A Guide to Fully Covered Programs in the U.S.

It seems like a big dream to study in America, which also costs a lot of money. However, there are many programs that give both high school and college students and graduates the opportunity to go to America for free: the programs cover flight, insurance, lodging, meals, and out-of-pocket expenses. Sounds like a dream?

1. If you're in your last year of school or already in your first or second year of university, these programs may be just right for you. The YEAR Program sends young kids to America for one academic year. The most important requirement of the program – be between 18 and 21 years old, know English and not be a graduate of any other long-term exchange programs to America. Therefore, the program is suitable for those graduating from high school as well as for young students.

To participate in the program, you must:

• write a letter of motivation

• provide letters of recommendation

• fill out a questionnaire

• attach your transcripts

The second step – taking the TOEFL exam, also paid for by the organizers. The final stage – a Skype interview. If you become a finalist – the organizers select for you an educational institution in America, where you will go for a full year. All expenses are covered by the program. Program website.

Similar in purpose and competition to Global UGRAD, which gives you the opportunity to spend an academic semester in America. There's no strict age limit like the YEAR Program, but only 1st,2nd, 3rd-year students can participate. The program also has several stages of selection, after which it selects an institution for each finalist across America. Read more here.

2. If you're graduating and planning to go to graduate/undergraduate school, Fulbright's scholarship programs are worth looking into. The program fully covers undergraduate or graduate studies, but, like the previous programs, has a large competitive selection process. You need to have a well-written motivation, a strong application form/CV, and English. A special feature of the program – you need to return home for the next two years after completing it. What types of programs does Fulbright have?

• For graduate and postgraduate students

• For teachers of English

• For teachers in higher education

• For scientists and artists

For more information, visit website, as well as deadlines for future recruitments.

3. Interested in journalism? There are several exchange programs for young journalists in the U.S. every year. Most are 1-2 month summer schools or short-term internships. One of the young programs, the MEGA Program, is looking for students who are interested in journalism and ready to offer their own media project. The program provides an opportunity to learn about the structure of American media and to participate in workshops, lectures, and field trips for a month. The next selection is likely to be in the fall; you can stay tuned to website. 

Another summer program for journalists is A Journey of Shared Discovery for Russian and American Journalists. To get into the program, you need to already have some experience in journalism. Здесь описание программы на русском языке.

4. Newly graduated and you've been working in the private sector for over a year? The Russian Business Leaders program is looking for just such people for the summer business school. The requirements are 22-29 years old, English language, and leadership skills. Within a month participants will have an opportunity to undertake an internship in an American startup or corporation + a series of lectures and workshops. All expenses are also covered by the organizers, and detailed information on application deadlines can be found here.

Working on some cool, innovative project? The Professional Fellows Program arranges an internship for 5 weeks at one of America's innovative entrepreneurship firms. Applications and information – at website.

The above programs – are not the whole list of those opportunities that are available to go on exchange to America. There are many volunteer projects, Work&Travel, long-term internships, but few of them provide full funding. The most important requirements for all of these programs are good English and a strong will (or desire for a strong will) to apply. Good luck! 

Elisabetа Belkina

Student of St. Petersburg State University studied on an exchange program at American University, Washington DC

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