Penn State vs UC Davis vs Virginia Tech - Engineering (International Student)

aunt_bea
Thu, 29 Apr 2021 06:40:49 +0000

Which one is more affordable?
Go with what you think will work for you.

HEADS UP:
As an international student, you are a guest of the US for your education. It doesn’t mean you will be immigrated. The colleges are there to educate you.

Post graduation opportunities will be there for internships but you need to be aware that, as a non citizen, your ability to work in the US after that experience will be very limited. You need to be aware of this. You can work your OPT hours, gain experience, but don’t expect to be hired. You will be expected to return to your country. It’s an immigration issue. Sponsorship, for a work visa, is very difficult if not impossible.

Corporations are mandated to hire US citizens first, before even considering a non-resident. US companies don’t want the hassle of expenses, paperwork, and waiting periods for government responses.
It is just easier and less risky to hire a domestic applicant. My husband and daughter, both EE’s, work for large engineering firms. They both interview EE’s and CS’s for their companies. Neither of their firms hires non US citizens.

Engineering contracts may have government clients and require security clearances, which, as an international, doesn’t qualify you for one. Many engineering companies have notes on the web pages indicating that they cannot sponsor non-US candidates.

Given the Pandemic, a lot of people have lost jobs and the priority for the US will be to get those jobs back for its citizens.