The energy to write this guide book has been inspired by the numerous e-mails that were received when an article was published in the Sunday Nation Newspaper of Kenya dated July 28, 2001, in reference to the challenges faced by Kenyan students in the US. These are the same challenges that are faced by students from all over the world who leave their native countries to study abroad.

Prospective students sometimes would like to be educated on the process, that they anticipate to go through in order to eventually arrive in the country that they plan to study, but due to various reasons, such information is not forthcoming. I remember one young man who wrote and said, "You are the first person to respond to my questions in regards to colleges in the US despite the fact that I have friends and relatives abroad."

This guide attempts to prepare prospective students on the process of planning to study in foreign countries. Also, it provides information to parents planning to send their children overseas for studies. Since the guide is based on real life experiences, it's focused on the life of an international student in the US.

However, information in this guide can be invaluable to students traveling in any other country, specifically US because immigration rules differ slightly from one nation to another but the process is almost similar. Some of the tips may also be used by anyone planning to travel under other statuses such as the parents.

The book attempts to give an insight of what to do and expect under certain circumstances. While the book is not exhaustive of all possible scenarios, it will certainly be a guide on how to prepare you to become a student in the US in less stressful experiences. It is unique in its efforts to provide simple and straightforward information, and answers specific questions asked by on the ground prospective students on timely bases.

In addition, this guide recommends websites that will be helpful in the initial stages in reference to searching for schools, registering for general examinations such as Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL), as well as where to search for scholarships and financial aid, Embassy information, weather forecast and immigration websites.

The websites that have been referenced in this book will encourage you to find a computer and conduct a research. While I understand that not all prospective students might have access to the Internet, the book will encourage many to learn how to use the Internet and join the rest of the world in information technology. This guide also includes physical addresses of testing centers where possible.