Looking to study or find work in the USA? It helps to map out a plan to make sure you have everything covered, from booking your IELTS test to applying for a visa. It is also important to ensure you can cover the cost of living in the state you plan to study or work in. Consider the list below as you plan your finances so you can have a memorable experience abroad.
Which cities to live in?
For students, the cost of tuition must be taken into account when calculating the cost of living abroad. According to IELTS Partner, Kanan.co, San Diego, St. Louis and Philadelphia are among the most affordable cities for international students based on average tuition fees, the cost of accommodation and transport. Consider institutions like the University of San Diego, Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Pennsylvania if you plan to study in the USA.
If you plan to gain work experience in the USA, the state you live in will depend on where your role is based. According to a report cited in Forbes.com, Brownsville Texas is the most affordable city to live in, followed by Wichita Falls in Texas and Evansville in Indiana.
When it comes to transitioning from student life to professional experience, Cambridge Massachusetts is a top choice because of its proximity to Harvard University and the ever-growing tech industry. The city of Cambridge also scores high for outdoor activities, health and overall liveability.
Accommodation in the USA
Apply to the university of your choice as early as possible so you have time to investigate whether it is more affordable to live on campus or share an apartment with other students off campus. Not all universities offer on-campus living, while some universities may actually require first-year students to live on campus - this is an important part of the research you should conduct before you apply to a university abroad. When you take IELTS on Computer with us, you can get your results in 1-2 calendar days and ensure you meet application deadlines so you can plan ahead.
International professionals looking to gain career experience in the USA should consider living outside of big cities to save on rent costs. Living in the centre of big cities like New York or San Francisco is significantly more expensive than finding accommodation in a small town.
Transport
While living outside of a city for work or off-campus to study may be more affordable, the costs of commuting should also be considered. The costs and quality of public transport can vary depending on where in the USA you live. You can travel by bus, subway or train and expect to find the best public transport systems in New York, San Francisco and Washington.
Preparing for the Speaking and Listening Sections of IELTS can go a long way in helping you gain the confidence to ask for help when it comes to navigating your way to work or university. Check with the people you work and study with which options they find most affordable so you can plan a route you can afford.
Healthcare
Healthcare is not free in the USA and most international workers will need to rely on employer-sponsored health insurance. Confirm if the role you have applied for includes health insurance as part of the package for you and any dependents you are bringing with you.
Some universities may require all students to have health insurance. Confirm with the institution you have applied to study at what their health insurance options are. Read more about health insurance options for international students in the USA here.
Food costs
As is the case in most countries, it is more cost effective to cook at home in the USA than it is to eat at restaurants. For both students and professionals, grocery shopping from local suppliers is a good way to save money on food, especially if you live in a big city.
International students who share accommodation with people from other countries can take the opportunity to share the responsibilities and costs of cooking while getting the chance to enjoy meals from other countries and different cultures.
When you arrive in a country like the USA and make connections with locals and people from all over the world, put your English skills to good use and ask for cost-saving tips. Book your IELTS test today – no one prepares you for the future like we do!