So you’ve decided that you want to study a business course at a business school in the US – here’s how to do it.
By Craig Falck for Africa Report
Photograph: © Jovani Carlo Gorospe | Dreamstime.com
Studying overseas, especially in the United States, is a big decision. Just make sure that you’re 100 percent sure that this is what you want to do and that you’re fully committed – it’s not the same as realising you’re in the wrong supermarket and should’ve gone to the one down the road.
Obviously the most important thing to do is research. You can’t just randomly pick a business school out of a hat and hope for the best. Visit their websites, mail their information departments and find out as much as you can. Make sure that you’re also enrolling for the course that you want to – a business financing course in South Africa is different to a business financing course in the United States. If you have information from tertiary education institutions in South Africa, find the corresponding course from the US counterpart.
Just because the business school says Business School in its name doesn’t mean it’s a good one. Investigate recognised websites that ranks business schools and enquire at South African institutions if they’re affiliated to any American business schools and can provide information. You might be surprised by what you find.
When you’ve found the school that you want to attend, check their minimum requirements. Most will require a particular visa as well as you having already attained a tertiary qualification in the field of business study. If you don’t meet these study requirements, perhaps studying at a business school in South Africa is a better bet. If you have a degree, it’s time to apply. Fill out all the forms and documents and meet any financial obligations (you might have to pay an application fee). If you’re accepted to the school, it’s time to head out to the US embassy and apply for a study visa. The important thing here is to have a valid passport and take the correct documents with that will prove that you’re going to the United States for studying purposes. Don’t just expect to walk in and get a visa – it can takes weeks for your application to be processed. You will also have to prove that you have the funding needed (through bank statement or donor financials – remember that studying in America costs a fortune, so start saving now or find a very, very wealthy business or person to sponsor you). If you can’t prove that you’ve got the funds needed, wave that visa bye-bye.
For centuries the United States has been called the land of dreams and opportunity. If it’s your dream to study at a business school in the US, you need to grab your opportunities with both hands and dedicate yourself to getting your education. It’ll be worth it in the end.
