Increasingly, mid-career scholars and professionals travel to the United States to participate in postdoctoral research, to lecture, to consult or to gain short- or long-term professional training. Some come as part of established government or academic programs; others are invited by particular institutions or are self-sponsored.
If you are considering mid-career opportunities in the United States, this booklet will address some of your concerns: how to find information about training, research or temporary positions; factors to consider when weighing options; and living conditions.
The first part of the booklet discusses the professional environment that a temporary academic or professional visitor will encounter, some varieties of short-term academic experiences that are available, and considerations for planning your stay. The second part gives special information for physicians, nurses, dentists, veterinarians and lawyers. A third section discusses personal considerations that will be important in your planning. A bibliography lists sources of further information, including references for a large number of professions.
Another valuable source of information will be the educational advising centers in your country: United States Information Service (USIS) offices or libraries, U.S. educational exchange commissions (Fulbright Commissions) and binational centers. These centers provide information free of charge and may also offer predeparture orientation programs or other services.
Academic and research institutions in the United States differ in many respects from those in other countries. As a visiting scholar, researcher or lecturer, you may find that many aspects of faculty procedure, interaction with students, research arrangements and responsibilities differ from your expectations.
Higher or postsecondary education in the United States builds on 12 years of education at the primary and secondary level. After completion of high school at about age 18, students may enter a college or university to work toward a baccalaureate degree, or they may enter two-year community colleges or technical schools for other training. The bachelor's degree, which takes a minimum of four years to complete, can stand alone or can serve as the prerequisite for graduate work.
At the graduate level, students may enter into a one- to three-year master's program, or enter directly into predoctoral programs which lead after a minimum of three years to a doctoral degree. Some students complete a master's degree and then enter a doctoral program in the same or in a different field.
After earning a doctorate, many students pursue further research under a postdoctoral fellowship before seeking a permanent position with a university, research center or business.
In working on a temporary basis with faculty or researchers at universities in the United States, you will need to be aware of constraints and pressures on academics, as well as the underlying structure of the faculty system.
In almost every academic institution, faculties are organized into departments based on academic field, or occasionally into multidisciplinary centers for focus on a certain academic area. Each department operates independently, headed by a department chair, under broad university guidelines. Faculty members of a department usually choose their own department chair, either a senior member of the department, or occasionally someone from outside the university. In many cases, the position of department chair rotates from one department member to another, changing every three to four years. In other cases, the department chair remains as long as other faculty members agree. The department acts as a democratic body, by participation of all members, who determine requirements for degrees (within broad limits set by the university), admit graduate students, decide whether degree candidates qualify, choose teaching assistants, determine curriculum and hire new faculty. In some departments, real power lies with the department as a whole, more than with the chair as an individual. In others, the chair is more powerful.
Faculty titles denote academic rank. In ascending order, they are "lecturer" (or "instructor"), "assistant professor," "associate professor" and "professor." Except in the case of very distinguished senior professors, most faculty members address each other by first names and do not use these titles in conversation.
Lecturers and assistant professors have a full teaching load -- usually two classes that meet three times a week with a laboratory, or perhaps three classes without a laboratory. In addition, they may have one or more committee assignments (the curriculum committee, the honors committee, etc.), which take several hours per week. Add to this grading time, as well as conference time and office hours for students, not to mention the many hours of research or writing necessary to build a reputation for scholarly research.
Under the system of promotion current in most university departments, an assistant professor has five to seven years to gain "tenure." At the end of this time, a committee of peers (other university faculty) votes whether or not to recommend tenure. One of the most important considerations is the faculty member's research and publication record. Tenure is a guarantee that he or she will remain employed by the university until retirement, unless, for example, the institution suffers extreme budget cuts leading to the elimination of the department or the person commits a serious moral offense.
The purpose of the tenure system is to preserve academic freedom, to prevent an institution from firing a professor for making unpopular or radical statements or advocating unorthodox ideas. Today, with tight university budgets, the effects of the tenure system have put strong pressure on assistant professors to succeed early.
What difference does this system make to visiting scholars and researchers? If you are given a year's appointment as a visiting assistant professor or lecturer, you will be expected to make similar commitments of time and to fulfill similar teaching loads. Similarly, if your faculty collaborator is working toward tenure, you may find that he or she has little extra time available for collaboration. In centers or institutions devoted entirely to research, however, visiting scholars often have fewer distractions from research.
Faculty in the United States tend to identify first with colleagues in their academic field and second with their institution, except in smaller colleges at which teaching is the primary activity. This is perhaps a consequence of the emphasis on research and publication record as a measure of success.
Faculty salaries are often lower than salaries at comparable levels of business or industry, ranging from an average of approximately $30,000 for a lecturer to about $65,000 for a professor. Faculty salaries in fields like engineering are higher than the average.
Many faculty members serve as consultants to business, industry and government, both as a source of outside income and as a stimulus for professional development. Senior faculty members sometimes hold joint appointments with part-time teaching responsibilities and part-time administrative responsibilities. Often administrative duties reduce the time and energy available for effective research.
In the university setting, faculty interactions with students are informal. Often graduate students and faculty become close friends and work together almost on an equal basis. Since U.S. educational philosophy stresses analysis and critical thinking in addition to mastery of information, class formats stimulate exchange of ideas. Students, both graduate and undergraduate, do not hesitate to challenge professors in class; in fact, most professors encourage it as a sign of intellectual independence. Encouragement of questioning, however, does not mean that professors lack respect from students. Despite informality, students and faculty maintain a certain personal distance, with students deferring to faculty members. Faculty members usually construct their own examinations, and students expect that examinations will be given frequently. In most cases, faculty grade examinations and papers for their courses, unless the course has a very high enrollment.
Some universities are devoted to research; others are not. Research and scholarly activity take place in many kinds of institutions besides universities. Often visiting scholars, researchers and faculty come to private or public research centers or hospitals.
Most research institutions are organized by field, with both an administrative and a scientific/technical head for each department (in some cases, the same person). Researchers may work together as part of a team, or they may work alone; all have some administrative relationship to the department. Grants-management staff monitor expenses on the grant, and the principal investigator is usually responsible for an annual grant report.
Quite often a foreign researcher establishes an arrangement with a particular research center that focuses on his or her area of research and then obtains a grant from public or private sources (see Obtaining Funding) to work as the principal investigator for the grant.
There are many avenues by which scholars, researchers and faculty can come as temporary academic visitors to the United States. Those described below are among the most common.
Under the auspices of the Fulbright Program, foreign senior scholars can come to the United States to do a year of research or to lecture at U.S. academic institutions. Senator J. William Fulbright introduced legislation in the U.S. Congress in 1946 establishing the Fulbright Program to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and of other countries.
The United States Information Agency (USIA) funds and administers the Fulbright Program overseas; in some countries, the host country shares in the funding. Different aspects of the Fulbright Program are operative in each country; not all countries participate. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulate to determine Fulbright opportunities.
Scholars may obtain information about the program, which is an open competition, and an application through the local Fulbright Commission or U.S. Educational Foundation, or if there is no Fulbright Commission, through the United States Information Service (USIS) office located in the U.S. embassy or consulate. After preliminary screening by the Fulbright Commissions/U.S. Educational Foundations or by the USIS posts, recommended applications are forwarded to the United States Information Agency in Washington, D.C. and to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board for final selection by its members which are appointed by the president of the United States.
The Council for the International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) assists with the implementation of the program by arranging university affiliations for senior Fulbright scholars at U.S. academic institutions. Once scholars are in the United States, CIES assists in program administration and support. CIES has prepared a comprehensive publication explaining privileges and obligations under the Fulbright Program. Fulbright grantees receive this booklet at the time they receive their grant documents.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, also administered by USIA, provides opportunities in the United States for academic study and professional development at selected institutions to mid-career professionals from developing countries around the world. The Humphrey Program awards fellowships on a competitive basis in the fields of agriculture, public health, planning and resource management, and public administration. USIS posts, Fulbright Commissions and binational centers nominate candidates. The Institute of International Education (IIE) reviews nominations with the assistance of independent selection committees and makes recommendations to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, which approves final selections and awards fellowships.
In contrast to many fellowship opportunities, the Humphrey Program does not have as its goal the attainment of a degree. Rather, in cooperation with Humphrey Program coordinators on college and university campuses, fellows devise individually tailored plans for a year-long program of academic work balanced with professional development and internship activities.
USIA's University Affiliations Program makes three-year grants to partnerships formed by higher education institutions in the United States and abroad to conduct exchanges for faculty members in the humanities, social sciences, communications and education.
In participating countries, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) missions arrange short- and long-term training, both in-country and in the United States, in technical and applied areas requested by the host country. Usually the host-country government selects trainees. Participants spend several months to several years either on U.S. campuses or in training institutes. Alternatively, they attend short study tours or courses concentrating on applications in their field. Typical fields are agriculture, business, health, banking and engineering. Although academic programs usually require English-language proficiency, courses or tours are sometimes conducted with the aid of an interpreter.
University departments often have invitational positions, usually a year in length, for visiting scholars, researchers or lecturers. To be invited as a visiting scholar or visiting lecturer a candidate must be a recognized authority in the field. If you have an outstanding reputation as a researcher or have personal or professional contacts with U.S. faculty, you may be able to arrange a special invitational position. The U.S. university normally provides a salary and in addition, may provide research facilities. In some countries, there are agencies which claim to be able to find invitational positions for scholars, but these are rarely effective.
Continuing education has become increasingly important in American education in recent years. Universities, hospitals and professional associations offer seminars and short courses for mid-career professionals in all fields: however, these are usually a week or less in length and therefore impractical for someone from overseas. The vast majority of commercially available seminars for mid-career professionals are also one to three days in length.
Semi-independent training institutes affiliated with universities or government entities, however, are beginning to offer short-term training in business, agriculture and other topics of interest to overseas professionals, with courses of three months to a year in length. Consult the bibliography, Sources for Further Information, as well as advisers at an educational advising center in your country, for possibilities.
Scholars and researchers anticipating a sabbatical or wishing to conduct research in the United States often learn of opportunities through speaking or corresponding with colleagues in the same field or by attending professional meetings. Professors may also learn of colleagues with similar research interests through former students who are in the United States, from U.S. university faculty or administrators visiting in their country, or from papers in scholarly journals. Sometimes scholars and researchers negotiate directly with a department or research center. In business, scientific and technological fields, the probability of arranging a research sabbatical in the United States is higher than for humanities, social sciences and the performing arts.
Take every step possible to secure adequate funding for research. Arrangements for funding visiting researchers and scholars vary greatly. Often the scholar's home institution pays regular salary while the scholar is on sabbatical. Occasionally, scholars come to the United States on their own funds.
Scholars considering a sojourn to the United States should know that the budget situation in most universities and research centers is currently tight. U.S. government funding for research has been curtailed. Careful and realistic financial planning will be crucial for the success of your program.
Some foundations and organizations provide grants to support scholarly research in the arts, sciences, humanities and health-related fields. Although competition is intense, foreign nationals as well as U.S. citizens are often eligible to apply. Consult sources listed in the bibliography at the end of this booklet, as well as additional resources available at the nearest educational advising center in your country. Usually the grant is for a specific amount and supports research at a particular facility or center.
Many grant applications specify that you present not only a research plan, but also an agreement with a research institution before they will fund a grant. It is your responsibility to find an institution that will agree to provide research facilities, employ you and monitor grant expenditures if you are awarded a grant. A committee of peers reviews grant proposals.
If you do receive a grant, determine whether the grant is to you as an individual or to the institution who then agrees to employ you with the funds from the grant. If you leave before the grant is completed and the grant is to the institution, it will remain with the institution.
Perhaps the ideal situation is to find an academic department in the United States with a research grant allowing employment of additional researchers. Usually such arrangements arise through personal correspondence between the people involved. There is no central source for information of this type.
In negotiating a position as a visiting scholar or researcher, you can avoid many painful misunderstandings by obtaining clear agreement, in writing, about a number of important issues regarding your stay. If you are corresponding with a researcher (and not an administrator), try to ascertain diplomatically whether the key administrator who will be responsible for your arrangements is aware of your needs and interests, and is willing to assist in meeting them. In universities, this key person is usually the department chair.
In your preliminary correspondence, find out how much time the principal faculty-contact person, as well as others in the department, will actually be able to devote to collaboration or consultation with you. Also, find out how directly involved your faculty contact will be in the specific research project in which you are interested. This is important, since a scholar often expects that the faculty host will see him or her for 10 to 20 hours per month, whereas the host may not be prepared to spend more than three or four hours a month.
Discuss what form the collaboration might take. Request a copy of your host's curriculum vitae and become familiar with the scope and background of his or her work, as well as educational background, travel and languages. Make sure that you share proficiency in at least one language with the person with whom you will be working. Finally, arrive at a mutual understanding about the length of time you will be visiting or working.
Departments may extend courtesies to visiting scholars, such as an office with a desk and telephone, a university identification card that allows access to the university library and recreational facilities, authorization to apply for a parking permit and perhaps secretarial help. These privileges are by no means guaranteed. You should make sure before you come that your expectations match those of the department in detail, not just in broad outlines.
Universities and research centers in the United States are not as highly subsidized as they are in many other countries. Funds for research must be carefully budgeted within the department or research program. If you need access to a personal computer or time on a mainframe computer, or if you need specific laboratory equipment or facilities, negotiate with the department (or, for a research center, with key administrators) about how these will be provided and funded.
There are a number of research areas where, for reasons of national security, there are government restrictions to information access. If the research center with which you are negotiating has been awarded sensitive U.S. government contracts, the institution may require a security clearance. If you are not a U.S. citizen, this requirement might pose problems.
Sometimes visiting scholars wish to attend classes. Some universities extend this option as a courtesy without charge; some do not. The demand on faculty time and the tight budgets of many institutions make this issue a sensitive one. If you think that you might be interested in courses, whether for credit or not, correspond with the university before beginning your stay, so that everyone has a clear understanding, in writing, of the policy.
On some university campuses, particularly the large research universities, an Office of International Services (variously called Office of International Educational Services, International Program Office, Office of International Students and Scholars, etc.) offers a valuable liaison between visiting scholars, researchers or faculty and the campus community. On other campuses such an office may exist, but its focus may be directed primarily to students. Even in the latter case, however, this office may be a helpful source of general and visa information. Among other things, it can provide information about many aspects of living and working in the United States and the particular institution you have chosen.
Because these offices were originally established primarily in response to the needs of international students, the office that assists scholars, researchers and visiting faculty may even be called the International Student Services Office. This is not meant to be derogatory or demeaning to scholars and international faculty members; it is simply a historical remnant. Most campuses, in fact, have been changing the name of these offices to reflect current realities in international exchange.
As soon as you begin to negotiate with a department or granting body, it would be helpful to send a copy of your correspondence to the Office of International Services. This office can advise the department, in light of the information that you send them about your situation, regarding the most appropriate visa to request, both for you and your family. In a research center or training hospital, a training liaison officer performs this function.
As you finalize your arrangements with an institution or organization, you should be
sure that you have received clear information and have given clear information to the
university or organization about the following:
After the university or research center sends you the appropriate documentation to apply for a visa, you will need to present to the American consul, proof of sufficient funding for the duration of your stay, for yourself as well as for any family members who will accompany you. In any case, do not plan to come on a business (B-1) or tourist (B-2) visa and change your immigration status after arrival. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service may not authorize such changes.
While you are in the United States, correspond with professional associations to determine dates and locations of professional meetings, seminars, conferences and short-term training programs in your field. These can be costly; attending a week-long conference can cost over $1,000, but the benefits usually justify the expense. If you have a grant or fellowship, ask if there is a provision for attending conferences or for other professional development activities.
This text covers medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine and law in some detail. Information about a large assortment of additional professions is available through references cited in "Sources for Further Information" at the end of this booklet.
First Professional Degree
In the United States, admission to medical school is very competitive. It is rare for
students from other countries to be admitted to a first professional-degree program in
medicine. To be eligible to apply for medical school, students usually complete the
equivalent of a bachelor's degree (four years beyond the 12 years required to finish
secondary school).
The cost of educating a medical student is much more than the cost of tuition. Because many medical schools are funded largely by taxes raised in the state where they are located (e.g., Wisconsin or Pennsylvania), they naturally give preference to state residents. There are no spaces reserved for foreign students in U.S. medical schools. Although anyone is eligible to apply, foreign students rarely gain admission to a U.S. medical school without pre-medical study in the United States and even then, very rarely.
U.S. students, too, feel the effects of the high level of competition for a limited number of spaces; less than half of U.S. applicants are accepted. Because of the extremely high level of competition, only 150 of the 15,867 students who entered medical school in a recent year were foreign nationals. Of these, all but a few had graduated from a college or university in the United States.
Medical school usually lasts four years, combining classroom experience with observation and patient care in the areas of internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery and often family practice. Classroom study includes basic medical science, basic clinical science (both therapy and technology), preventive medicine and social sciences pertinent to the practice of medicine: ethics, behavioral science and human values.
To be eligible to practice medicine, a physician who attended medical school in the
United States must:
Obtaining ECFMG Certification
In the United States, graduate training for physicians may take several forms. Those who
wish to practice a specialized field of medicine usually complete a prescribed period of
clinical training in the chosen specialty or residency. The training received, or
additional graduate study, also may lead to teaching in a medical school or toward medical
research.
To obtain residency positions, clinical fellowships or other training involving patient
contact, foreign medical graduates must meet certification standards. The Educational
Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) conducts a program of certification of
foreign medical graduates to assure the people of the United States and the directors of
residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
(ACGME) that applicants meet minimal standards of eligibility. Graduates of foreign
medical schools, including U.S. citizens who have graduated from medical schools not
accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, must meet requirements for ECFMG
certification. In order to qualify for application to residency training involving patient
contact, a medical school graduate must:
USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 and the ECFMG English test are given twice a year at a number
of locations overseas. ECFMG annually publishes the Information Booklet and Application
for ECFMG Certification through USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 and the ECFMG English Test.
For a copy of this booklet, which contains further information about these examinations,
about credentials and documents accepted from each country, and about ECFMG certification,
contact:
Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates 3624 Market St. Philadelphia, PA
19104-2685 USA Telephone: (215) 386-5900 / Telex: 710-670-1020
The number of applicants for ECFMG certification far surpasses the number who attain
it. In addition to ECFMG certification, some states require that prospective foreign
residents or clinical fellows pass the licensing examination, currently the Federation
Licensing Examination (FLEX). The FLEX test covers basic medical science and clinical
practice. State medical boards administer the FLEX examination, usually in the state
capital city in June and December of each year. FLEX will be replaced by the USMLE program
which consists of Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3. For further information, contact:
Federation of State Medical Boards of the U.S. 6000 Western Pl., Suite 707 Fort Worth, TX
76107 USA Telephone: (817) 735-8445
Locating A Residency or Clinical Fellowship
The supply of qualified physicians in the U.S. has exceeded demand in recent years. At
present, the number of available residency positions or clinical fellowships is less than
the number of qualified applicants. In some cases, U.S. physicians trained in accredited
U.S. medical schools have been unable to find residency positions. In some years, only
small percentages of foreign medical graduates who attained ECFMG certification were
placed in residency positions.
Residents receive a salary from the participating hospital. Clinical fellows see patients under the supervision of licensed physicians just as residents do, however, they may or may not receive a salary but rather have funding from other sources, perhaps from an institution in their home country or from their own resources. The term "fellowship" does not imply funding from the hospital for clinical fellows.
Foreign medical graduates applying for residencies or clinical fellowships must have
ECFMG certification before beginning their program, but they may initiate correspondence
with a hospital before they receive certification. If they participate in the National
Resident Matching Program, they must pass the ECFMG examination sequence by January 1 of
the year in which they plan to enter and must submit proof of certification by the start
of the residency. Physicians may apply directly to accredited residency programs or
clinical fellowships in a specialty listed in theDirectory of Residency Programs
(published annually), or they may elect to enter the computerized National Resident
Matching Program (the avenue chosen by most applicants). This program allows each
applicant to submit a list of preferred residencies, and the requests are matched with
available programs. For information, see the bulletin of the ECFMG, or write:
National Resident Matching Program Executive Secretary 2450 N St., N.W. Washington, D.C.
20037-1141 USA Telephone: (202) 828-0566
For an order form for the Directory of Residency Programs, write to:
American Medical Association Order Department OF416792 P.O. Box 109050 Chicago, IL 60610
USA Telephone: (800) 621-8335
In corresponding with hospitals, be sure that you have clear information about salary, length of employment or appointment, elements of the residency program, hours of duty and responsibilities, and whether or not the hospital will provide health and professional liability insurance.
ECFMG-certified foreign physicians who are matched with residency positions usually are eligible to receive sponsorship from the ECFMG as Exchange Visitors. The period for which their Exchange Visitor (J-1) status may be valid varies with the medical specialty chosen and must be renewed annually. Each specialty board determines the appropriate length of time for postgraduate clinical training in that specialty. After completion of the stipulated training period, Exchange Visitor status expires and the Exchange Visitor physician must leave the United States. The Exchange Visitor physician is not eligible to petition to apply to return to the United States in immigrant status, "H" temporary worker or trainee status, or as an intracompany transferee until he or she has resided in the home country or country of last permanent residence for two years.
Some Alternatives That Do Not Require ECFMG Certification
Physicians who come to the United States on this basis will not be able to change to ECFMG Exchange Visitor (J-1) status (with the opportunity for clinical experience and patient contact) without undergoing the ECFMG certification process. Do not plan to arrive on a "B" (tourist or business) visa with the thought of entering either an academic or a clinical program; the Immigration and Naturalization Service will not grant the necessary change of immigration status. You must have prior admission to an academic program and documentation as a student prior to entry into the United States.
ECFMG Foreign Faculty Fellowship Program in the Basic Medical Sciences
This program, designed to strengthen basic science teaching in foreign medical schools,
brings selected faculty members from foreign medical schools to teach and study for
periods of nine months to one year in a U.S. medical school. Completed applications are
submitted by the U.S. host institution on behalf of a candidate, or, if a U.S. institution
has not been selected, ECFMG will evaluate the partial application and attempt to arrange
a suitable match with a U.S. medical school. All applications must include the endorsement
of the candidate's home-country medical school. The fellowships are not intended to
support research or a formal curriculum leading to a degree.
An Exchange Visitor (J-1) physician, as mentioned, must leave the United States at the end of the training period and is not eligible to petition to return to the United States in immigrant status, temporary "H" worker or trainee status, or as an intracompany transferee until he or she has resided in the home country for two years.
In the United States, professional "registered" nurses (RN) must be licensed in the state of employment. Each state has its own Board of Nursing which issues RN licenses on the basis of individual, state-mandated regulations. However, every state uses the same licensing examination known as the NCLEX-RN which must be passed before a license can be given. Most states require nurses educated outside of the U.S. to have a Certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) as a prerequisite to taking the NCLEX-RN.
The CGFNS is further important when applying for either a temporary non-immigration visa (H-1A) or a permanent visa. When applying for the H-1A visa, you will be asked to prove that you will be employed in a U.S. healthcare facility that is qualified to hire nurses with H-1A visas and that you already have either a full and unrestricted RN license in the state where you will be employed or a CGFNS Certificate. When applying for a permanent immigrant occupation preference visa, you will need a U.S. Labor Certificate from the Department of Labor. You need a CGFNS Certificate to be issued a labor certificate.
To obtain a CGFNS, first submit documents to the CGFNS credentials review. You will be
registered for the CGFNS Exam if you:
The two-part CGFNS Exam tests nursing knowledge and English-language proficiency. It is
a "predictor" test in that it is designed so that a passing result on the CGFNS
Exam means you have a very good chance of passing NCLEX-RN. The CGFNS Qualifying
Examination is given three times a year at sites around the world. For information on the
CGFNS Certification Program, including application forms, write:
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools 3600 Market St., Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 USA Telephone: (215) 349-8767
There are no spaces in veterinary schools reserved for students from other countries. In fact, it is very difficult for foreign students to gain admission to U.S. veterinary schools, simply as a result of the intense competition for a limited number of places.
There are only 27 schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, all associated with universities. Of these, 25 are largely state-financed; that is, tax money raised by the individual state (e.g., Minnesota) supports the school. Hence, it is not surprising that applicants from the home state are given first preference and that there are few opportunities for students from other countries. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that in 1991 and 1992, of the 2,225 students admitted to veterinary schools, 16 were foreign nationals.
In the United States, many students who enter veterinary school have completed at least four years of education past the secondary level and attained a bachelor's level in universities, although a few universities have pre-veterinary majors similar to pre-medical studies, and vocational colleges have programs to train veterinary assistants.
Veterinarians begin practice in the United States after four years of study in veterinary schools and attainment of the first professional degree, doctor of veterinary medicine, D.V.M. or V.M.D. Before beginning practice, veterinarians must be licensed by the state in which they plan to work.
Admission to U.S. Veterinary Schools
Chances are somewhat better at private than at state-supported schools. The
primary consideration for admission is the quality of the undergraduate record. Of the 27
schools, more than half require the Veterinary Aptitude Test for admission; four require
the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT); a few require parts of the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE). The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
provides the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). It can be
contacted at:
Veterinary Medical College Application Service
1101 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 411
Washington, DC 20005
202-682-0750
E-mail: [email protected]
Another alternative to veterinary school is to enter a graduate academic program in animal studies. Competition is less intense, since these programs do not lead to professional certification.
Postgraduate Training
For foreign-trained veterinarians with the equivalent of the D.V.M., there are two
alternatives for postgraduate training in the United States. Veterinary schools offer
postgraduate academic programs leading to the master's degree in veterinary science or to
the Ph.D., in conjunction with associated universities. These programs do not lead toward
clinical practice, but rather toward teaching in veterinary schools, employment by
pharmaceutical companies or research. The proportion of foreign graduate students in these
programs (on the average, about 10 to 20 percent of total enrollment) is higher than in
programs leading to the D.V.M.
Another postgraduate option is residency training leading toward board certification in a specialty, such as veterinary ophthalmology or veterinary pathology. Residency training, also associated with veterinary schools, takes three years; it involves a combination of academic and clinical experience. Most U.S. veterinarians do not elect to enter a specialty; rather, they go into general practice. Foreign veterinarians are occasionally accepted into residency training. Apply to the individual veterinary school which offers the specialty of interest.
Immigrant Veterinarians
To practice in most states in the United States, immigrant veterinarians must gain
certification from the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Educational
Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG). In all states, veterinarians must
pass state licensure before they are eligible to practice. For additional information,
contact:
American Veterinary Medical Association 1931 North Meacham Rd., Suite 100 Schaumburg, IL
60173 USA Telephone: (708) 925-8070, Extension 211
First Professional Degree
In the United States, dental study usually begins after four years of undergraduate work
(a minimum of two years of undergraduate pre-dental study is mandatory). Most students
attain a bachelor's degree or master's degree before entering dental school. Universities
do not have undergraduate studies in dentistry; students planning to study dentistry take
a combination of liberal arts and sciences, with any major being acceptable for admission.
Dental school curricula leading to the first professional degree, doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) or doctor of dental medicine (D.M.D.) require four years of study_two years with an emphasis on basic medical sciences as it applies to dentistry, and two years emphasizing a clinical orientation. Upon attaining the D.D.S. or D.M.D., dentists must pass both the National Licensing Examination and the State Board Examination in the state of intended professional practice.
Admission to First Professional Degree Programs
Those who apply to dental schools should remember that the level of competition is very
high, for U.S. citizens as well as for foreign nationals. There are no spaces reserved for
foreign students in U.S. dental schools. Chances of obtaining admission to a private
dental school are somewhat higher than those of admission to a state-supported dental
school. The cost of educating a dental student far exceeds tuition payments, because many
dental schools naturally give preference to state residents. For this reason, students who
are state residents are admitted to state dental schools before U.S. students who live in
other states and foreign nationals.
Although anyone is eligible to apply, foreign students rarely gain admission to a
school of dentistry in the United States without having completed at least two years of
pre-dental study in a U.S. university. Other requirements for admission are:
The Dental Admissions Test, given in the Spring and Fall, is an examination which
measures proficiency in mathematics, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, reading and
perceptual motor abilities. Although its scheduled locations are all within the United
States, applicants who inquire several months in advance can sometimes arrange an overseas
administration. For further information, contact:
American Dental Association Council on Dental Education 211 East Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL
60611 USA Telephone: (312) 440-2500
Postgraduate Dental Training
After receiving the equivalent of the D.D.S., dentists may apply for postgraduate training
at hospitals or dental schools. Some programs lead to a master's degree in advanced
dentistry. Others offer specialty training. Upon completion of specialty training
programs, licensed dentists may apply for board certification in that specialty. These
programs admit foreign dental graduates, particularly in fields such as dental public
health, more frequently than do first professional degree programs.
There is no certifying examination administered worldwide for postgraduate dental students comparable to the FMGEMS for medicine. Some specialty programs, such as oral surgery and periodontics, require that foreign dentists complete at least the last two years of prudent studies in a U.S. university, as well as complete the D.D.S. at a dental school in the United States that is accredited by the American Dental Association. Some may also require state licensure and national board certification. Dental schools are more likely to consider unlicensed foreign applicants for postgraduate training than are hospitals.
Short-term Educational Opportunities
Dental schools and hospitals offer postgraduate continuing education courses lasting from
a few days to a few weeks. These courses provide updates on the latest information about
specific topics and are open to foreign dentists. Current listings of continuing education
courses appear in the June and December issues of The Journal of the American Dental
Association ordered from the address given above for the American Dental Association.
The legal system in the United States on the federal level and in most states derives from the British system of common law; however, one state, Louisiana, has a legal system modeled on the French legal code.
Postgraduate Legal Education
The most appropriate U.S. degree programs for foreign national lawyers are the master of
comparative law (M.C.L.) and the master of comparative jurisprudence (M.C.J.). Recognizing
that legal systems in many other countries differ from common law as practiced in the
United States, these programs acquaint lawyers from other countries with U.S. legal
institutions and relevant specialties of U.S. law. Another possibility is the master of
laws (LL.M.). Consult the prospectus of individual law schools for programs. These
programs, one year in duration, are flexible and can be planned according to the interests
of the student. During the period of study, foreign lawyers receive opportunities to
observe courts and governmental agencies in the United States. Law schools arrange for
foreign lawyers entering graduate study to attend an orientation on American law given by:
The International Law Institute 1615 New Hampshire Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009 USA
Telephone: (202) 483-3036
Similar programs are given by several U.S. universities on a short- term basis, often in the summer. Foreign lawyers may also find graduate programs in international law or international business law of interest.
Short-term Legal Education
Lawyers in many countries may participate in short-term programs, usually about 30 days in
length, which provide visits to U.S. legal institutions. For information about these
programs, contact the United States Information Service (USIS) or the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID).
The First Professional Degree
Law schools in the United States prepare students for the juris doctor (J.D.) degree
(considered equivalent to a doctoral degree). Since the curriculum provides general basic
legal education directed toward the practice of law in the United States, foreign
nationals will find other degrees more appropriate. Although law schools offer individual
courses which emphasize particular subject areas such as environmental law, taxation or
business law, there are no specific J.D. programs for any single specialty except at the
postgraduate level. Law school requires three years of full-time study.
Admission to Law School
Although some law schools will admit students with only three years of undergraduate
study, almost all applicants to law school complete a bachelor's degree before entering.
Other requirements for application include:
Foreign students whose native language is not English also must submit a satisfactory
score on the TOEFL examination given several times a year at many sites in the United
States and overseas. For further information about the LSAT, contact:
Law School Admissions Services Box 2000 Newton, PA 18940 USA Telephone: (215) 968-1100
Most students apply through the Law School Admission Service. Competition for spaces in
law school is intense for U.S. citizens as well as foreign nationals. For information
about being a law student, contact:
American Bar Association Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admission to the
Bar 550 West North St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA Telephone: (317) 264-8340
Admission to Legal Practice
To practice law in the United States, an applicant must pass the bar examination for the
state where he or she intends to practice. While there is no national bar examination,
part of the state bar examination usually consists of a national, standard multiple-choice
examination. The other half of the bar examination is state-specific. Each state has
different requirements for admitting candidates to the bar. Immigrants are eligible to
take state-bar examinations.
Consult the Office of International Services, the training liaison officer, or other administrative officer to ask for further information about aspects of living and working in the United States. Before you go, you may find valuable advice in the references listed in the bibliography below or from other sources in the nearest U.S. educational advising office, USIS library or U.S. educational exchange commission.
Ask for an estimate of the total cost of living in the community and at the institution where you will be working. Usually, the Office of International Services or the training liaison officer will have cost ranges. Find out if the estimate was prepared for students or for mid-career professionals; if for students, you will find that estimates are low. Actual living costs will depend heavily on housing and transportation options available, and on whether you are bringing your family. Be sure to include in your estimate costs of health insurance, rent, travel, purchase of publications, clothing required because of climate differences, and automobile purchase and maintenance, if you will need a car. It is common for foreign scholars and professionals to find that all costs exceed what they had anticipated.
In some instances, you may be eligible for special housing provided by the institution. The Office of International Services may be aware of possibilities and options, and sometimes will be in a position to help you find housing. Establish by correspondence before you leave whether you will be finding housing on your own, or whether the department, the research center, the Office of International Services or some individual will be willing to help you. It is unrealistic to expect that someone will help unless you have established this in advance.
Whether or not you bring your family will depend on the cost of living, the educational level of your dependents, opportunities for your spouse and the level of support you can expect. You may want to consider coming by yourself at first and then bringing your family after you are settled.
School-age children will be eligible to attend public or private schools as your dependents. The Office of International Services or training liaison officer can advise you about documents, medical requirements and immunizations for the local school district. Bring academic records for each of your children, translated if necessary, to aid in placement. Instruction is in English (except in a few areas with large populations of other ethnic groups). Large cities or diplomatic centers such as New York and Washington, D.C. may have special schools that teach in the language of your home country or according to particular religious preferences.
There are a variety of opportunities for cultural, educational and professional enrichment for a spouse accompanying a foreign scholar, researcher or professional. Individuals with appointments at a U.S. college or university may find active support programs for spouses and dependents, including English-language classes, student and support groups, and outings. Depending on the community and the organization at which you will be placed, similar opportunities may be available in noncampus settings.
If your spouse has an advanced degree, or has distinguished merit and ability in some field, or a high degree of professional or artistic skill, he or she may be able to qualify for one of several temporary-worker visas. If your spouse is qualified and interested in pursuing academic training in the United States, he or she may be able to enroll at a college or university as an F-1 non-immigrant student. In most cases, however, your spouse will not be permitted to work. Permission to engage in employment is granted by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and involves an application process which may take several months to process.
If you are admitted to the United States as a J-1 Exchange Visitor, your spouse is eligible for work permission as a J-2 visitor. For specific information about this employment eligibility, ask for information from your Exchange Visitor program sponsor.
Inquire locally, as well as from sources in the community to which you will be travelling, about the best method for transferring funds from your country, and about establishing a bank account in the United States. The Office of International Services may have suggestions about who should transfer funds, how they should be transferred, how long it will take (sometimes up to six weeks) and when you should begin.
All visiting scholars and professionals are subject to federal and state income tax on U.S.-source income, as well as on most grants and scholarships. In certain cases, particularly if your stay in the United States exceeds a certain number of years, you may be subject to income tax on your worldwide income. The extent of that tax liability for that income, however, varies significantly depending on numerous factors, including your tax status as either a resident or nonresident taxpayer. Please note that tax status is different than immigration status; you may find that you are treated as a nonresident for immigration purposes and a resident for tax purposes. The nonimmigrant status you have in the United States will have an impact on what tax treatment you receive, but it is not the only consideration in determining that treatment. Inquire about your tax treatment before you leave your home country so that you can make adjustments as necessary. Be sure to find out if there is a tax treaty between your country and the United States, and what provisions might affect your tax status. Bring the necessary records and keep copies of any documents involved in tax records. Depending on your immigration status, you may also be subject to U.S. Social Security taxes.
In the United States, medical treatment, especially hospital care, is extremely expensive, and the government does not provide free or subsidized medical care. You must make adequate provision for possible emergencies and health care by buying health insurance for you and your dependents, as do most Americans. If you have a policy already that offers international coverage, inquire whether it will be valid for medical costs incurred in the United States. Also check whether your coverage is adequate for U.S. costs. If not, ask the Office of International Services or your sponsor about any available low-cost group policies. If you are ineligible for some reason (for example, sometimes scholars exceed the age limit imposed on policies that are primarily designed for foreign students), you will still need to purchase health insurance.
Before buying a policy, read it carefully to see what is and is not covered. Usually, routine office visits, dental care and eye care are not covered. Most policies state that pre-existing conditions are not covered until a certain time has elapsed after the purchase of the policy. If pregnancy is a possibility, read the policy carefully to see what proportion of prenatal, delivery and postnatal costs is actually covered.
The United States encourages religious freedom for all faiths. In most U.S. cities, even small ones, you will be able to locate others who share your faith. The Office of International Services will have information about local religious activities.
The following references may be available in your country at a U.S. educational advising office, U.S. educational exchange office, binational center or USIS library. This is only a sampling of available resources and does not imply endorsement. For additional references, consult other booklets in this series.
Directory of Graduate Programs 4 vols. Published biennially. Warner Books, Education Department, Time and Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
Volume A: Natural Sciences;
Volume B: Engineering and Business;
Volume C: Social Science and Education; and
Volume D: Arts, Humanities and Other Fields.
Institutions listed by fields of study, crossclassified by number of students in each
department; useful for assessing relative size and emphasis of departments.
Encyclopedia of Associations: Volume I, National Organizations of the United States.
Published annually. Gale Research Co., 835 Penobscot Building, Detroit, MI 48226.
Crossclassification of associations by field, with contact address, telephone and
major services of national organizations which can be helpful in locating particular types
of research or shortterm learning opportunities.
Guide to International Education. 1994. David S. Hoopes. Gale Research Co., 835
Penobscot Building, Detroit, MI 48226.
Educational exchange organizations; associations and agencies concerned with international
studies in the professions; source books and directories; resource and service
organizations for foreign visitors.
Peterson's Annual Guides to Graduate Study. 6 vols. Published annually.
Peterson's Guides, 202 Carnegie Center, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 085432123.
Volume I: Graduate and Professional Programs: An Overview;
Volume II: Graduate Programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences;
Volume III: Graduate Programs in the Biological and Agricultural Sciences;
Volume IV: Graduate Programs in the Physical Sciences and Mathematics;
Volume V: Graduate Programs in Engineering and Applied Sciences; and
Volume VI: Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health and Labor.
Short capsular descriptions and detailed information about research interests of faculty,
with overall descriptions of the graduate program of the department. Contains useful
information about research centers as well.
Research Centers Directory. Published annually. Gale Research Co., 835 Penobscot
Building, Detroit, MI 48226.
Name, contact persons, types of research and sponsorship of research centers in the United
States, crossclassified by type of research.
There are hundreds of references for particular fields; it is impossible to include more
than a sampling. Consult the advising center nearest you for additional information.
American Studies
American Quarterly. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2715 North Charles St.,
Baltimore, MD 21218.
Architecture
Accredited Programs in Architecture. Published annually. National Architectural
Accrediting Board, 1735 New York Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
Landscape Architecture, Accredited Programs. American Society of Landscape Architecture, Accreditation Board, 4401 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20008.
Business Management/Public Administration
Annual Roster of Accredited Programs. National Association of Schools of Public
Affairs and Administration, 1120 G St., N.W., Suite 730, Washington D.C. 20005.
Members of the Accreditation Council (Accredited Schools) of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. Published annually. American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 605 Old Ballas Rd., Suite 220, Attn: Publications, St. Louis, MO 631417077.
Communication/Journalism/Mass Media
Accredited Journalism and Mass Communications Education. Published annually.
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, University of
Kansas, School of Journalism, StaufferFlint Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045.
Computer Science
Administrative Directory of College and University Computer Science Departments and
Computer Centers. Published in evennumbered years. Computing Sciences
Accreditation Board, Two Landmark Square, Suite 209, Stamford, CT 06901.
This organization also publishes a directory of graduate assistantships in computer
science.
Economics/Agricultural Economics
Guide to Graduate Study in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Public Administration and
Doctoral Degrees in Business Administration in the United States and Canada. 1989.
Economics Institute, Publications Center, 1030 13th St. Boulder, CO 80302.
Description of graduate programs and courses, including special information for foreign
students and scholars.
Education
Annual List of Accredited Institutions. National Council for Accreditation of
Teacher Education, 2010 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 200361023.
Engineering
Accredited Programs Leading to Degrees in Engineering. Published annually.
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Inc., Publications Office, 345
East 47th St. New York, NY 100172397.
Directory of Engineering Graduate Studies and Research. American Society for
Engineering Education, Publication Sales, 11 Dupont Circle, Suite 200, Washington, D.C.
20036.
Annual publication details research emphasis, describes graduate departments and lists
grants for research in various fields.
Fine Arts
National Association of Schools of Art and Design Directory. Published annually.
NASAD, Publications Department, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., Suite 21, Reston, VA 22090.
Health Education
Allied Health Education Directory. Published annually. Division of Allied Health
Education and Accreditation, American Medical Association, 515 North State St., Chicago,
IL 60610.
Library Science
Graduate Library Education Programs Accredited by the American Library Association.
American Library Association, Accreditation Commission, 50 East Huron St. Chicago, IL
60611.
Linguistics
Directory of Programs in Linguistics in the U.S. and Canada. Linguistics Society of
America, 1325 18th St., N.W., Suite 211, Washington, D.C. 200366501.
Mathematics
Mathematical Sciences Professional Directory. Annual. American Mathematical
Society, P.O. Box 5904, Boston, MA. 02206.
Sciences
American Chemical Society Directory of Graduate Research. Published biennially.
American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
American Chemical Society List of Approved Schools. Published annually. American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
Directory of Geoscience DepartmentsNorth America. American Geological Institute, 4220 King St., Alexandria VA 22302.
Guide to Graduate Study in Botany in the United States and Canada. Botanical Society of America, Office of Publications, American Journal of Botany, 1735 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 432101293.
Social Sciences
Directory of Accredited Programs in Planning. American Institute of Certified
Planners, Iowa State University Research Park, 2501 North Loop Dr., Suite 800, Ames, IA
50010.
Directory of History Departments and Organizations in the United States and Canada. Published annually. American Historical Association, 400 A St., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003.
Graduate Faculty and Programs in Political Science. Published every three years. Latest edition, 19921994. American Political Science Association, 1527 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
Graduate Study in Psychology and Associated Fields. Published annually. American Psychological Association, Publication Sales Department, 750 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 200024242.
Guide to Departments of Geography in the United States and Canada. Published annually. Association of American Geographers, 1710 16th St., N.W., Washington D.C. 200093198.
Guide to Graduate Departments of Sociology. American Sociological Association, 1722 N St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
Financial Planning, Grants and Fellowship
Consult current bulletins and special brochures for scholars and researchers published by
the universities, research centers or foundations you are considering.
Annual Register of Grant Support: A Directory of Funding Sources. Published annually. Reed Reference Publishing, 121 Chanlon Rd., New Providence, NJ 07974.
The Foundation Directory. Published annually. The Foundation Center, Department
HC, 79 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10003.
Guide to research and other grants offered by the largest foundations.
Grants, Fellowships and Prizes of Interest to Historians. Published annually. American Historical Association, 400 A St., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003.
The Grants Register. Published biannually. St. Martin's Press, Inc., 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010.
National Directory of Arts and Education Support by Business Corporations. Updated every two to three years. Latest edition, 1991. Allied Business Consultants, Inc., P.O. Box 12010, Des Moines, IA 50312.
National Directory of Grants and Aides to Individuals in the Arts. Updated every two to three years. Allied Business Consultants, Inc., P.O. Box 12010, Des Moines, IA 50312.
A Selected List of Fellowship Opportunities and Aids to Advanced Education for U.S. Citizens and Foreign Nationals. The National Science Foundation, Forms and Publications, 1800 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20550.
Study Abroad 199293. 1991. Unipub, 4611F Assembly Dr., Lanham, MD 207064391.
Dentistry
Admission Requirements of U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools. American Association of
Dental Schools, 1625 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Suite 502, Washington, D.C. 20036.
American Dental Association Annual Report, on "Dental Education, Advanced
Dental Education and Allied Dental Education." American Dental Association,
Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
Contains annual statistics about dental education in the United States.
Dentistry in the United States: Information on Education and Licensure.
Published annually. American Dental Association, Division of Educational Measurements, 211
East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
Presents information on dental licensure requirements and opportunities for dental
education and employment in the United States.
List of Current Accredited Programs in "Dental Education, Advanced Dental Education and Allied Dental Education." Published annually. American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
Health Sciences Administration
Health Services Administration Education. Published biennially in evennumbered
years. Association of University Programs in Health Administration, 1911 North Fort Myer
Dr., Suite 503, Arlington, VA 22209.
Institutions offering education including nontraditional programs in health sciences
administration.
Medicine
Directory of Graduate Medical Education Programs Accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Graduate Medical Education. Published annually. American Medical
Association, Order Department, P.O. Box 109050, Chicago, IL 60610.
Encyclopedia of Medical Organizations and Agencies. 1991. Gale Research Co., 835
Penobscot Building, Detroit, MI 48226
Lists 12,000 associations, agencies and research centers concerned with all aspects of
medicine and health. Listings include name, address, phone numbers, activities, and
research and contact persons.
Medical and Health Information Directory. 3 vols. 1990. Gale Research Co., 835
Penobscot Building, Detroit, MI 48226.
Volume I: Lists 16,000 associations, agencies, foundations,research centers, medical and
allied health schools.
Volume II: Lists 10,800 libraries, publishers, researchers and databases.
Volume III: Lists 23,400 clinics, treatment centers and other health institutions.
Medical Education in the United States. American Medical Association. Published
annually in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). American Medical
Association, Order Department, P.O. Box 109050, Chicago, IL 60610.
Lists selected characteristics of educational programs in U.S. medical schools; graduate
medical education in the United States; allied health education and accreditation;
continuing medical education; and medical students, residents and faculty.
Medical Research Funding Bulletin. Published three times a month. Science Support Center, Box 587, Bronxville, NY 10708.
Medical School Admission Requirements, United States and Canada. Association of
American Medical Colleges, 2450 N St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037
Description of medical school curricula, tuition and requirements with addresses of
accredited U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
NRMP Directory: Hospitals and Programs Participating in the Matching Program. Published annually. National Resident Matching Program, 2450 N St., N.W., Suite 201, Washington, D.C. 200371141.
Nursing
The CGFNS Story. Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), 3600
Market St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 191042651.
Facts About Nursing 199293. American Nurses Association, Publications
Distribution Center, P.O. Box 90660, Washington, D.C. 200900660
Describes the status of nurses in the United States, educational paths towards nursing
careers and types of employment.
List of Accredited Programs in Nursing. National League for Nursing, Boards of Review for Baccalaureate and Higher Degree, Associate Degree Diploma, and Practical Nursing Programs, 350 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014.
StateApproved Schools of Nursing, LPN/LVN. Published annually. National
League for Nursing, 350 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014.
Tabular listings of approved training programs toward the LPN (licensed practical nurse)
and LVN (licensed vocational nurse) degrees.
StateApproved Schools of Nursing, RN. Published annually. National League
for Nursing, 350 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014
Tabular descriptions of training programs and bachelor's degree programs toward the RN
(registered nurse) degree.
Optometry
Optometry: A Career with Vision. Issued annually in the Fall. American Optometric
Association, 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141.
Admission requirements, financial aid and student profiles for accredited optometry
schools.
Pharmacy
For information contact: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, 1426 Prince St.,
Alexandria, VA 223142841.
Accredited Professional Programs of Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy. American Council on Pharmaceutical Education, 311 West Superior St., Suite 512, Chicago, IL 60610.
Approved Providers of Continuing Pharmaceutical Education. The American Council on Pharmaceutical Education, 311 West Superior St., Suite 512, Chicago, IL 60610.
Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination Information Booklet. Published
annually. National Association Boards of Pharmacy, 700 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL
60068.
Explains examination procedures for graduates of foreign pharmacy schools who wish to
apply for state licensure in the United States.
Physical Therapy
Listing of Accredited Programs in Physical Therapy. American Physical Therapy
Association, Department of Accreditation, 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
Veterinary Medicine
For information about professional certification and licensure, contact: Educational
Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG), American Veterinary Medical
Association, 1931 North Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173.
Information for Graduates of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine Outside the U.S. and
Canada. American Veterinary Medical Association, Scientific Activities Division, 1931
North Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173.
Explains qualifications for specialty practice and licensure in veterinary medicine, as
well as information about the ECFVG National Board Examination and Clinical Competency
Test necessary for licensure application in most states.
Academic Orientation
The American University: A World Guide. 1984. National Textbook Company, 4255 West
Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60646.
A useful introduction to the academic environment of the United States.
Professional Integration: A Guide for Students from the Developing World. NAFSA:
Association of International Educators, 1875 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 6000,
Washington, D.C. 20009.
A valuable orientation for the foreign scholar concerning research and publication skills
(including proposal writing and the review process), developing a resource library,
preparing for return home and interacting with professionals at home.
Taxes
Foreign Scholars and Educational and Cultural Exchange Visitors. Available from any
U.S. Internal Revenue Service office.
Regulations affecting the tax obligations of foreign scholars and educational and cultural
exchange visitors.
Social Security Coverage of Foreign Students and Exchange Visitors. Available from any U.S. Social Security Administration office.
Travel, Living and Working
See the booklet in this series, Predeparture Orientation.
Living in the U.S.A. 4th edition. Alison Lanier, Intercultural Press, P.O. Box
700, Yarmouth, ME 04096.
A useful guide for foreign nationals on basic aspects of living in the United States.
The fivepamphlet series published under the title, If You Want to Study in the United States, was produced by the United States Information Agency, Office of Academic Programs. In addition to the pamphlet series, If You Want to Study in the United States is also available on videotape.
USIA wishes to thank the series' author, Dr. Martina S. Davies, former director of AMIDEASTWest Bank and Gaza; the editor of this revised edition, Marjorie Peace Lenn, executive director of the Center for Quality Assurance in International Education; and Sally Oesterling (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical GraduatesWashington, D.C. office) for their contributions to the revision of this pamphlet, and the many others both in the United States and abroad whose invaluable assistance made the revision of this series possible.
United States Information Agency
September 1993