U.S. Embassy - Tokyo, Japan

Can I apply to become an FBI agent?
All FBI employees must be United States citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen and hold dual citizenship with another country, the FBI Security Division will have to review your file to make a determination if you are eligible for employment with the FBI.
Who should I contact for acquiring translation rights for a book?
To get permission, consult the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC), a not-for-profit organization providing collective copyright licensing services.
How can I obtain a list of public schools in Boston?
National Center for Educational Statistics' "Public School Search" page will help you locate a public school in the U.S.
I want to be a registered nurse in the United States. What are the requirements?
In all 50 states and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from a nursing school with an approved nursing program, and pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN, in order to obtain a nursing license. Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination or by the endorsement of a license issued by another state. Currently 18 states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact Agreement, which allows nurses to practice in member states without recertifying. Basic study for the nursing profession in the United States takes place at the undergraduate level. The professional-level "registered nurse" (R.N.) has a bachelor's degree in nursing and must fulfill state licensure requirements to practice. Each U.S. state has its own criteria and regulations for licensure; however, every state uses the same licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN, which must be passed before a license is awarded. Most states also require nurses educated outside the United States to be certified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) www.cgfns.org before taking the NCLEX-RN. Certain graduate programs in nursing require state licensure or CGFNS certification, depending on level of patient contact and the laws of the state where the program is offered.
Do you have high school school-textbooks?
The curriculum and textbooks in the U.S. schools are decided at the local level, not by the federal government. So, there is a lot of variation. If you want to know about such issues as World War II or evolution, it is best to search for curriculum information. For Japanese information, please go to "Kyokasho Kenkyu Center Fuzoku Kyokasho Toshokan. We have a book entitled "EL-HI Textbooks & Serials in Print," you can check all the textbooks that are in print at the Reference Service closest to your house. In order to buy textbooks, you can order one through online shop like Pearson Prentice Hall. For more, please go to the "Teaching Resources" at the Department of Education.
What is the literacy rate in the U.S.?
Literacy, defined as "age 15 and over that can read and write" was estimated at 99% in the U.S in 2003. Source: CIA World Fact Book. For an indepth look at literacy (defined as "using printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential") See National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) for details.
What is the compulsory education age (compulsory school attendance) in the U.S.?
Ages for compulsory school attendance vary from state to state. For more information, see National Center for Education Statistics, ages for compulsory school attendance.
I want to practice law in America, am I eligible?
In the United States, the formal study of law is only available at the postgraduate level. To attend an American law school, a student must already hold an undergraduate degree.
The most common law degrees offered by American law schools are the professional Juris Doctor (JD) degree and the master's degree in law (LLM). The JD degree is the law degree required to practice as a lawyer in the US and requires three years of study at a law school after completion of an undergraduate degree. Universities may offer first degrees in law-related fields (e.g. a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Society) but this is not sufficient to practise as a lawyer. The LLM degree is generally meant for already-qualified lawyers who wish to undertake further study.
I am a teacher and I want to teach in America. What do I need to do?
In the U.S., teacher certification requirements vary from state to state. Unlike the UK's Postgraduate Certification in Education (PGCE), there is no one set course that is taken to gain certification; the types of classes education students take vary depending which university they attend and the state the university is located in. To find out about requirements in a given state, contact that state's board of education. For direct links to all state board of education websites please go to: www.ccsso.org
Guidelines for certification for foreign-educated teachers vary from state to state. Generally, foreign-educated teachers will need to have completed the equivalent of both a US undergraduate degree and a teacher preparation program that meets the standards of the state in which they intend to teach.
Generally, applications from foreign-educated teachers must be accompanied by a credential evaluation report. This report explains foreign credentials and is written by an outside organization for a small fee. Oftentimes, states only accept reports from designated credential evaluators.
If prospective teachers do not meet the state's minimum certification requirements, they can do additional coursework to come in line with a specific state's standards. Even if foreign-educated teachers meet a state's minimum requirements and need no further coursework, they likely will need to take a test if that state requires testing as part of its certification.

Study in the United States

How many foreign students are now studying in the U.S.?
The number of non-U.S. students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions during the 2005-2006 academic year remained within a fraction of a percent of the previous year's totals, at 564,766, but new enrollments rose sharply, according to the Institute of International Education's (IIE) 2006 report on international education exchange. For more information, see Open Doors 2006.
How many foreign students are studying in the U.S., state by state?
For this information, see Institute of International Education: Open doors.
Do you have the number of foreign students studying in the U.S. by country of origin?
Leading 20 Places of Origin, 2004/05 & 2005/06 is available at IIE site.
Where can I get student advising?
Applying to study in the United States is not a simple process, but the best way to start is to visit or contact the Educational Advising Service (EAS) of the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission (JUSEC). At the educational advising center, located in Tokyo, a well-trained student adviser and a comprehensive reference collection will help you get familiar with the applications process, select the institution, seek financial aid, and prepare for the required standardized tests (TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT). The JUSEC regularly offers educational advising seminars in Tokyo. Those seminars are also offered outside Tokyo every fall.
For further information, please visit the EAS advising center or their web site at www. Fulbright.jp/j4/menu.html. Also at the U.S. Embassy /American Center Reference Service in Japan, there are quite a few education-related reference materials, so please come by and use them.
What qualifications do I need to study in the U.S.?
You need at least a high school diploma (grade 12 or equivalent) if you are applying as an undergraduate student. You need at least a four-year bachelor degree if you are applying as a graduate student. You must also prove that you have adequate English language skills and sufficient funds to pay for your entire education in the U.S.
What is the difference between a graduate program and an undergraduate program?
Undergraduate programs lead to the two-year associate degree or the four-year bachelor's degree. Graduate programs lead to the master's degree and/or the Ph.D.
How do I know if a college is recognized?
The key word here is "accreditation." The U.S. government does not control or monitor the quality of universities in the U.S. Instead, about half a dozen regional "accrediting bodies" take on this responsibility. University catalogs and websites will usually tell you which body the university is accredited by.
What does accreditation mean?
In the U.S., colleges and universities are accredited by one of 19 recognized institutional accrediting organizations. Programs are accredited by one of approximately 60 recognized programmatic accrediting organizations. [Accrediting organizations that are "recognized" have been reviewed for quality by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE).] It is advisable to make sure the institutions you are interested in attending are accredited and reviewed by the Council for Higher Education Association, for more information please see their website at http://www.chea.org/.
What is the difference between a college and a university?
Colleges usually offer undergraduate degrees only. However, a few colleges offer master's degrees as well. Universities usually offer both undergraduate and graduate programs.? Often, the two terms are used interchangeably.? Most students simply use the word "school" to refer to the institution they attend ? be it a small private college or a large research university.
What is a Community College?
Community colleges are public, two-year colleges. (Private two-year colleges are generally called as junior colleges.)
A community college allows a student to do their first two years (equal to an Associates Degree) of a four-year (Bachelors) degree. Many students will choose community colleges due to their smaller class sizes, lower prices and less competitive admission requirements. Many community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year universities that allow for a transfer into a bachelors degree program. This is very common for institutions within the same state. For more information on community colleges please see the American Association of Community Colleges website at www.aacc.nche.edu.
How long will it take to complete my education?
The associate degree, the first college-level degree after high school requires two years of study. The bachelor's degree requires four years. Similarly, the master's degree requires two years and the Ph.D., from three to eight years. However, length of study differs depending on each program or student's performance.
How much will it cost to attend a U.S. university?
Anywhere from $12,000 to $60,000 per year. This includes the cost of tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses. Usually, the more competitive the school, the higher the cost of attendance.
Can I get a scholarship as an undergraduate student?
The majority of American colleges do not award scholarships to international students at the undergraduate level. Out of thousands of colleges in the U.S., only about 50 provide full scholarships to international students. However, some schools do offer partial scholarships.
Some relevant sites for advice on undergraduate funding are listed below.
- EDUPASS
- NAFSA
- IEFA(Int'l Education Financial Aid)
- FINAID
- College Board
- Peterson's
- International Student.com
- www.sosab.se/nyforeng.htm
Can I get financial aid as a graduate student?
Graduate students in engineering and science are often able to get funding in the form of graduate, research, or teaching assistantships. These assistantships normally include a tuition waiver and a stipend to pay for living expenses. Students in the social sciences and humanities receive limited funding; students in business, law, and medicine receive very little funding at all.
Can I work and make enough money to pay for my education?
International students may work for no more than 20 hours a week on campus when school is in session and can be full-time a week during vacations. However, you will not be able to earn enough money to pay for your entire education. Student jobs usually pay around $6 per hour.
How should I apply for admission to a U.S. university?
You begin by taking any standardized tests required by the schools you are considering. Then, compile the required application materials such as, transcripts, financial documents, and letters of reference and mail them. Once you have submitted all requested materials, the schools will evaluate your application and notify you of their decisions. The entire process can take up to one year.
Which standardized tests do I have to take for U.S. university admission?
Regardless of your intended level of study, most schools will ask you to submit scores from the TOEFL. Some undergraduate schools will ask you to submit SAT I scores as well. Graduate schools almost always require scores from the GRE or the GMAT.
What is the SAT?
Most U.S. universities require the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) as part of their admission requirements. The SAT is composed of verbal, math and writing sections. It is a multiple choice exam offered 4-7 times per year. For more information and to register, please go to www.collegeboard.com
What is the ACT?
The ACT is an additional option of an admission exam and is now accepted by virtually all colleges and universities in the US, including all of the Ivy League schools. The ACT differs from the SAT in that it tests students in English, Math, Science and Reading, with an optional writing exam. It is offered 5 times per year. For more information please go to www.act.org
What are the SAT Subject Tests?
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, scores from other tests like the SAT Reasoning Test, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future performance.
For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com
What are the GRE General and GRE Subject Tests?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a 2.5 hour, multiple choice aptitude test. The test assesses verbal reasoning, analytical writing and quantitative ability and is required by the majority of graduate schools for arts and science subjects. Some universities also require a subject test to be taken in your proposed area of study, e.g. literature, computer science, etc. For more information please see www.gre.com.
The GRE general test is only available in Japan on computer. The computer-based test is adaptive, which means that test takers will receive weighted, harder or easier questions depending upon how they are performing on the test. Plan to be at the centre for up to four and a half hours. For further information, Please see International Computer-based Testing Center List.
GRE subject tests are only available as paper-based tests three times a year in November, December and April. For further information, see GRE Subject Tests Overview.
What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized assessment?delivered in English?that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. Schools use the test as one predictor of academic performance in an MBA program or in other graduate management programs. For more information please see www.gmat.org.
What is the LSAT?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to JD programs of all ABA-approved law schools. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test is administered four times a year at hundreds of locations around the world.
Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier?in June or October?is often advised.
For more information please see LSAT.
Where can I get online information about U.S. universities?
There are numerous websites you can use to carry out queries for universities in the U.S. that might meet your specific requirements. Websites such as the College Board, Petersons, Hobson's College View, CollegeNet and Education USA are useful to begin with. The links below can be used for conducting queries. These sites contain general information on studying in the U.S.
- www.collegeboard.com
- www.petersons.com
- www.collegeview.com
- www.collegenet.com
- http://educationusa.state.gov/
For graduate students:
- Peterson's
- US News & World Report
- Graduate Schools Directory
- Universities Listed by States (University of Texas )
- Universities Listed by Alphabetical Order (University of Texas)
For undergraduate students (Four-Years):
- College Board
- Peterson's
- US News & World Report
- Collegenet
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Universities Listed by States (University of Texas)
- Universities Listed by Alphabetical Order (University of Texas)
For undergraduate students (Two-Years):
- College Board
- American Association of Community Colleges
- US News & World Report
- Collegenet
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Colleges Listed by States (University of Texas)
- Colleges Listed by Alphabetical Order (University of Texas)
For vocational/technical college students:
- Collegenet
For ESL / Intensive English Programs students:
- AAIEP
- UCIEP
- Peterson's
- Intensive English USA - Institute of International Education
For further information, visit the EAS advising center or their web site at www.fulbright.jp/e4/uslink.html#engine.
I want to find schools with rolling admission policies. How can I do this?
Rolling admissions means there is no real application deadline for admission. Schools which practice rolling admission will receive applications for admission up to a few days (or weeks) before classes start. If you are in this situation, here are two suggestions:
1. Go to the College Board Advanced Search site at http://apps.collegeboard.com/search/advhome.jsp. Fill out the questionnaire and when you get to the "Deadlines" category; be sure to click on "Regular application deadline or priority date hasn't passed." (Hint: the fewer preferences you select regarding size, location, majors, etc., the more options you'll get when you hit "Results" at the end.)
2. The National Association for College Admission Counseling puts out a very helpful "Space Available Survey" that lists colleges with late openings. The bad news, however, is that it's not posted until early May. When the time comes, you can find it at: http://www.nacac.com/survey/results.cfm
How can I obtain an Athletic Scholarship at a U.S. university?
Sports play an important role in the everyday social scene at American colleges and universities. Many universities offer sports scholarships at the intercollegiate level to students who are both academically qualified and gifted in a particular sport. Athletic scholarships are granted by the university or in some cases by the athletic association in which a university participates. Athletic directors or coaches of your sport often play a central role in award decision-making, so it is important to establish contact with these individuals at an early stage of your application process. For information on universities offering specific athletic scholarships please see the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) website at www.ncaa.org.
I am a medical doctor and am interested in going to the U.S. for my residency training. What tests do I need to take?
Graduates of foreign medical schools must take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Test) exams and the TOEFL test to show competency of the English language. Information on the USMLEs can be found at www.usmle.org
Will I be issued a student visa once a college grants me admission?
Although you may be admitted to the college of your choice, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in your home country will ultimately decide if you qualify for a student visAmong other things, the Consulate will want to examine evidence of your ability to pay for your education, potential for academic success, and intent to return home after you complete your studies.
Students with strong academic backgrounds, high test scores, and reliable sources of funding usually obtain student visas without any problems.

Rules and Regulations

When does the school year start in the United States?
The school year in the United States varies among the states. Each state has different legislation to regulate its school year.