Bachelor's student
ITMO Student on Study Abroad in the USA
My name is Alina Zashkola, I’m an ITMO student and now I am currently studying in the USA! This all became possible thanks to the YEAR Program. The Year of Exchange in America for Russians program is organized by the US Embassy in Russia that sends talented students to study in the US every year, covering the full cost of tuition, living and more. In this article, I want to tell you more about the application process and what you should do to become a finalist and spend the whole amazing year in the United States!
The Year of Exchange in America for Russians program is a unique opportunity for outstanding Russian students to complete a one-year non-degree study program in the United States of America. learn more about the United States of America, establish close ties and constructive interactions with local communities, and tell Americans about Russian culture and history, as well as gain a clearer understanding of contemporary American society. The program helps to strengthen students' academic, leadership, and English language skills.
It is important to mention that requirements about the age of participants change every year! Unfortunately, the 2022−2023 selection is already finished, but I attach the requirements as an example anyway. To be eligible to participate in the program, students must be:
- a citizen of the Russian Federation
- born between August 5, 2001, and July 25, 2004. The age-range for persons with disabilities is August 5, 2000 and July 25, 2004 (this requirement changes every year!)
- must be undergraduate students currently enrolled in the first two years of a 4-year program or first three years of a 5-year program in Russia
- must have at least one academic year to complete at their home university in Russia after completion of the YEAR program
- eligible to receive an internationally recognized passport of the Russian Federation
- able to clearly communicate in English
- eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 student exchange visa
- committed to returning to Russia after completion of the program
- able to begin studies in the United States in August 2022
The following individuals are not eligible to apply for the program:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the U.S.
- undergraduate students expected to complete their studies in Russia by June 2023
- the YEAR program cannot be the final year of students' undergraduate study
- high school students not currently enrolled in a Russian university
- students living for more than three months in the U.S. in the past five years
- employees of the U.S. Embassy in Russia and their immediate family members
- arrested for or convicted of a crime
There are a few steps in the application process. Everything starts with an online application on the YEAR Program site. Participants should fulfill a form and provide their academic transcripts in both Russian and English, motivational letter, resume, and one or two letters of reference. Also, it is possible to attach 3 certificates and 3 awards. The most significant document here is a motivational letter. There is almost the whole science of writing a good letter!
Later, if a person successfully passed this stage, they would have to take part in virtual interviews with organizations of the program and finalists of previous years. Usually, the participants are asked whether they can survive a long separation from family and friends, whether they are mentally ready to study in another country. Also, clarifying questions are asked on the resume and motivation letter. The organizers are kind and understanding people, the interviews take place in a warm and cozy atmosphere, so my advice is not to be afraid and be yourself! The purpose of the interview is to get to know the candidates better, not just as faceless questionnaires on the selection portal, but as real people.
And, finally, the last stage is the TOEFL English language test! Participants will have about a month to prepare for the exam. The minimum possible number of points to still have an opportunity to become a finalist is 62. After successfully passing the exam, finalists will have to wait a few more months to get their placements. What the University or college finalists get is always a surprise for them. Some people can be placed in Texas, Illinois, others — in Colorado, Washington D.C…There is a huge number of states the program has an opportunity to send finalists to!
After several months in the USA, I can say that I would never forgive myself for missing this opportunity. This experience just turns your world upside down! I’ve met people from Brazil, Japan, Ireland, Romania, Ethiopia, and many others. Thanks to the YEAR Program I’ve managed to travel to New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Detroit. If you have an opportunity and desire to take part in this program, grab it!