F1 visa

Novella

So I have applied to some schools in the US (California) and have been accepted to one so far (a community college). Tbh, the course at the community college is exactly what I want to do. Do you think this will be a problem at the visa interview - the fact that it is not a well recognised university? I have also applied to the likes of University of California but I'm just more interested in this one.

I have the funds etc. that are required so that aspect isn't an issue.

Also, does anybody know what to expect regarding the interview? I don't know why but I'm really nervous about it all of a sudden!

silja

If it is a full time, official college (and not an online uni/ diploma mill), and it aligns with your current interests/ studies, you should be fine. The only problem I could see is if Ireland or the EU has schools which do this better/ cheaper and have a good reputation, the consular officer will wonder why you want to go to the US to study then.

Novella

Thanks. It is full-time and 18 months in duration.

It isn't something I can do here. It is an AA degree in Human Services and the classes are focused on counselling and mental health and drug addiction etc. These are all things I am really interested in and I already completed the start of a Psychology degree at NUI Maynooth but it really wasn't what I wanted and I spoke with the guidance counselor there who told me it pretty much wouldn't get me where I want to be.

I think it's a difficult area to study and work in here because mental health is still so stigmatised.

I'm really worried that the interviewer will look badly on it because it's a community college though.

iusedtoknow

Make sure you research the college. A couple of community colleges have lost their accreditation recently. I know a few international students were caught by this