University Abroad?

[�mermaid�]

I would love to go to university in America, but am clueless on their education system! Research wasn't much use because I don't understand how their year is divided..(sememsters..when do they start/finish and how many are there?), what level freshmen/juniors are and whethera degree here differs from one there?

If anyone could help me out I'd be very grateful!

[Clanad]

This should help: http://www.fulbright.org.nz/studyus/uni.html

Most fall semesters begin in late August or early September (to coincide with the last major holiday of the summer season, Labor Day). The winter semester usually begins just after the first of January. Freshmen are newbies, the first "grade' so to speak in college (university and college are generally interchangeable terms)., Sophomores are next, Juniors follow and Seniors are the last year fo a four year degree. The terms have fallen into disuse, however, genrally replaced by simple first year, second year, etc. The degree sought and the semester hour load carried dictate how long it actually takes to get through.
Graduate degrees, such as Masters and Phd., are add ons once the initial course work is completed. They take anywhwere from 2 years additional work for Masters to up to 6 to 8 years for the various Doctorate programs.

[�mermaid�]

cheers Clanad, that was all really useful!
=)

[jules77]

If you have something to offer them, for example my son (who played tennis to a high standard and represented GB)has just graduated, having been at Louisiana State University. He applied to them direct, and after they followed up his credentials/references they took him on with a full scholarship, and also paid part of his housing allowance (still cost us poor parents a fortune though, as we had to fly him backwards and forwards between term times, and give him pocket money). As for if the degrees are the same, I dont think they are, he got a 3.4, which is between a first and a 2.1 here, but he tells me his degree is not recognised in this Country, but I am sure it would count for something!! (thats his excuse for wanting to stay in America) Find a University you like, and approach them direct to see whats on offer.