Living in the US
If you want to study further away, broaden your cultural horizon, and experience an entirely new challenge, the USA is the perfect destination for you.
Prerequired Tests
Language certificate
In order to be able to study in the USA, you need to have a good level of English, both in speaking and in reading and writing. To prove this, some universities may require a language test. Most American universities accept the IELTS or TOEFL test. However, other tests may also be required by universities, such as the Cambridge English Test. It is best to inform yourself in advance at the university whether they require such a test and, if so, which one is necessary.
You can find more information about the required language tests here:
SAT/ACT Standardized tests
These tests are required by many, but not all, universities and play an important role in determining the amount of the scholarship that one may receive. It is important to plan well in advance when to take the test. Online, you can also find free practice tests and books that help you prepare. Since it is not only important to pass the test, but also to achieve a good score, it is recommended to prepare thoroughly and well in advance.
The SAT evaluates 50% of your mathematics skills and 50% of your English language skills. The ACT distributes its focus across English, history, languages, science, and mathematics.
It is best to take the test more than once so that you know exactly what to expect. In Luxembourg, the test can be taken at the International School of Luxembourg (ISL). You can find more information here:
U.S. Visa
In order to be able to study in the USA, you need a U.S. visa (“student visa”). To obtain one, you must first complete the so-called “DS-160” form online. Once you have entered all the required information, don’t forget to print the confirmation page.
After you have paid for your visa, you need to schedule an appointment at the American embassy or consulate in order to receive the visa. This process can take some time, so we recommend submitting your visa application as early as possible.
To complete your application, you will need the following documents:
• a valid passport
• a signed “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” (I-20 form);
• the confirmation page of the DS-160 form
• the confirmation of your appointment with the embassy or consulate.
The exact procedure is also explained in detail on the following website:
Caution:
Since Donald Trump’s second term began, the stability of visa status has not been as secure as before. There have been cases where international students had their visas revoked at short notice and had to interrupt their studies. Overall, since the new administration, the entire higher education system in the USA has been under heavy pressure, and circumstances can change from one day to the next.
Health Insurance
The law requires that people who study in the USA have health insurance. The costs for healthcare services can be very different from those in Luxembourg. Therefore, we recommend taking out an additional health insurance policy. It is best to ask your supplementary health insurance provider in Luxembourg for further information.
Most universities offer health insurance for their international students. This is usually charged automatically, unless you can prove that you already have additional health insurance. It is best to check directly with the university to see what they offer to students.
Finances
Scholarship
It is well known that America is not the cheapest country in which to study. A scholarship can therefore be very useful. A scholarship is financial aid intended to support students. American universities also offer a range of financial assistance to international students.
Whether or not you receive a scholarship in the USA depends entirely on the specific terms and conditions of the respective programme. There is therefore no general rule. For certain scholarships, you may need to achieve a specific score in the TOEFL test or maintain a certain grade average. You will need to find out which scholarships you may be eligible for. This process can sometimes be quite complicated. It is best to ask the university directly.
Financial requirements
In order to be able to study in the USA, you must be able to guarantee that you have enough money to cover your living expenses and your tuition fees. This amount is calculated as follows:
You must have the full tuition fee for one year, plus enough money to cover one year of living expenses. With regard to tuition, any scholarship granted by the university is already taken into account (this amount is deducted).
Each university sets a different sum for living costs, since this depends on the city where you live (for example, New York is more expensive). Normally, these amounts can be found on the university’s website.
Student job
In the USA, as an international student, you are allowed to work alongside your studies, but only on campus and only if you hold an F-1 visa. The regulations are as follows:
• Up to 20 hours per week during the semester while classes are in session;
• Full-time during periods when there are no classes at the university.
For further information, you can contact the international student advisor at your university.
Dollar
In the USA, payments are made in dollars. You can easily obtain this currency at any bank in Luxembourg. Just remember to order the money 2–3 days in advance to be sure you receive it on time.
Keep in mind that in the USA you can only pay in shops with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and not with your debit card (V PAY, Maestro, Axxess, etc.). We recommend opening a U.S. bank account. You can do this at any bank in America. For this, you will need a valid passport and a U.S. address where you live. If additional documents are required, the bank will inform you accordingly.
You can find more information on the current exchange rate at:
International Driver’s License
If you study in the USA and want to drive a car there, you will need an International Driving Permit (your Luxembourgish driving licence alone is not sufficient).
You can obtain this permit from the ACL. For this, you will need the following documents: a valid driving licence issued by an EU member state, a recent certificate of residence from your commune (not older than three months), and a recent passport photo. The permit costs €16 for ACL members (€30 for non-members) and is valid for a maximum of three years.
In addition to the International Driving Permit, you must always carry your Luxembourgish driving licence with you.
You can find more information directly from the ACL:
