Studying in the USA
Text & MP3 Files

There are 41 four-minute programs.  That is about 3 hours of listening. Foreign Student Series in VOA Special English
This series was broadcast once a week from September 10, 2008 to July 15, 2009.
  1. An Introduction
    This is the first in our series of programs for anyone interested in higher education in the U.S.
  2. First Steps
    In part 2 of our series on American higher education, advice about where to get information on colleges and universities.
  3. College, University or Institute?
    Part 3 of our Foreign Student Series explains the different kinds of higher learning institutions in the U.S.
  4. Public or Private?
    In part 4, we look at an example from Oregon of price differences between a state university and a private college.
  5. Colleges and Degrees
    In part 5, we discuss how students can save money by attending a community college for their first two years of study.
  6. Accreditation Explained
    In part 6, we discuss the quality control process used in U.S. higher education.
  7. Diploma Mills
    In part 7, we look at the business of selling unearned degrees.
  8. Getting a US Education From Home
    In part 8, we offer advice for choosing an online program.
  9. Getting a US Visa
    In part 9, we talk about the steps needed to come to the United States for study.
  10. What SEVIS Means to You
    In part 10, we discuss the government system for collecting information on foreign students and exchange visitors in the U.S.
  11. The Application Process
    In part 11, advice to apply to at least three U.S. colleges or universities -- and give yourself plenty of time.
  12. Thanksgiving in the US
    College and universities may arrange for students far from home to spend the holiday with local families. Part 12 of our series.
  13. Admissions Tests
    In part 13, we start to discuss entrance exams. Also, a new report warns about the rising costs of higher education in the U.S.
  14. The SAT and the ACT
    In part 14, we talk about the two competing college-admissions tests in the U.S., and about schools that require neither.
  15. TOEFL or IELTS?
    In part 15, we look at the two major English language tests accepted by colleges and universities in the U.S.
  16. The Business of the GMAT
    In part 16, we discuss the Graduate Management Admission Test.
  17. Answering Your Questions 
    In part 17, we answer questions about American higher education and about learning English.
  18. Paying for School in the US
    Foreign students must show they can pay for at least their first year of study. Part 18 of our series.
  19. Working While Studying in the US
    In part 19, we examine the rules about employment for international students.
  20. Financial Aid
    Offerings may be limited, but more aid is available for international graduate students than for undergraduates in the U.S. Part 20 of our series.
  21. Becoming a Fulbrighter
    In part 21, we discuss the Fulbright Program, which offers opportunities for students, scholars and teachers to come to the U.S.
  22. Four Kinds of Financial Aid
    Assistantships, scholarships, fellowships and grants are explained in part 22 of our Foreign Student Series.
  23. Web Redefines the College Visit
    Using the Internet to explore American schools is the subject of part 23 of our Foreign Student Series.
  24. Grading Grades
    In part 24 of our Foreign Student Series, we discuss evaluation systems at colleges and universities.
  25. High Marks Just for Trying?
    We continue our discussion of college grades in part 25 of our Foreign Student Series.
  26. Helping Foreign Students Feel at Home
    A college or university's international student office is a good place to start getting to know a school and the country. Part 26 of our Foreign Student Series.
  27. Where To Live?
    Housing policies differ from school to school. Part 27 of our Foreign Student Series.
  28. Alcohol on Campus
    Policies on drinking differ from college to college in the U.S. Part 28 of our Foreign Student Series.
  29. Coming to Terms With Academic Titles
    A guide to teaching positions in week 29 of our Foreign Student Series.
  30. How to Avoid Being Accused of Plagiarism
    We explain this intellectual offense in week 30 of our Foreign Student Series.
  31. Beware of Essay Mills
    We continue our discussion of plagiarism in Part 31 of our Foreign Student Series.
  32. Writing College Papers
    Writing college papers is the subject of Part 32 in our Foreign Student Series.
  33. Growing Interest in Agriculture?
    The area of study with the fewest international students had a big increase during the last school year. Part 33 of our Foreign Student Series.
  34. Studying at an American University, Just Not in the US
    Foreign campuses are the subject of part 34 in our Foreign Student Series.
  35. A Lesson in Personal Finance
    How much spending money should students budget for? Part 35 of our Foreign Student Series.
  36. Getting a Military Education
    Each of the Defense Department academies can have up to 60 international students. Part 37 of our Foreign Student Series.
  37. Science Students Are Promised No More Visa Delays
    The State Department sets a goal of two weeks' processing time for security clearances. Part 38 of our Foreign Student Series.
  38. The Job Market
    Employers are hiring fewer college graduates and fewer interns because of the recession. Part 40 of our Foreign Student Series.
  39. Foreign Graduates and Jobs
    An employment offer is needed to get an H-1B visa, but economic conditions may limit opportunities. Part 41 of our Foreign Student Series.
  40. From 'In Loco Parentis' to 'Partnership'
    Colleges used to act as substitute parents, until students and courts turned against that idea. Now, schools are forming a new relationship with the real parents. Part 42 of our Foreign Student Series.
  41. Reviewing the Steps
    We complete our Foreign Student Series.

About

Other VOA Material on This Web Site

This page is part of Interesting Things for ESL Students.