creative, laid-back, and always chasing the next big trend? California might be your ideal destination. With its buzzing cities, beautiful beaches, and world-renowned tech scene, it's perfect for those who love variety and aren't afraid to think outside the box.  

If you’re at home in the water, then California is the state for you. Surfing is the official state sport and the consistent year-round swells mean it’s home to 29% of surfers in the US.   

There are more than 30 public colleges in the Golden State. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is the largest university in the state with almost half a million students a year between its 23 colleges.  

2. New York: The Go-Getter 

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and dream big, the Empire State could be calling your name.  

With multiple urban universities threaded throughout the concrete jungle, New York offers world-class opportunities in fields like finance, fashion, and the arts.   

It's ideal for ambitious types who love the energy of big city life. Over 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world and the perfect home away from home.   

The State University of New York at Buffalo is the largest public university in New York, and it’s also home to big names like Cornell and Columbia.  

3. Texas: The Bold Adventurer 

For those with a big personality and an even bigger heart, Texas might be the perfect new home.  

The Lone Star State offers a unique blend of modern cities and cowboy culture. And when we say big, we mean big: with more than 30 million inhabitants over almost 700,000 km², Texas is larger than many countries, including France, Germany, and Japan! 

Texas A&M University is the largest university in the state, while the University of Texas at Austin takes the crown for the number one public university in Texas and 32nd best in the US.  

4. Massachusetts: The Academic 

Home to some of the world's top universities, Massachusetts is perfect for the intellectually curious. If you consider yourself a history geek and don't mind a little New England weather, this could be your scholarly paradise.  

Pick Massachusetts and you'll be studying in the birthplace of American sports — both volleyball and basketball were invented here. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest public university, but the state is also home to two of the global top five best universities: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard.  

5. Florida: The Social Butterfly 

Do you live for sunny days, love meeting new people, and enjoy a good party? Florida might be your match.  

Don’t let the jokes about retiring to Florida fool you; the state capital, Miami, is known for its buzzing nightlife. With its beautiful beaches and famous theme parks, it's great for outgoing types who want to mix study and play.

The University of Central Florida in Orlando is one of the largest universities in the country. Alongside the University of Miami and Florida State University, that means Florida has three institutions that rank in the top 100 US universities.  

6. Colorado: The Nature Enthusiast 

If you're happiest outdoors and love staying active, consider Colorado.  

Home to the Rocky Mountains, its stunning landscapes, including the world's largest flat-top mountain (Grand Mesa, covering about 500 square miles), mean Colorado is ideal for those who want to hit the trails or slopes when they're not hitting the books. 

There are nearly 50 institutions to pick from in The Centennial State. Colorado State University is the largest in the state and University of Colorado Boulder is considered to be one of the leading public research universities in the US.   

7. Illinois: The Balanced Achiever 

If you're looking for a place that balances career prospects with a manageable cost of living and four distinct seasons, the Prairie State might be for you. Illinois offers a blend of Midwestern friendliness and big-city opportunities.  

Its state capital, Chicago, is one of the largest cities in the US. Perfect for those who want to combine big-city living with lazy lakeside days, the “Windy City” is right on the edge of Lake Michigan, one of the five “Great Lakes”.   

The state's largest university is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and it’s also home to global #28, Northwestern University.  

8. Washington: The Tech-Savvy Innovator 

Are you passionate about technology, love a good cup of coffee, and don't mind a little rain? Washington state might be your perfect match.  

With its booming tech industry, stunning natural beauty, and eco-friendly mindset, it's ideal for forward-thinkers. The only state named after a US president, Washington is home to the world's first Starbucks, which opened in Seattle in 1971. 

The University of Washington in Seattle, the largest university in the state, is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative public universities in the world.   

Whether you’re happiest on a sun-drenched beach or exploring windswept mountains, catching a wave or catching up with a good book, there’s a state for you.  

These are just top-level introductions to some of the defining state characteristics. The best way to find your perfect match is to research thoroughly and, if possible, visit before making your decision. 

The US is an incredibly varied, diverse country, and whichever state you pick, we’re sure it will soon feel like home.  

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, but with the price tag of a four-year degree hitting more than six figures, cost can be a significant barrier.

Whether it’s kickstarting your career with a degree from an internationally recognized university or becoming more specialized in your current field, there are lots of different financial aid options to help make your American dream a reality.

Who offers scholarships for international students studying in the US?

Based on merit, need, or specific talents, scholarships and grants are one of the most sought-after forms of financial aid. These financial awards cover part or all of the tuition fees and don’t require repayment.

Most students focus on university scholarships, but there are also government, private, and sector-specific options to explore, as well as work-study programs where students can offset fees by working on campus.

1. University scholarships

Many US universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, such as New York University or the California State University International Programs.

2. Government scholarships

The US government also provides funding for international students to study in the US through programs like the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program and the Fulbright Foreign Student Program which helps 4,000 students each year.

3. State scholarships

More rare than federal scholarships, there are some state-level programs such as the California State University International Programs that work across the 23 different institutions to offer scholarships for international students.

4. Private scholarships

Various organizations and foundations offer scholarships to international students, such as the AAUW International Fellowships, for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme, for academically outstanding students from a range of countries who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to study.

5. Sector-based scholarships

There’s a shortage of workers in key sectors like leisure, hospitality, and nursing in the US. If you’re planning to study an in-demand field, research sector-specific scholarships like the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program to find financial support.

How to find US scholarships for international students

With so many different financial aid and scholarship options available for international students wanting to study in America, it can be hard to know where to start.

A great first step is contacting the Financial Aid team at the universities you’re interested in, as well as searching online databases for relevant scholarship opportunities.

1. University financial aid offices

Almost every university in the US has a financial aid office. They’ll have many years' experience helping international students with funding options and be able to provide detailed information about available scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities specifically for international students.

2. Online scholarship databases

Don’t limit yourself to what’s available from your university. Online scholarship databases can help find more specific financial aid from a wide variety of sources.

Popular databases include:

• StudyPortals is one of the largest databases and brings together everything you need to know to explore your study options all in one place. They have dedicated scholarship portals for bachelors, masters and PHD study.

• International Education Financial Aid (IEFA): A resource for financial aid, college scholarships, and grant information for international students.

• The US Department of Labor has a scholarship search tool where you can filter by level of study.

• Scholarships.com: Offers a searchable database of scholarships for international students.

3. EducationUSA

EducationUSA is a US Department of State network with advice centers in more than 170 countries — check if there’s a center near you with their online search tool. From financial aid right through to the documents you’ll need for immigration, they offer advice and support with all aspects of studying in the US.

Which US universities offer the best financial aid for international students?

If you’re looking for universities with great support for international students, the East Coast is the place to start.

With the exception of a few institutions in California, the U.S. News “Best Value Schools” research found that institutions in Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut gave the most generous support to international students.

Here are just a few of universities offering specific support for international students:

• New York University (NYU) Global Scholarships

• University of Maryland

• University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

• Florida State University International Student Scholarships

• The University of California, Berkeley International Student Scholarships

Narrowing down your university search to institutions with a strong track record of supporting international students can help maximize your chance of receiving financial aid.

Applying for financial aid

The most important thing to remember when applying for financial aid is to allow plenty of time.

Researching the different options, writing applications, and waiting to hear back can be a long process, and many scholarships and grants have early deadlines.

You’ll also want enough time to tailor each application to the institution, as well as getting important documents translated and completing English proficiency tests, such as the Pearson Test of English (PTE) — the faster, fairer, simpler English test. The test only takes 2 hours with results typically in less than 2 days and is approved by most universities across the US.