Studying in America?

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I've been really thinking about my childhood dream of studying in America but don't know where to start inquiring for information. In my own masterplan of life I'd be working at an international accounting firm at the moment who gladly send me to some top business school to learn more, but alas things went a little different. I was thinking of going to the US Embassy here in the Netherlands but not wanting to waste their time is keeping me from it.

Basically I want to know about my possibilities of getting some kind of financial aid via a scholarship or grant (or are they the same?) but I'm under the impression those are generally handed out by schools themselves rather than handled by "government" which would mean I'd have to send every single university in America a personal request. Something I feel strange about because I'd feel really disloyal and uncomfortable with the idea of possibly getting two positive answers and having to say no to one. I'd write one letter and await that response which may end up taking years to finally find one that is positive.
So are there any more broadly orientated organisations that can help me with something like this on a national or perhaps state per state level?

And if a scholarship in any form is not accessible to me for whatever reasons, are there any government based aids that would allow a foreigner to attend a school?

And if -that- is not an option, is anyone aware of any large autism organisations that are actively looking for employees abroad? I've done several psycho-educative courses over the last years, ranging from mindfulness for autism (body self conscience meditation) to social interaction and self exploring and could teach/help in these subjects.

And if -that- is not an option, anyone know any rich people/private companies that would sponsor someone coming over to America for studying by offering him a job too to pay back his expenses as he studies? Like some super organisation like Walmart or Mausewitz.. I mean Duckau.. I mean Disney..


I'll take any kind of information, from links to "well I think there's this poor european kid in my school so there has to be something I guess".

Working in higher education, I can say that the financial situation for international students (what we call students other than U.S. citizens or permanent residents) is very difficult. International students pay much more tuition than domestic students, and it can be as high as $100,000 in some cases. Many private schools require proof of liquid assets greater than two or three years tuition. Financial aid to international students is almost nonexistant. Most international students we get come from China and India, and there are plenty of families there that are willing to pay what we ask.

That said, every school has slightly different requirements. Every school has an admissions website, and virtually all have information specific to international students. I reccomend checking out the ones for schools that you are interested in. Also, I read the other day that the German federal government does give financial assistance to some students studying overseas. Perhaps the Netherlands has a similar program? How about an overseas study affiliated with a university in the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe? Studying in this country through a foreign university is incredibly popular, and far cheaper than enrolling in a U.S. school.

Come to think of it, any interest in Canada? There universities are way cheaper, and you won't likely be more than a few hours' drive from the U.S. border.

I am presently studying in America. My best advice would be to contact the university you want to study at, or if you are a grad-student, talk to a professor whose research interests match your own. Getting into a good grad program in the US is highly dependent upon letters of recommendation and a letter from one that teaches at a particular university goes a long way.

What do you want to study?

Are you in college now?