Category: Study Abroad

An appealing and distinctive feature of U.S. higher education is student affairs. While universities abroad might offer housing and some administrative support, many, if not most, U.S. colleges and universities offer a broad range of academic and social support services to promote college success.

International students tend to underutilize such services, even though they don’t typically cost anything, as they are often already included in student tuition and fees. International students may not be aware that such services exist because they are not known or provided at institutions in their home countries.

Check with your university to see which of the following are offered on your campus.

1. Tutoring and writing help: There are a range of academic support services and workshops that students are welcome to attend, often at no cost. These might include individual or group tutoring and writing support.

A common challenge for international students is adapting to new academic expectations and standards, especially for those whose first language is not English.

As a professor, I’ve noticed that while many international students have thoughtful and interesting ideas, what they want to communicate might not translate well in a second language. In other cases, international students who are accustomed to being evaluated on rote memory might struggle with creative writing assignments.

Campus resources to help students might be found within offices called the writing center, student tutoring, academic success or another related term. Your institution may also offer ongoing workshops on time management, note-taking and other study skills and strategies, which also tend to be free unless noted otherwise.

2. Student activities: In addition to academic engagement, social engagement is also critical for college success. There are countless events and activities that provide opportunities to meet and develop relationships with domestic and other international students.

Activities might include cultural events or weeks, performances, sporting events and clubs and organizations that meet regularly. Most are free to join, while sporting events can be attended for low student pricing. Check your university calendar and student affairs websites for upcoming events and more detailed information.

3. Counseling services: Some international students may experience difficulties in their adjustment to a new country and different cultural environment. Others might feel isolated without access to family and friends back home.

Universities offer counseling for all students, including international students, in which challenges can be shared and kept confidential as long as there is no criminal activity involved.

4. Ombudsman: Universities also tend to have an ombudsman, to whom students can go to in order to resolve conflicts and report university incidents while maintaining confidentiality.

If you experience unfair treatment, such as discrimination, sexual harassment or other unfair practices, knowing there are advocates for your rights ensures safety and peace of mind.

5. Faculty members and teaching assistants: The best way to get to know professors is by asking questions in class and attending office hours. International students may feel intimidated or insecure, particularly if English is not their first language, but they play a central role for universities seeking to internationalize.

Most instructors tend to be understanding and sympathetic to the concerns of international students. During office hours, come prepared with specific questions, whether it be about the class material or clarification about the U.S. context. Students may also seek advice on how to succeed in class or college in general.

In my own experience as a professor, I have found that many international students tend to be quite shy and quiet in class but have much to offer in a friendlier environment where they don’t have to compete with other students for attention.

I have truly enjoyed getting to know them during class but especially during my office hours and after class. In many cases, roles reversed whereby my international students were my teachers, enlightening me about their respective cultures and how the class material might relate to their home countries.

The preceding are just a few of the many ways that universities can work for you, the student. Knowing there are abundant resources, staff, programs and activities to promote student engagement will help international students make the most out of the U.S. college experience.

Sometimes the countless options might feel daunting, but noting what you need to feel secure and succeed is the place to start so you can identify where to go for support. It’s out there, and there are people to help.

Jenny J. Lee is an associate professor at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at University of Arizona. Her research includes international student mobility and experiences.

Leaving home to attend college or graduate school is a big step—and leaving your home country can be even scarier. Want to study in the United States? Find out how to succeed from undergraduate and graduate international students, who offer advice based on their experiences pursuing business, engineering, computer science, math, and other majors at U.S. schools. Admissions officials and experts also weigh in with tips so you don’t get lost in translation. Got a question? E-mail internationalstudent@usnews.com.

Reference

​Going to college is already a big transition in life, not to mention when it includes attending a college in a different country. While international students may be worrying about their new life in the States, most colleges have already got that covered, from academic to physical needs. There’s no need to panic.

Here are some of the types of aid and support that most U.S. colleges provide to international students, so ask the schools you’re considering which they offer.

1. International student advisers: Reporting to the international student service office is the first thing you should do when you arrive on campus. Every international student is assigned to an adviser.

They help you to maintain lawful immigration status and handle all your visa-related issues such as off-campus employment, changing major, financial deposit, traveling documents and more. Contact the international student service office at colleges you’re considering or where you’ve been admitted to learn more about how your advisers can help you.

2. A college or major adviser: College and major advisers assist students on mapping out an academic plan. They can help you declare your major, register for classes and plan for your graduation. They also give valuable advice to help you reach your potentials. Visit them at least once a semester to ensure you are on track.

3. Student mentors: In many colleges, incoming freshmen are assigned to a student mentor from upper classes, and at some schools, international students are paired with an international student mentor. They have been in your shoes. They can help with things like learning English, arranging study groups, buying groceries and meeting new friends.

4. Academic support center: Not sure about your major? Your college’s academic center can help you find one. You can also get study tips and learn how to improve your study habits here. Schedule an appointment with your academic center to start your college life right.

5. International student clubs or council: There are various clubs at colleges for all interests. Colleges typically have at least one club especially dedicated to international students. Students share their cultures and celebrate different cultural festivals. There may also be a club for students from your home country. Check out a college’s student activity boards to learn more.

6. Gym access: Have you heard of the freshman 15, the weight many students gain during their first year of college​? I didn’t believe I would gain weight when people warned me at the beginning, but I have learned that lesson. The school gym is there for a reason. Go there regularly every week and you will thank me later. Getting good grades is important, but so is staying healthy. Students have free admission to the gym.

7. Meal plans: Grocery shopping is hard when you don’t have a car, and that happens to many international students. Meal plans are available in most colleges, and they are a good option if you don’t want to worry about grocery shopping or cooking. Check with your college’s dining service to learn more about the available on-campus dining options.

8. Teaching assistants: Teaching assistants, also referred to as TAs, should become your best friends in your classes, if your university has them. They know your professors very well. They know how the professors write the exams, and they may even be the ones who grade your exams.

Talk to the TAs if you struggle in class – they are there to help you. I had some really nice TAs who would help with my grammar and let me know where I should focus my study on.

9. International student classes: Some colleges offer classes or class sessions especially for international students to help them adapt to the U.S. college life. These classes teach about American cultures and college writing style, often by professors who are also from a different country or are really familiar with different cultures. At my college, there’s an American Heritage class session that is especially for international students.

10. On-campus employment: For international students who wish to earn some extra money to support themselves without worrying too much about visa restrictions, the on-campus career center would be a good place to visit. I have worked at several on-campus jobs and earned enough to pay my bills.

Going to college is exciting yet worrying. We have been there. I worried a lot before coming to the States, but I quickly adapted to the U.S. college life with different help from the school. It will be a wonderful learning and growing experience.

Reference

Students from around the world who are looking to study in the U.S. can explore data on nearly 1,800 colleges and universities using the 2016 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, released this month.

Traveling to the U.S. for college is becoming more popular, and at a few schools, international students make up around a third of the student body. At Soka University of America, 38 percent of students are international students, the most among National Liberal Arts Colleges. The Florida Institute of Technology topped the National Universities category with 33 percent of students hailing from outside the U.S.

The data also show that some colleges give generous financial aid awards to international students. Skidmore College, located in New York state, led the pack with an average award of $56,600 – an amount that exceeds the school’s reported 2015-2016 tuition and fees, which total $48,970.

Students interested in studying in the United States can view the graphic below for more information and follow the International Student Counsel blog for tips on everything from the application process to life after graduation.