A 12-Month Roadmap for Parents: From the Decision to Study Abroad to Your Child's Flight to Texas State

Studying abroad is not the student's decision alone — it's a 12-month family project. This roadmap shows parents what to do, when, and how much to prepare at each stage for a Fall (August) start at Texas State University.

Months 1–2 (T-12): Orientation

• Decide on the field, level (undergraduate/graduate) and total budget (see 2026–2027 costs: ~$43,720/year undergraduate).
• Meet the Vietnam Office for a free profile assessment: academics, English, scholarship potential.
• If English isn't there yet: plan IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo or the TSIE pathway.

Months 3–5 (T-10): English and transcripts

• Take the English test (targets: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 78 / Duolingo 105 for undergraduate).
• Obtain transcripts and diploma; get certified English translations.
• Costs at this stage: test fees (~$200–$250), translation.

Months 6–9 (T-8): Application

• Apply via ApplyTexas/Common App (undergraduate) or the online application (graduate); fee $90.
• Send English scores and transcripts; track application status.
• Apply for scholarships at the same time. Fall priority deadline: December 1 (freshman).

Months 10–12 (T-6): Admission and proof of funds

• Receive the admission letter; confirm enrollment, pay the housing deposit.
• Prepare proof of funds: bank statement/balance certificate covering one year's cost of attendance, income documents, property papers (supporting). The Vietnam Office explains the exact format TXST requires.
• Receive the I-20 from TXST once financial documents are approved.

Months 1–3 (T-5): Visa

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), complete DS-160, pay the visa fee ($185), book the interview in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City.
• Practice the interview with the Vietnam Office: study purpose, post-graduation plans, finances.
• Peak season (May–July) slots fill fast — book early.

Months 4–6 (T-3): Enrollment prep

• Pay first-semester tuition (or enroll in a payment plan), pick a meal plan, submit immunizations.
• Book flights; register for orientation; join the Vietnamese student group at TXST.
• Vaccinations, health check, glasses, first-week insurance.

Months 7–8 (T-1): Departure

• Run the pre-departure checklist; transfer first-month living money.
• Enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the I-20 start date; check in with ISSS; move in.

Extra costs before enrollment (beyond tuition)

Item	Reference
English test + translations	$300–$400
Application fee	$90
SEVIS + visa	$535
Housing deposit	$200–$500
One-way flight	$700–$1,200
Cash + first-month settling costs	$1,500–$2,000

The Vietnam Office walks families through every step of this roadmap, free of charge — book a family consultation.