Research Tools

Even if you do not have the opportunity to visit U.S. universities before you enroll, resources are available to help you learn more about the education in the United States and to select an appropriate program. These resources include books, videos, computer-search programs, and Internet sites.

There are nearly five hundred U.S. educational advising centers around the world specializing in providing information and guidance on U.S. education. The American embassy, consulate, or United States Information Service (USIS) office in your country or region can refer you to the nearest such center.

Advising centers are often found in USIS offices, American libraries, bi-national centers, Fulbright commission offices, and , in some countries, at the offices of private organizations such as AMIDEAST, IREX, World Learning Inc., the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), the American Council of Teachers of Russia (ACTR), and the Institute of International Education (IIE). An educational advising center can carry many names: for example the terms "advisory service" and "information service" are used interchangeably. Regardless of the name, the purpose of the center is to offer comprehensive and unbiased information and advice on study in the United States. Typically the centers have a library containing a variety of resources that can help you in your search. The types of resources you may find include the following: