Studying in the US

[jos_12003]

hi, can give a breakdown on the living expenses in New York? i'm completing my bachelor studies in australia and planning to move to FIT for the Master in Exhibition Design. Not really keen on this course but it's the only Master course I'm interested in. Doubt I want to do an associate degree or yet another bachelor degree.

any idea what's the procedures and chances of staying on in New York to work after graduation? i'm now considering options to remain to work in australia but would like to move to other parts of the world cos i've stayed too long in australia already. need a change of environment.

tia

For the tuition fees, you can go to FIT website. I'm not sure how much the fees are for graduate program. For living expenses, if you are willing to commute to school, you can get an apartment for $800 or less per month. FIT is located in Manhattan where rent is most expensive in the five boroughs of New York City. If you live in Brooklyn, Queens or Bronx you will save a lot on rent. Utilities, cables and internet cost about $200 per person per month. Most New Yorkers take the subway (MRT), $80 per month for the unlimited rides. A decent meal costs about $6-$8.

For each degree that you obtain in United States, you are allowed to work for a year without any sponsor but when one year is up (or maybe its 14 months), if you want to stay and work, your company will have to sponsor you so that you can get a work visa. If not, you have to leave the country.

[shanqi]

Well, it actually depends on your major. I'm majoring in Fashion Merchandising and I can say it is less stressful than the design majors, whether it's fashion design, communication design and so on. You don't need a diploma to get in. Most of the students here are fresh graduates from high school. It can be hard to get in cause I am only admitted the second time I applied. The first time I applied they put me in the waiting list and afterwards said that they were full for that year so I re-applied for the next academic year and I got in. Overall I like FIT, it's a small school compared to the other colleges so I feel more involved.

Thanks for your information. What do they need in order to get into FIT? Diploma transcript?

[jos_12003]

Thanks for your information. What do they need in order to get into FIT? Diploma transcript?

If you have a diploma transcript, do send it. Basically they need your most recent academic record. For the application form, you can fill it online and it also includes essay. Depending on your majors, if you are planning to do design, I believe you have to send your portfolio.
The link below should gives more detail on the application process.
http://fitnyc.edu/html/admissions/Ho...ply/index.html

[shanqi]

why do we need to write a history essay? does their associate degree recognises in Singapore?

[dilphinus]

why do we need to write a history essay? does their associate degree recognises in Singapore?

where did they state you'll have to write a history essay?

are you looking at this 'Academic History and Essay Form *NEW ONLINE FORM'?

depends on what type of jobs u are looking at. most design jobs would look more on your portfolio than your qualifications. nevertheless, FIT is a well-known school....whether it's well-known in Sg or not, it's another story.

[jos_12003]

why do we need to write a history essay? does their associate degree recognises in Singapore?

I believe it's not a history essay but you do need to write an essay. It's part of the application process. The topic changes every now so often so I'm not quite sure what the topic is this year.
What dilphinus wrote is true, if you are majoring in design, employers tend to look more on your portfolio than your school background. However, it is a plus to be in a reputable school.
Associate degree is like getting a diploma. If you have a diploma, I believe FIT requires you to do only the one year associate degree instead of doing a two year. Whether it will be recognized in Singapore or not, I'm not quite sure....

[shanqi]

thanks guys for all the information. This encourages me to sign for this course. :D

[shanqi]

another question, how much is the degree program in FIT?

[jos_12003]

another question, how much is the degree program in FIT?

You can check it at FIT website: www.fitnyc.edu and type in tuition and fees in the search box.

[beachbabe]

if you're talking about the people in nyc, manhattan in particular, you wont really feel racism or anything because everywhere you go you'll find asians. i had been in nyc for 3 yrs for undergrad studies and love it so much that i felt a little depressed coming back just 2 days ago. i'm sure you'll enjoy ny as much as i do.

[beachbabe]

you'll generally get an additional 1 yr on your visa. for example, my undergrad studies lasts 4 yrs but my student visa is valid for 5 years. work after graduation is called OPT. If within 1 yr you'd got a job and the company you works for is willing to sponsor you, you'll get a work visa. once it expires, it's up to you or the company to extend it. depeding on which industry you want to work in, it is not always easy getting a job in ny. it'll be even better if you have connections to get a job.

[somethingpicasso]

Doesnt the american treats us differently (or bias)? roughly, how much have you spend in states (include school fee and living expenses??

I live in the States, and I can answer your first question. I've met quite a few foreign exchange students, and students from abroad and it REALLY depends on you. Some of the ones I've met branched out, made a ton of new friends and were regularly invited to parties that people threw. Other students stayed in their own world and chose not to meet new people and put up a barrier. If a student from abroad is like that, who isn't going to form a bias about your behavior, you know?

All in all, I think it rests solely on your abilities to connect with the environment you're in. And DEFINITELY don't wait for people to come befriend you or be nice to you, you'll have to be proactive...


Most of the information you want on a specific school can be found through the school's website, and I can pretty much guarantee that EVERY site has a section about students from abroad. Also, keep in mind that a lot of schools accept the Common Application, which is ONE application for multiple schools (usually each school requires a few add-ons in addition to the Common App, but it still saves a lot of time)

[letsgetshopping]

Hi! To study in US, you should definitely take the SATs, its like their admission exam sort of? You can check out collegeboard.com all the best!