While US university degree programs build your knowledge and skills as a professional, short-term courses can be a quick way to add important skills to your portfolio. With short courses in USA, it’s important to find a location where you can make the most of your time enrolled – and for many international students, New York City, with its international employers, amazing culture and nightlife, and unforgettable opportunities, is the ideal place to study. Many international students look to enroll in short training courses in New York to experience life in a major US city, boost their credentials, and make new friendships and professional connections. Read on to learn more about short courses in New York and how you can choose the best option for your goals!
Short-Term Courses in New York for International Students
Virtually every major industry has a presence in New York. So, if you choose to enroll in short training courses in New York, it’s likely you’ll collaborate with world-class professionals, up to date with the latest innovations in their field. You’ll be in classes with like-minded, ambitious students who want to learn from the best.
International students looking to improve existing skills in their chosen career pathway or acquire new skills to add to their portfolio can enroll in short courses in New York in nearly any specialization. These courses — often varying in length, depending on the college or university — can provide intensive training opportunities in areas such as English language, project management, digital marketing, graphic design, and more.
The first step in your journey is to find out if you qualify for short training courses in New York.
Do I Qualify for a Short Course in New York?
Similar to general degree programs at US universities, short-term courses in New York for international students have qualifications for admission. Depending on the institution, you may be required to take admissions exams or even have prior work experience.
Here are a few common eligibility requirements to keep in mind if you plan to study in NYC:
Standardized admissions exams — In the US, many institutions and programs require applicants to achieve specific scores in certain standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT, or similar). These examinations can be taken either online or at test centers in your home country.
Language proficiency exams — Typically, these tests can be taken at certified English language centers in your country. There are three main types of English tests accepted by US universities: C1 Advanced, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS). These tests examine a student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Both undergraduate and graduate students need to achieve a certain score in one of these tests as a mandatory part of the application process.
Work experience — While the application process is similar for undergraduates and graduates, there may be a few key differences. Undergraduate programs do not require work experience and only require foundational courses for certain fields, while graduate courses are aimed at experienced individuals. Graduate applicants may be required to have earned a specific undergraduate degree, completed prerequisite coursework, or demonstrated working experience in a related field. Prospective graduate students may also need to submit a resume.
Speak with a program representative to understand exactly what is required before you apply to short courses in New York. If you require additional assistance with the requirements to apply to a short course at a US university, Shorelight academic support is available to help you at any time.
Once you are certain of your eligibility to take short courses in NYC, the next step is obtaining legal documentation to move to the US.
What Visa Do I Need for a Short-Term Study Program?
US institutions offer a variety of short-term study programs, with many taking less than a year to complete. In addition to university programs, some visas cover additional opportunities, such as teaching, conducting research, or receiving on-the-job training.
The US government offers three student visa types for short degree programs, namely:
F Student Visa — For study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute.
J Exchange Visa — For participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study.
M Student Visa — For non-academic or vocational study or training in the US.
Keep in mind before you can apply for an F, J, or M student visa, you must first apply and be accepted by a US institution of higher education certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
One of the most important parts of your higher education journey is knowing where you want to study and the experiences you want to gain during your time in the US. Short-term courses in New York for international students may prove to be the ideal option.
What Is it Like to Study in New York?
New York City is a hub of culture, innovation, and creativity. It’s a global center of finance and commerce, a multicultural melting pot, and home to iconic landmarks, making it one of the world’s most popular destinations to visit. It’s a trend-setting place that shapes attitudes and behaviors around the world. Whether you plan to work while studying or after you finish your short-term course, New York offers countless opportunities across a wide range of career paths in virtually every industry.
As an international student, you may be wondering “Why study in New York?” when considering where to enroll in short-term courses. Here are just a few reasons why courses in NYC may make sense for you:
New York is America’s land of opportunity — With more than 50 Fortune 500 corporations based in the city, New York offers a wide range of opportunities for students to learn about the business world firsthand. Pursue internships at multibillion-dollar corporations such as Amazon, Apple, AT&T, ExxonMobil, and more.
Getting around is easy — Taxis and Ubers can be pricey, but the subway, which runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is affordable, fast, and convenient. Buses are also available wherever you want to go.
There’s unlimited entertainment — It’s hard to get bored when you’re living in New York. There is no shortage of activities: live music, theater, global cuisines, outdoor parks, fashion shows, street art, fine art, shopping, museums, and so much more. Something new is happening around the city, every single day, and you can always find a place to visit or something new to try.
New York is a bustling city with unlimited opportunities for international students. When it comes to your course selection, there are many short-term courses in New York for international students that you can choose from. It is a great place to study and offers some of the most valuable short degree programs for students from all walks of life.
Most Valuable Short-Term Courses for International Students
Here are examples of popular short-term courses in New York for international students including IT courses NYC, marketing classes NYC, and more:
English Courses
English courses help you gain confidence in your academic writing, reading, speaking, and listening abilities. These courses are designed to develop English-language skills in the shortest possible time. Check out the English programs at Adelphi University, where you will gain the tools and resources to improve your communication skills and thrive personally and professionally.
Want to browse other short-term English programs? Learn English at a Shorelight university >
International Tax
As a hub of finance, New York City offers incredible opportunities to learn from international tax experts. Short-term courses focusing on international tax policy are geared toward global finance and accounting professionals who wish to be able to manage cross-border operations effectively, retain their competitive edge in international taxation, and ultimately be recognized globally as professional experts in international taxation. Short-term international tax courses typically award a certificate to students who successfully complete the course.
Computer Science
New York City is a major tech hub in the US, second only to Silicon Valley. With a short-term course in New York City and IT courses NYC focusing on computer science, international students can learn how to design simple programs that automate small tasks or complex software used by hundreds of international companies for their work and transactions. You might also create applications for medical institutions, security, transportation, and many other industries. Students who complete a short-term course in computer science and other IT courses in NYC may be able to apply credits toward a full degree program and/or pursue internships as game developers, software engineers, IT consultants, database administrators, and more, at one of the many tech companies in the city.
Digital Marketing
The strong tech presence in NYC translates to digital marketing innovation as well, and taking a short course in digital marketing and marketing classes NYC means students will develop cutting-edge skills that global employers demand.
Digital marketing short courses can teach students how to promote the products, services, and brand of a business using online marketing channels, tools, and strategies. Students learn to create and implement campaigns, analyze customer behavior, and how to set and evaluate personal and team key performance indicators (or KPIs). Some of the most popular digital marketing jobs are digital marketing specialist, SEO specialist, social media marketer, and similar – and short-term digital marketing courses may lead to lucrative connections for internships and/or future full-time roles.
These are just some of the most popular courses for international students — and there are many more you can pursue depending on the type of university or college you are considering. Finding courses and marketing classes in NYC that fit your needs and interests may seem challenging, but there are internationally friendly programs that make this process easier.
How to Find Short-Term Courses in New York
It’s important for international students to seek out short-term courses with strong instructors.
Some institutions may have curriculum and instruction designed for international students, and can provide you with an optimized learning experience. For example, Shorelight universities offer some of the best undergraduate courses and graduate programs in the US for international students, including several in the New York area. Let’s take a look at just a few Shorelight universities offering short-term courses in New York for international students.
Adelphi University
With more than 5,300 undergraduate students and more than 2,600 graduate students, Adelphi University in New York has been named one of the Best Colleges in the US, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Adelphi University International administers short-term English proficiency courses, with all English levels accepted. With campus locations in New York City and Garden City, New York, Adelphi’s short-term English courses offer training in non-academic English to improve international students’ overall communication skills and English proficiency.
American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Want to get a competitive edge in theater? The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City is ranked #4 in Most Represented College on Broadway by Playbill. Students can access short-term courses, online and in person, with options starting at two weeks and onward. Courses focus on areas such as on-camera and theater studies, culture, writing, self-tape or on-camera audition techniques, and more.
Fairfield University
Ranked in the Top 25 Graduate Business Programs in the Country by U.S. News & World Report, Fairfield University focuses on offering a student-centric, practical educational experience. Short-term summer courses and pre-college programs in subjects such as nursing, mathematics, research, and other STEM-related areas are designed to support students who are aiming to advance in their careers, explore new subjects, and earn additional certifications.
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Rutgers University–New Brunswick, a flagship of the State University of New Jersey is a leading research university in the US ranked in the Top 15 Public Universities list by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers engaging pre-college summer programs where students can choose from 60+ courses in engineering, law, physical therapy, leadership workshops, and more. The short-term courses are designed to enhance student leadership skills, communication skills, and critical thinking in a supportive and enthusiastic student community, while also encouraging participation in experiential learning during their studies.
St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located 45 minutes outside Manhattan in Sparkill, New York. The college provides a safe, welcoming place to study, with curriculum in liberal arts, business, education, and STEM.
Stony Brook University
Ranked #58 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, Stony Brook University, a flagship State University of New York (SUNY) school, is home to a diverse student body of more than 17,000 undergraduates from 150+ countries. Pre-college programs at Stony Brook offer exciting courses in research, sustainability, and other STEM fields, while students also participate in hands-on research and credit-bearing summer courses that prepare them to jump-start their degree programs.
The New School
The New School is ranked #1 among art and design schools in New York City (QS ranking). The university offers certificates, summer programs, youth and pre-college programs, and executive education courses for students of all ages in design, fashion, media, leadership, management, and more. Students at The New School are also encouraged to incorporate sustainability, innovation, and diversity within their coursework to help them prepare for a variety of different careers in their chosen field.
Taking short-term courses at Shorelight universities allows you to access dedicated international student services, like researching the right program for you, getting visa application assistance, and more. Where applicable, credits you earn from these short courses may be added toward your undergraduate or graduate degree program requirements.
How to Add on Short Courses to Your General Degree Program in NYC
Usually, short courses in USA are offered in the form of summer programs or certificate programs at select universities. These programs compress large courses into a shorter amount of time, and are often available both in person or online. Short-term courses in New York for international students may be challenging because so much is covered in a short period, but they can be a great way to build your skills and speed up your degree progress.
If you’re behind on credits for your general degree program or need to retake a class, short-term courses can be a means to get back on track and make sure you graduate on time.
If you want to know more about short courses in USA, what it is like to study in NYC and other states in the US, take a look at some of our student stories from international students who have pursued and excelled in Shorelight programs.
To help you choose the ideal courses for your future goals, whether short courses in New York or full degree programs, Shorelight advisors are always ready to support you. You can leverage exclusive international student support services, including visa assistance, pre-arrival guidance, campus transition support, and more.
