How to ask if he is interested in me?

Hello friends! In short, there is an AMAZING guy and I can't tell if he is interested, so I need your advice on how to make him say if he is.

Long story.

I just moved to the USA to study. In my country I was out to friends and family, but this is a new environment so nobody has a clue. This is a great opportunity, and for the first time I am completely independent and can do whatever I want in my social life. In the program, I have 24 classmates and they are all friendly, I am having a blast so far, although I have tons of work.

One of these 24 classmates is a very stylish, handsome, social and funny guy. I was instantly dazzled by his charms. However, I can't understand if he is gay. I talk to him whenever I get a chance, I give him compliments and to make it simple, he must be an idiot if he hasn't yet realized I am hitting on him, but I am pretty sure he is not. A couple of times our eyes have met and there has been a relatively long eye contact, but it doesn't feel like it is mutual. I feel this is part of his funny act. Whenever it has happened, I keep the contact for about 3 seconds and then say something or frown to break the awkwardness. I really don't want to look promiscuous, I don't want to just have sex with him. On the other hand, I have never seen him actually looking at me when I am not watching. I really feel that this is one-sided.

He has also given me a couple of compliments, but again I can't tell if it is just his act. I am sure he understands there is something going on, but I can't understand to what extent he has realized that. I fear he is just playing with me instead of openly saying he is not interested or turning his back on me.

Just today it occurred to me that a girl from the program might be interested in him too. So far he is ideal, so I don't want to let her take him from me. Time is running out, I want to make a move before her, but I don't know what to do.

One important detail is that I have never ever been in a relationship, haven't even kissed anyone before. After moving to the US I have made up my mind that I should be more decisive, so I won't let this guy slip past me. Either there is a possibility or I move on to someone else, and I have to find that out now.

How do I make him explicitly answer if I have a chance? At this point I don't care if my classmates find out I am not straight (should I???), but going up to him and bluntly asking him if he is gay seems to anti-strategic. How could I phrase it better? I want to be aggressive ad succinct eg "I know you are not dumb, so you must have realized I am hitting on you these past few weeks. Are you into guys or not?". Then again, if he is gay but not interested, how could I trigger his interest?