10 December 2007
U.S. Officials in Riyadh Chat on Study in U.S. for Saudi Students
USINFO Webchat transcript, December 10
Susan Ziadeh, counselor for public affairs, and Karen Bauer, education advisor, with the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, answered questions in a December 10 USINFO Webchat on study in the United States for Saudi students.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript
Study in the U.S. for Saudi Students
Guest: Karen Bauer and Susan Ziadeh
Date: December 10, 2007
Time: 8:00 a.m. EST (1600 Riyadh)
U.S. Embassy Riyadh: Good afternoon, and welcome to the International Education web-chat with U.S. Embassy Riyadh. Feel free to post your questions in advance, or join us at 16.00 today.
Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh: Marhaba and welcome to the web-chat today.
Before we begin, we would like to invite you to check out the EducationUSA web site. The Education Advising Offices at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates are certified EducationUSA advising centers affiliated with the United States Department of State. EducationUSA centers promote U.S. higher education around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, objective and timely information about educational opportunities in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how to best access those opportunities. For offices in Saudi Arabia, click here.
Question [nawaf]: Hello, I've applied for a visa renewal on July 16th, 2007 hoping to get the visa within weeks, unfortunately, no answer yet. I wonder how much longer will it take. I've missed a semester, but hopefully I will attend Spring 2008 semester.
I understand the visa approval comes from the U.S., but what worries me is did they lose my documents or missed placed them or are they still checking on me. I really don’t know what they are checking. I first went to the U.S. in 1996 and I was a good guest with no problems with authorities. Even though I'm a Saudi citizen I strongly believe the U.S. has more information on me than Saudi Arabia.
Why is it taking this long? Should I give up? I don’t want to give up because I deserve to go back to my second home (San Diego) where I lived the best time of my life.
My friends keep asking me "Nawaf when are you coming. We miss you, please come back."
Thank You,
Nawaf Alharbi…
Answer [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Nawaf, we know many of you have visa questions. If you have general questions, please visit our website at http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/student_visas.html. For questions about pending applications, please inquire at the following e-mail riyadhniv@state.gov, and be sure to include the particulars of your case.
Q [Mohamed]: Good afternoon: I am planning to study in the U.S. as soon as I graduate from high school. Should I start my SAT immediately or see first if my college will ask for it?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Not all colleges and universities require SAT scores for international students. The first step is to check if the schools you are applying to require the SAT. To find specific admission test requirements, check their websites.
If you do need to take the SAT, it is offered approximately six times a year in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran and Al Khobar. You can register online at www.collegeboard.com and study guides are available at Jarir Bookstores. Call one of the Education Advising Offices, for more information go to www.educationUSA.state.gov.
Remember you need to begin application process at least a year before you plan to study in the U.S. Most students take the SAT in year 11 or the beginning of year 12 so the results can be included in your application! For an undergraduate application timeline, go to http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/resources/timeline-for-undergraduate-study-in-the-usa.html.
Good luck Mohamed!
Q [Mohamed]: Once I am accepted into a program funded by the government, the Saudi government, can I transfer to another college? Do I have to return to Saudi Arabia and process my visa again or can I just switch campuses?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Welcome Mohamed! One of the most attractive features of the bachelor’s degree program in the United States is that it is highly flexible and you can transfer from one college to another midway through a degree. Most colleges prefer students to have completed one year of study before they enroll at the new college, but this requirement varies from school to school.
If you are on a Ministry of Higher Education scholarship, check the Scholarship Office, to see if there are any stipulations that may not allow you to transfer.
For information about visas, contact the Kingdom-wide help desk based in Jeddah at 02-664-5105 or 02-667-0080, ext. 4600, jeddahvisas@state.gov.
Q [swetha]: Hi, I am an Indian Student and want to pursue my masters in U.S. in Computer Science; my GRE score is 1370 and TOEFL IBT score is 91. Can you please suggest me any good universities which suits my score. Thank You, Swetha
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Swetha, there are hundreds of graduate programs in Computer Science, so you will have a large pool of schools to choose from. In addition to your test scores, you will want to consider other characteristics such as degree program structure, cost, housing, location and size.
This will help to narrow your focus, www.petersons.com has a great search engine and the EducationUSA website provides some useful tools about applying to graduate school. It is important to remember that test scores are only one component in your application packet. Admissions officers will most often look at your grade reports, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and experience in the field.
Feel free to give us a call, and we can discuss specific institutions.
If you have more questions, feel free to call the Education Advising Offices in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh 01-488-3800, ext. 4505 or 4207, Jeddah 02-667-0080, ext. 4151 or Dhahran 03-330-3200. For advising offices in India, you can find a center in your area at http://educationusa.state.gov/centers/.
Q [ahmed akram]: q1) Can I have list of universities in NY that offers medical and the university cost doesn’t pass $20,000?
q2) Can I have their websites?
q3) Which universities offer good scholarships?
q4) I’m IGCSCE student so should I take SAT and TOEFL again
q5) Can I enter university with 10 years of studying?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Ahmed, you have a lot of great questions! In the United States medicine is taught only at the graduate level after an undergraduate university education. You first need to study pre-medicine and obtain your bachelors degree. Feel free to contact us for specific information.
After completing your undergraduate degree, you would continue on with four years of medical school, followed by three to seven years of residency training. It is extremely expensive and competitive to study medicine at this level. Our office was unable to locate a medical school that is under $20,000 a year in New York. You can expect to pay a minimum of $25,000-$30,000 a year for tuition and cost of living can range anywhere from $8,000-$15,000 per year.
On to your question about financial aid ... not all colleges offer financial assistance to international students and aid tends to be rare at public university. More aid may be available from private liberal arts colleges. Most full scholarships are very competitive, but possible to obtain. Financial assistance is awarded at the beginning of the academic year and is rarely available for students entering mid-year in January. Check with the colleges you are applying to directly. The Education Advising Offices in Saudi Arabia can also help point you in the right direction. For more information, visit www.fundingusstudy.org.
You will need to take the SAT and TOEFL iBT if required by the college you are applying to. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) prepares students to continue studying in the British system or for an IB Diploma. The certificate would not replace the SAT or TOEFL iBT. Go to the websites for information and registration for the TOEFL iBt and SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests. Universities and colleges require 12 years of schooling.
All the best Ahmed.
Q [Khalid2]: In the states, can I study any subjects or can I only study engineering? I want to know, because I do not like math. Does the Saudi government help Saudi students study in the U.S.?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Ahlan wa Sahlan Khalid! It is up to you, the student, to choose which course of study you will follow. There are a lot of choices with over 18,152 programs at our institutions in the U.S. Also, it is not essential to declare the major you plan to undertake when you enter a university. If you have a definite degree objective, however, you need to identify universities offering that field. It is common for a both American and international students to change majors.
As you may be aware, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has a number of scholarship programs for Saudi students. The King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) is the most well known and sends the largest number of students to the United States. KASP focuses on sending students to study accounting, medicine, allied health sciences, pharmacy, engineering, computer science, basic sciences, law, accounting, and electronic commerce. Individual scholarship programs may have limitations on course of study. For more information about the MOHE scholarship programs, visit their website at www.mohe.gov.sa.
Q [Khalid2]: How do I apply to study in the U.S.? Do I have to send a form to each school or can I send just one for all?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Once you have created a list of the colleges that match your needs, interests, and abilities, you can start to put your applications together. The entire application process, from obtaining initial information to applying for your student visa, should begin 12 to 18 months in advance of when you want to go to the United States. Every school sets its own application procedures and will have its own application form. The form is only one part of the application packet. Most schools require similar information, but they may ask for it in different ways. In addition to the application form, you will usually be asked to provide a fee, academic credentials, test score reports, personal statement, recommendations and proof of financial support.
There are 315 institutions that accept the Common Application form both online and printed versions. For more information about the institutions that accept the Common Application, go to https://www.commonapp.org. As an international student, there is a supplemental form to the Common Application. You will also want to check if the individual institutions request additional information.
All the best, Khalid.
Q [Hassan2]: Do you help me get my visa to study in America? When I study in the U.S., who helps me get classes and get involved? Can I study anything I want? Will American teachers treat me the same as other student?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: If you have general questions, please visit our websites at:
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/student_visas.html and
Once you arrive on campus, you will be assigned an Academic Advisor. Your Academic Advisor is a member of a college faculty or staff who helps and advises students solely on academic matters. You will meet with your advisor a few times a year to discuss your courses and plan for upcoming semesters.
We highly encourage you to get involved in the number of activities and clubs offered on campus. This is a great chance to meet Americans and other international students. U.S. universities that regularly admit international students have special staff assigned and trained to work with them, called International Student Advisors. Throughout the year they and the International Student Office will organize social and cultural events for international students. The Student Affairs office will also have information about clubs, upcoming activities and offers various ways of getting involved. Many schools host open houses at the start of each term so students can get to know all the student organizations and activities.
Almost anything is possible to study in the U.S. with over 18, 152 programs, but be careful as scholarships programs are often specific to a particular major.
Yes Hassan! American teachers will treat you the same as other students. International students often are very popular on campus. Your perspective and presence will be welcomed in the classroom and on campus. You will have a lot to contribute and people will welcome you.
Q [Hassan2]: What if I do not like my first school, can I change schools? Do I have to stay at the school I do not like? Will I lose all my classes if I change school?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: As mentioned in a previous posting, it is very common for students, both American and international, to change schools for personal, academic or financial reasons. At the undergraduate level, it is common and not very difficult to transfer after the first or second year of study. Transferring after three years of study becomes more difficult and varies between colleges. Colleges determine which courses they will recognize on the basis of your transcript and other information you may be asked to provide about your original institution, course syllabi, etc. It is possible that some of your classes may not count when you transfer to the new institution. You will want to work closely with the admissions office and the registrar’s office to see which of your previous classes will transfer.
Once again, if you are on scholarship, you will want to check to see if the program allows you to transfer to a different institution.
Q [aziz2]: I applied to more than one school, and have more than one I-20 form. What happens if I pay the SEVIS fee for one school, and got the Visa for that school, and then I change my mind and decide that I want to attend the other school? Do I need to change my Visa before I go to the U.S.?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: If you have general questions, please visit our website at:
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/student_visas.html and
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/resources/u2.s.-embassy---riyadh-consular-section---visa-advice-for-students
Q [Saleh]: Thank you for allowing us this opportunity, I would like to send my son to the States to enroll in a prep program, what should I do first?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Hi Saleh! Many English Language Institutes and University Extension Programs have university preparation programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. For example, classes can focus on TOEFL preparation, academic and professional writing, English pronunciation, listening, speaking and American culture.
The first step is choosing a program that fits your son’s needs -–design, cost, location, size, etc. The Institute for International Education has a wonderful website that has a search engine that allows you to view various options.
After you choose a program to apply to, the next step is to fill out the application and submit all the necessary documentation required by the school. If you son is not a U.S. citizen, you will want to make sure that you start the visa application process simultaneously in order for him to arrive in time for the start of classes. For information about the student visa application process, go to http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/student_visas.html.
Q [Talal]: I have special need where I use wheelchair, how can I verify if the campus is equipped to be accommodate?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: You will want to contact the office at the university you are applying to that deals with the special needs of students with disabilities to find out more about the services they provide, particularly to having a campus that is wheelchair accessible. This may be a specific office such as the Office of Disabled Student Services or the Office of Disability Services, or it may be housed within a general student services office on campus.
Generally, schools, institutions and public building have to make sure their buildings are wheelchair accessible. The following websites can be of assistance:
http://www.newmobility.com
http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/itsv/1106/ijse/ijse1106.htm
http://www.miusa.org/
Thanks for your question Talal.
Q [Kholoud]: I am a girl, and I wear Hijab; is that okay, or there are reservations?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Welcome Kholoud. In the United States there is freedom of religion and expression. Since there is a significant American Muslim population, some women do choose to wear the head scarf and it has become common in the United States. If you have any further questions, talk to your International Student Advisor. Know that students will be interested and may ask you questions about your religion and faith. This is a great opportunity to teach Americans about your religion and culture.
Q [Mansour]: I am planning to study in the U.S. on my own expenses and tried to apply to several universities and then I was advised to check whether it is accredited or not, what does it mean “accredited” who determines that? Should I check with our Ministry of education too?
A [Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh]: Excellent question Mansour!
In the United States we have a Department of Education (DOE) just like your Ministry of Higher Education. An institution must have regional or national accreditation in order to be recognized by the DOE. Note that not all accrediting associations are recognized by the DOE. The U.S. Department of Education has an online database, which provides the names of colleges and universities and programs accredited by a USDOE-approved accrediting organization. The database has multiple search functions, allowing search options by name, location, type of institution, accrediting association, etc.
See U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions & Programs. In addition, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is another website that lists colleges and universities and programs that are accredited by USDOE-approved accrediting organizations.
If you have difficulty navigating these websites, contact an Education Advising Office at the U.S. Embassy/Consulates and an advisor will assist you.
RIYADH
Tel: 966-1-488-3800 Ext. 4505 or Ext. 4207
E-mail: bauerkm@state.gov
Website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/resources.html
http://www.educationusa-mena.org/
Hours: Saturday – Wednesday, 8:00am-5:00pm
No walk-in services provided, by appointment only
JEDDAH
Tel: 966-2-667-0080 Ext. 4151
E-mail: alsaiednf@state.gov
Website: http://jeddah.usconsulate.gov/jeddah/advising.html
http://www.educationusa-mena.org/
Hours: Saturday – Wednesday, 8:00am-5:00pm
No walk-in services provided, by appointment only
DHAHRAN
Tel: 966-3-330-3200 Ext. 3044
E-mail: varghesesm@state.gov
Website: http://dhahran.usconsulate.gov/dhahran/resources.html
http://www.educationusa-mena.org/
Hours: Saturday – Wednesday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Walk-in service provided Saturday, 2:00pm-4:00pm & Tuesday, 9:00am-11:30am
By appointment only on Sunday and Monday
On to the second part of your question. Yes, if you are a Saudi citizen, you will want to make sure that the colleges/universities you apply to are recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in Saudi Arabia. The MOHE has a list of approved schools by major and degree type on its website. This is important because when you return to Saudi Arabia you will want to have your degree equalized by the MOHE.
Karen Bauer & Susan Ziadeh: Thank you for everyone who joined us today and all your excellent questions.
Feel free to call or email our offices for specific inquiries. Visit our websites for additional information:
http://educationusa.state.gov
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/resources.html
http://www.educationusa-mena.org/
For frequently asked questions, go to:
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/resources/frequently-asked-questions.html
The Education Advising Team at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia wishes you all the best in your future studies -Masalama!
Susan Ziadeh, Counselor for Public Affairs, and Karen Bauer, Education Advisor
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
