My name is Ksenia Bubukina, I am a 2011 graduate of the HSE Faculty of Psychology.
Like many HSE students, I dreamed of getting an education abroad. From the first year of my master's degree, I began to look for various universities and possible courses for obtaining additional education and advanced training. What did you find out? First of all, about mainline (not to be confused with master's) directions. If we are talking about theory and a fundamental approach to science, then in the case of psychology you will most likely go to Europe. As for the USA, here we can talk about new schools and prospects for realizing oneself as a practicing specialist. However, Americans also do not forget about classical approaches.
And now - my story, my discovery of America.
Initially, I purposefully wanted to enter the counseling department, that is, there was no talk of selecting any other university program.
Unfortunately, my English at that time left much to be desired, so before enrolling in a course in psychology, I decided to go to San Francisco State University to undergo good language training. My main task was to choose a program where, besides me, there would not be a single Russian student, since, as practice shows, the most effective language learning process occurs under the condition total immersion on Wednesday.
When I arrived, I found an apartment using Craigslist and rented it with two American law students, which immediately allowed me to immerse myself in this very environment and intensify the learning process.
After completing the first semester of the intensive language program, I was offered to continue my studies at an advanced level. My parents supported me in this, which allowed me to stay and continue my studies. I attended university four days a week from 9 am to 4 pm, studying subjects such as Reading/Writing, Listening/Speaking, American Social Issues and Business English. The classes were exciting, because both teachers and students were sincerely interested in the process. In terms of teaching, Americans use a different approach than ours, breaking the lesson into many parts. The day goes by very quickly and intensely thanks to the content and multitasking.
Most main factor Successful training was that I was the only Russian on the course (over the past few years, by the way). I didn’t meet any Russians at the university either. If anyone studies, it is only those who went for permanent residence with their families or were born there.
So, since September, I continued the program at the most advanced level, where they purposefully prepare for university studies. This includes writing essays, final papers, making presentations, technologies for working with text, etc. - the skills are very valuable and applied: in Russia there is a different system for writing papers and other requirements. San Francisco State University also offers a “Gateway” program to maintain your language level and a set of special subjects directly for the university program you are going to enroll in (that is, for me, in psychology).
Admission to university: submission of documents
At first glance, there is no difference between our and “their” universities - the education system is the same, “4+2”. But, as it turned out, what has been happening in the American university itself for six years is quite different from what we can imagine.
While collecting documents for university, I naturally encountered a bureaucratic system and paperwork. To get started, you need to study the conditions for submitting and accepting documents. As you understand, this is a complex and multi-level process. In addition to filling out forms on the university website, passing an international language exam, letters of recommendation, and a motivation letter, universities ask you to confirm your diploma with WES (World Educational Service). When I submitted our HSE master’s diploma for English language, the admissions committee asked to confirm this in Russia (apostille) and then submit it to WES. Thus, the process of confirming the authenticity of a diploma, despite the application in English issued by the Higher School of Economics, has not been simplified, at least in America.
Also very important nuance What distinguishes our universities from American ones is the fact that the department and university make admissions decisions independently of each other. That is, if a department (faculty) expresses its readiness to accept a student, this does not mean that the university will do so. And vice versa.
So, I applied to San Francisco State University and California State University, Los Angeles. After I graduated from the language program in December and applied to these universities, I moved to Los Angeles and waited to hear back. Soon I was invited for an interview at California State University, LA (in the Marriage and Family Therapy Department).
Typically, a response from the university comes within one to two months after the documents are received. Depending on the faculty and department, enrollment of students may take place in the spring or autumn. In my case, it was only autumn, that is, there is only one opportunity a year to get into this department.
The competition was about thirty people per place. From about 2,000 people who applied, the psychology department selected about 70 applicants for interviews. And only 25 applicants ultimately passed it.
How the interview goes
Standard questions are asked during the interview. What did you do? When? How? Why did you choose this profession? How did you come to enroll in this university? How long have you been interested in this particular area of interest? Experience? Volunteer experience? Experience working with citizens of different racial and ethnic backgrounds?
IN state universities the selection is quite tough, since budgets are being cut there today (students go on strike and are indignant, but this does not change the situation). IN private school you can pass the competition without special problems with good grades, experience and letters of recommendation. average price Tuition for a master's program at a private university ranges from 30 to 50 thousand dollars per year. Of course, you can win a scholarship to a private university, but foreign students the chances are slim.
Please note that correct completion and execution of documents does not guarantee admission to a US university. In addition to all the supporting and recommending papers, all kinds of “acquired experience” play a huge role, apparently because volunteer and charitable activities form a special part of American culture. Also have weight upon admission sports achivments and awards. This can play a decisive role in choosing a candidate, as they say, all other things being equal.
Of course, everywhere there are differences, I’m talking about mine personal experience admission to the master's program at the Faculty of Counseling in government agency. I repeat, in private universities everything is a little different, but studying there costs completely different money!
Learning process
Studying at an American university is also unusual for us foreigners. Local students take this process very seriously; they, unlike most students, Russian universities, slightly different priorities. Perhaps it’s a matter of age: having entered at the age of 18, they study “general” subjects for two years and only then choose a specialization. A huge role is played by the grade, that is, the average score, which is an indicator of success. It is directly related to how a career will develop further and what a student can apply for after graduating from university.
In America, everything happens on campus, in one place. Students live either in dormitories on campus or very close by. This allows you to devote an incredible amount of time to studying, especially working in groups after classes. Individual training takes place in the library (less stimuli, more resources).
As a rule, few students work somewhere full-time at the university, especially in their first years, because there is a catastrophic lack of time and the workload is extreme. At the same time, you cannot have any illusions that after successful completion you will be torn away with your hands. As in Russia, after graduating from university, getting into a well-paid position without having practice is possible only if you have connections.
Conditions for starting work in your specialty
Obviously, when entering a university, you need to think in advance about the conditions for starting work in your specialty. I conducted research on this topic as applied to the United States, that is, I found out how to obtain a license as a consulting psychologist with a foreign diploma. It turned out that before taking the licensing exam in the United States, you must register as a practicing counselor and complete 3,000 hours of practice and 104 weeks of supervision, plus after the internship an additional two semesters at a university in a special “advanced training” course. It is also important to accumulate a certain number of hours in subjects that you can listen to online and take the test online. Most best opportunity To obtain such experience is to complete a master's program at a Californian university - all students undergo an internship during their studies and at the same time develop connections and acquaintances.
In other areas of activity (not psychology), it is clear that there are some nuances in obtaining a work license. For example, in jurisprudence there are special conditions for obtaining a license. Without it, with only one diploma, you cannot work, but you can practice - if you have a social security number. At the same time, in many specialties general approach They have this: when you graduate from an American university, you receive a work permit for a year.
So, I was convinced from my own experience that in the USA you can use a Russian master's degree as a basis for obtaining further education. Of course, I would not have spent so much time, effort and money trying to figure out how the system works if I had readily available information about it. Well, I hope these notes of mine will at least partially ease the path for those of you who dream of getting an education abroad.
In 1880, the University of Southern California was founded in Los Angeles. It is the oldest university in the state.
In 2008-2009, $510,000,000 was allocated for interdisciplinary research work. In 2010, the university trained 36,896 students, of which 19,516 were doctors and masters, and 17,380 were bachelors. Not only citizens of all 50 US states, but also more than 110 countries around the world receive education here.
The university includes the College of Letters, Sciences and the Arts, Rossier School of Education, Marshall Business School, Gould School of Law, School social work, Medical School and 12 other schools.
Besides all of the above, the University of Southern California is a large white building with a red roof. The inside is decorated so that students do not experience any discomfort while studying. All classrooms are large and spacious, the library can accommodate a large number of visitors. Some of the windows are decorated with stained glass, and the square in front of the building is intended for a break from classes in the fresh air.
University of California
The University of California unites 10 public universities in California. Its "public" status means it receives funding from a range of sources. Including from the state treasury, where about a third of all funding comes from. The university is governed by a Board of Regents, appointed by the state governor.
In total, approximately 191,000 students study here and more than 13,000 teachers work here. One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the system is the University of Berkeley, which was founded in 1868.
The university operates a number of national laboratories that operate under the auspices of the US Department of Energy. The university also houses the Lick Observatory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Hastings College of Law.
California is one of the richest, largest and most dynamically developing American states. Therefore, it is not surprising that in the world of education, California is one of the world leaders, easily competing even with entire countries. More than a dozen universities proudly represent California in the QS International University Rankings year after year. In addition to these ranking giants, the state has dozens of top-notch universities for international students, business schools, and certificate courses to help you get started. new stage your career.What makes California such an attractive place to get paid? higher education? A combination of several factors that make this state one of best places in the world for work, leisure and acquaintance with American culture. First, California's economy is one of the largest in the world. The GDP of this individual state exceeds that of France, Italy, Canada and many other countries. Today California is the 6th largest economy in the world. Business in a variety of areas is thriving in California: from technology giants in the famous Silicon Valley to Hollywood studios, from the largest financial and insurance companies to farms.
Secondly, California is one of the most comfortable places in the world to live. Developed infrastructure, an abundance of shops, restaurants, entertainment and everything that students need to study calmly and not be distracted by everyday problems. A sunny climate almost all year round and golden beaches will provide worthy relaxation, and museums, nature reserves and other attractions will provide exciting cultural entertainment.
The Direct Conversation Bureau is the official representative in Russia of many top Californian universities and business schools. Let's talk in more detail about some of them.
Founded in 1971, National University is the second largest private university in California. Students from around the world can choose from more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs at the university's two main campuses in San Diego and Los Angeles. All university programs have received the highest accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The cost of a year of study is from $15 to $17 thousand.
A kind of transitional university that is perfect for foreign students. You can enroll at Marymount California University through a special preparatory program from King’s Education, a world leader in preparing students for study abroad in English. After two years of study at Marymount, students achieve enough high level knowledge and understanding of the American education system in order to transfer to more demanding, but at the same time higher-rated universities. Marymount students annually get into such top and world-famous universities as the University of California Berkeley and UCLA. The cost of a year of study is from $29 thousand.
University of the Pacific
This university is located near San Francisco and is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, individual approach to training and innovative programs. The most popular programs at the University of the Pacific are related to the arts and humanities. The university takes a professional and business approach to these programs, thanks to which graduates quickly find work in this complex area. The cost of a year of training is from $12 thousand per year.
One of the most prestigious film schools in the world is located in New York, but how could it not open its branch at the foot of the Dream Factory? The California branch of the New York Film Academy offers the same quality and proven program, but at the same time, students have extensive opportunities to practice and work in Hollywood. The cost of studying is from $28 thousand per year.
California State University Monterey Bay
Have you ever dreamed of studying at a university right on the ocean coast? You may have never thought that this could even be possible, and yet California State University Monterey Bay invites you to make this dream come true! The university campus is located just a kilometer from the beaches of Monterey Bay and invites students, including foreign ones, to become active participants in this community and, possibly, continue to work in it in the future. From $17 thousand.
Hult Business School
A business school with a worldwide reputation and international presence. Hult Business School can be found in London, Boston, New York and Dubai, but wouldn't it be better to study business in sunny San Francisco? Get the business accreditation that will give you a non-stop career and spend an unforgettable time in one of the most colorful and bohemian cities in the world. The cost of an MBA is $45 thousand.
The University of California is one of the world's most famous scientific and educational centers. The University of California shares third place in the ranking with the University of Michigan. More than 200 thousand students study at the university in different departments.
This university was transformed from the College of California in 1868. Among its alumni and faculty are many Nobel laureates and winners of other prestigious awards in different areas science and art.
The University of California specializes in business, economics, public relations, ecology, medicine, agriculture, and ocean research. Students are offered several hundred educational and scientific programs to choose from.
The university management makes a lot of efforts to maintain a high level of education. There are many famous scientists and inventors among the teachers.
Upon completion of the diploma, students can obtain employment in numerous scientific projects. University athletes regularly win the most prestigious sports awards.
The University of California is a conglomerate of 11 campuses, that is, college towns located in different cities in the state of California. The main campus is located in Berkeley, and there are branches in the cities of Belmont, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz. In addition, the University of California includes Hastings College of Law and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The University of California uses a number of national laboratories.
Study at UCLA
UCLA is the second most important campus. Here, over 26 thousand students and 11 thousand graduate students study in 11 schools and 2 institutes. Studying at the University of Los Angeles is considered very prestigious.
The university reports directly to the President of the United States. It is governed by a board of regents headquartered in Oakland. The board of regents is headed by the university president. Each campus is governed by a chancellor appointed by the board of regents.
Chancellors have a deputy for educational work, Science, External Affairs, Business, Medicine, Planning, Marine Studies, and Student Affairs. Colleges and schools have their own leadership, reporting to the chancellor. Issues of student life are decided by student councils and the graduate student association.
The University of California has different shapes training - daytime, evening, . The cost of full-time education is from 25 to 50 thousand dollars. Training includes direct training, accommodation, teaching aids.
Structure of the University of California
The concept of school in America refers to education for graduate students. Both undergraduate and graduate students study in colleges. Laboratories are scientific centers. In addition to schools and colleges, campuses may also have additional public institutions - museums, laboratories, computer centers and even ships.
At the same time, some campuses may only have schools, while others have schools, colleges, and laboratories.
| Branch | additional institutions | schools | colleges |
| University of Berkeley | laboratory named after Lawrence | 9 | 5 |
| University of Davis | 6 | 4 | |
| University of Irvine | Department of Education, Arboretum, part of the California Wildlife Refuge | 11 | 1 |
| University in Los Angeles | two institutes | 11 | |
| University of Merced | 2 faculties, energy-saving buildings. | ||
| University of Riverside | 2 | 3 | |
| University of San Diego | public museum-aquarium, sea port, research vessels, museum, computer center. Center for Mexican American Studies. Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technologies. | 6 | |
| University of San Francisco | one of largest centers medical research. Only postgraduate education | ||
| University of Santa Barbara | 12 major research centers of national subordination | 2 | 3 |
| University of Santa Cruz | 7 institutes, research center, Lick Observatory, Center for the Study of International Economics |
Conditions of study at the University of California
Students from all over the world can study at the University of California. It is necessary to pass, pass an entrance exam, and pass an interview.
Campus buildings were built in different time. There are both very recent buildings and buildings from a hundred years ago. All classrooms and laboratories are equipped at the highest level
The campuses have large green, well-kept areas. Convenient parking is provided for different types transport. For people with disabilities, there are ramps, lifts, wider toilet stalls, and classrooms marked for the blind.
The campuses have inexpensive cafes and numerous vending machines for food and drinks, shops, and bars. The dormitories are located in close proximity to the academic buildings.
So, let's summarize some results. The University of California is one of the most prestigious and one of the world's largest scientific centers.
The university consists of 11 separate campuses located in different cities of the state. Each campus has its own structure and its own number of schools, colleges, and institutes. The university has done everything to ensure that students and research fellows could study and work fruitfully.
What else is worth investing in, if not in training? Of course, many have heard stories that most American billionaires never graduated from higher education institutions. But how many such people are there? Probably ten or fifteen people? Who are the other 90 on the list of the 100 richest people in the United States? Graduates prestigious universities!
Educational programs different states are radically different from each other. The same major obtained at Berkeley (California) and at Washington College of Law will lead to different finals. Lawyers from the University of California always get jobs faster, it is easier for them to open private practices, their annual income can be several times higher than the amount that a graduate from a law school, for example, in Utah, can earn. Two California universities were included in the list of the ten most prestigious educational institutions countries. This is a very good indicator. This is what plays a role when choosing where to receive your diploma.
Diversity and yet a narrow focus distinguishes education in California from Texas or Minnesota. Here you can become either a world-famous actor or the world’s most respected doctor of technical sciences. Of course, such universities can hardly be called cheap.
Despite the atmosphere of joy and fun that reigns in the state, serious science is taken seriously here. Caltech is proof of this. Graduates of this university often find their workplace in the well-known Silicon Valley, or the Valley of Millionaires. This prospect is tempting, but there is one “but”. Not everyone can afford such training. There are two options here: be smart or be rich. If you can say both the first and the second about yourself, then any University of Southern California will welcome you with open arms. Don't know which university to choose? All the necessary information is presented below.
Education for programmers
Caltech is the dream of many. Not only students from all over America, but also from all over the world come here every year to enroll. This institute graduates engineers in the fields of chemistry, biotechnology, applied sciences, geology, physics, mathematics and astronomy. Philosophers, historians and economists are not forgotten here either. There is no special focus on the humanities and social sciences at this university. All major research projects are conducted only in applied scientific fields.
This University of Southern California is inferior to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology only with slightly fewer specializations and a more extensive approach to teaching. Their average scores for “star” graduates are almost equal.
They also differ in cost. One year of study at a Californian institute will cost a non-resident $63,000. This is not the most expensive university in the state. In addition, almost all the best students receive job offers while still studying.
Study at Davis University
The University of California is an entire system of universities. They are located in the most major cities. Almost each of them has their own specialization. For example, Berkeley produces the best economists, lawyers and financiers. Many future successful businessmen graduate from here.
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Sights of California
The University of Davis, which got its name due to the fact that it is located in the city of Davis. More than 33 thousand students study there. This university provides the opportunity to study not only local residents or visitors from neighboring states, but also foreigners.
A year of study at Davis University costs the latter $60,000 per year.
This price includes not only payment for the training itself, but also insurance and everything necessary for classes (textbooks, the ability to use a computer class, a subscription to reading room) and accommodation on campus, that is, on the territory of the university.
Davis is renowned for its medical and veterinary traditions. It ranks 7th in popularity among all 10 universities that make up the University of California. It has also been ranked 14th in the list of the best educational institutions in the United States for many years in a row.
Many Davis teachers are successful businessmen, cultural and artistic figures. This university can provide research activities to students in various fields. Despite the obvious medical bias, other disciplines are also studied here: history, management, marketing.
One more distinctive feature Davis is a more informal setting. You can contrast it with the Haas Business School or the Institute of Economic Research - the atmosphere in them is tense.
Education at the University of Southern California
If someone likes theater, music or directing, then the University of Southern California (UCLA) is an ideal option. In addition to basic education, here you can take language courses or attend acting classes. Many show business stars graduated from this university. Among its graduates there are also successful businessmen.
The abundance of different specialties to study and one of the most well-funded research bases of all universities in the state allowed it to rank 46th in the list of the best universities in the world. To understand how successful this university and its graduates are, it is worth knowing that more than half a billion dollars are spent annually on research in various fields.
Tuition per year for foreign students will be slightly less than 60 thousand dollars. If it is possible to live with relatives, then the cost will drop to 50 thousand. It is worth noting that compulsory health insurance at this university is cheaper than in Davis and the rest of the University of California complex, but the amount for personal expenses is higher. This is primarily due to the fact that in Los Angeles, where the educational institution is located, the cost of living is more expensive.
A pleasant bonus that all UCLA graduates are provided with is a workplace. The glory of this university is known far beyond the borders of the state, so when you graduate from this university with honors, you don’t have to worry about your future. Of course, the university graduates thousands of students every year, but not all of them seek employment in the state. Many return home to their hometown or country. But even with the number of graduates in Los Angeles, there is often a shortage of workers in the entertainment industry. Summer performances, various celebrations and celebrations - not a single event takes place here without good musicians, actors and dancers.
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Golden Gate Bridge
During the training, most of the classes will be practical. It doesn’t matter if you are studying economics or dramatic art, but there will always be fewer theory classes. Here all students are required to have a creative approach. The brighter and more interesting you are in reporting classes and practical lectures, the higher your educational rating. Memorizing material by heart does not guarantee your academic success.
As at Berkeley, Davis, Lawrence College and almost any other prestigious US university, understanding and opportunity to do own conclusions will be valued higher than the ability to learn 16 pages of text by heart. This makes American higher education fundamentally different from Russia and other post-Soviet countries.
California is home to another very popular and world-famous university - Stanford. In the list of the 500 best educational institutions in the world, it ranks 2nd, behind only Harvard. It is 4th in the world for the quality of teaching mathematics and science, 2nd for engineering and computer science, 3rd for agricultural sciences, 5th for medicine and 6th for social sciences. Share research work during training is almost 50%. Every year this university spends millions of dollars to modernize its scientific facilities. It is equipped with more than 100 laboratories and research centers in various teaching fields.
Stanford is a private university, unlike, for example, Davis, which receives part of its funding from the state budget. There are no preferential vacancies, but grants are provided for the best students. Even Californians pay full cost training. For local students one year at Stanford will cost more than 60 thousand dollars, according to statistics at the beginning of accepting documents for 2018/2019 academic year. Every year, the cost of training rises by an average of 2-3 thousand dollars.
Residents of Canada and Mexico are subject to general program admission, all other countries can obtain places only on the basis of competition.
The number of international students admitted to Stanford is limited. Due to the independent status of the university, the administration is not obliged to enroll more students than can be provided with quality education. If Davis cannot deny a place to a California resident whose passing scores meet the minimum enrollment threshold, then Stanford can do this without giving any actual reasons.
Many people dream of getting into this university. To graduate with honors is to secure fast growth By career ladder, the best workplace and many opportunities in the world of science. Stanford master's and doctoral students are invited to teach at many universities around the world. They work for NASO and become medical advisers to presidents and prime ministers.
The non-profit organization, with the assistance of the university, annually hosts the Stanford Russian-American Forum, which begins in September and lasts 5–6 months. This allows both parties to exchange knowledge and conduct research activities primarily in the fields of social sciences, humanities and political sciences.
Getting into this university is undoubtedly not easy, but it is worth it. If the cost of education and the requirements for applicants seem too stringent, you can pay attention to another Californian university.
