Host College or University's Responsibilities:
- Administer I-20 / DS2019 paperwork
- Assign a designated contact person and adviser
- Greet and orient the students
- Arrange student housing (shared dorm room)
- Provide student support
- Certify completion of the Study USA year
Funding:
The Study USA program is managed and administered by British Council and funded by:
- The Department for the Economy (DfE)
- USA Church-affiliated universities through the waiver of tuition fees
- A placement on the Study USA program represents a scholarship of approximately $30,000. This represents a considerable investment on the part of the U.S. colleges and DEL/British Council.
Northern Ireland Department for the Economy Financial Contribution:
The U.S. colleges very generously waive the college tuition. Through the British Council, DEL provides the following funding:
- Room and board (term time only, double dorm, full meal plan)
- Books (paid directly to the U.S. college/university and allocated onto the student account)
- Other enrollment costs (application fees, activity costs, etc.)
- One round-trip flight between Northern Ireland and the United States
Student Financial Contribution:
The Study USA student is responsible for the following costs:
- £1500 participation fee (waived if student is Northern Ireland–grant eligible)
- Visa application & SEVIS fee
- Travel and medical insurance, secured from a Northern Ireland company (see J-1 Visa - Insurance Requirements for more information)
- Extra costs incurred throughout the year, e.g., if the student wishes to change his or her meal plan or upgrade housing to a single room, and for replacement ID card fees, vaccinations, etc.
- Bookstore charges, e.g., stationery, clothing, art and computer supplies
NOTE: When a U.S. institution offers a scholarship for a Study USA student, they become eligible to nominate up to three students to apply for one of a limited number of scholarships to study in one of five Northern Ireland institutions through the Irish American Scholars program.