Short-term training programs can last for a summer, a month, a semester, or an entire academic year. These programs are a great option for Indian students of all levels, as well as working professionals who would like to gain additional knowledge and enhance their professional skills. Short-term programs are ideal for anyone who would like to gain work experience in the United States but cannot travel to the United States to complete a full degree.
There are two main ways to complete short-term study in the United States:
Participating in a university-sponsored or private exchange program
Apply directly to a short-term program without earning a degree or certificate from a U.S. university
University-Sponsored or Private Exchange Programs
Many Indian universities have now established various types of exchanges or programs with U.S. universities. Under this type of arrangement, Indian students may study for a limited period of time (a semester or academic year) on a U.S. campus. It is likely that your university has already worked out the details of how your credits will transfer when you return to India. In a university exchange program, international students usually pay tuition at their home institution rather than at a U.S. university. This is often less than the tuition the U.S. student is charged. If funding is a significant limiting factor, you might consider summer programs, which are shorter in duration and therefore may be less expensive.
If the university you attend in India does not sponsor exchange programs in the United States, you can apply directly to U.S. universities as a non-degree-seeking student or apply for a short-term exchange program through a sponsoring agency. Keep in mind that some universities may not be able to accommodate students.
Another option for short-term study is to participate in a public or private exchange program. The Fulbright program in India offers various options for short-term study in the United States.
Certification Programs in the U.S.
If you are not currently enrolled in a university, you can apply directly to certificate, diploma, or other non-degree short-term programs at U.S. universities. Many of these programs have been designed for working professionals and/or recent graduates who wish to enhance their professional qualifications in their field of study. Short-term certificate courses are offered in a variety of fields of study, from music and art to business and leadership.
Certification programs provide opportunities to complete degree-level coursework and have access to university and departmental facilities, just as they do for degree-seeking students. As a non-degree-seeking student, you will probably pay the same tuition and fees as full-time degree-seeking students. Consider exploring outside funders and applying for a bank loan, or you might consider summer programs that are shorter in duration and may be less expensive.
You can search for non-degree or certificate programs using Petersons and other search engines. Non-degree programs may require a transcript, essay, and/or letter of recommendation (me) to apply.
