I would like to say that there are a number of people who have success stories, but there are also a good number of people who have come to America and struggled, and struggled. One can say that Roopsee is being discouraging but one can also say that it is important to examine both sides of any decision before coming to a final conclusion.
As we all know, coming to America is a huge step and certainly not one that should be entered into lightly. Anyone who is even considering coming here should be praised for their courage but should also be given an accurate picture of challenges that might be faced.
Guest 81 should consider that there are many foreigners enrolled in MPH who do not get funding and have great difficulty securing a job after completing the MPH course. I attended one of the best MPH programs in the nation. In fact, they are ranked number one in a few of the MPH specialties. Finding work after my MPH was completed was more difficult than I would have ever imagined. The admissions office of the school boasted, everyone gets jobs. I had the wrong idea from many people who made it sound like getting a job or school assistance was easy. Also, I didnt realize that getting a green card would be so difficult or involve so much.
Through the support of my wonderful wife and family and my determination, I persevered and eventually found decent work and got a green card. But I will be the first to tell you that I know several foreign trained doctors and dentists enrolled in MPH with me who really struggled and had no idea that it would ever be that difficult. Probably 5 that I attended school with completed the MPH and immediately joined for PhD in Public Health (which was not their original plan at all) simple because that was the only way to get funding. I am glad to say that everyone that all of the foreigners that attended MPH program with me completed the course and all of them stayed in America after completing the course (none were forced to return home secondary to financial issues.) I just think it is fair to examine both sides as not to give people false hope or the idea that things are easy in America.
All of that being said, an MPH program closer to a metropolitan area will yield a greater chance of finding work while in school and folowing the completion of the MPH. When investigating MPH programs, consider that there is a range of courses/specialties - there are MPH degrees that specialize in nutrition, maternal child health, health policy & administration, epidemiology, etc. Choose a specialization carefully - one that will complement the sort of practice that you will eventually like to have. (i.e., maternal child health might be nice for someone who eventually wants to pursue pedo)
Also, having family here in US often sometimes helps. Support (emotional and financial) from family who understands your determination and courage can really help. Based on my experience, students with family who lived near them in the US had easier time adjusting. This is just my personal observation.
I hope that my experience will somehow help your decision or transition.
Cheers.
