Nine Subjects to Help International Students Prepare for College

Getting into college can be a daunting experience for many students, especially those who cross borders to enroll.

International students often face cultural and social barriers to success in higher education; June report from Terra Dotta shows that a third of international students expect to have problems socially interacting or making friends.

The survey also found that the most helpful activities or services offered to international students at their institution upon arrival are orientation (73 percent) and welcome and social events (63 percent). About 10 percent of students also wish they had greater cultural and social integration when moving to campus.

One of the initiatives that colleges and universities can provide to international students is a student guide tailored to their transition to life in the United States and becoming a thriving member of the student body.

What to include: For those looking to expand their college or university’s guidance on international experiences, common topics covered in existing guides include:

1. Student life. The directory is a good place to highlight the various student support offices and resources so that students are aware of the range of offerings available to them. Lamar University The directory shares resources on and off campus, as well as links to international student organizations. Salisbury University also provides a link to all international student academic events and activities, as well as the Buddy program, which brings two students from different countries together to engage in cross-cultural learning.
2. Regulations. To maintain international student status in the United States, individuals must have an F-1 visa, which is subject to special rules such as an I-20, a valid passport, and full-time enrollment each semester. The F-1 visa also restricts student employment and some travel, so it is critical to inform students about what they can and cannot do while in the US. College of the AtlanticThe guide includes a glossary of basic immigration terminology that details the paperwork and paperwork required to stay in the US and attend college. Community college students may also need additional guidance on how to transfer to a school.
3. American customs. Just over 20 percent of Terra Dotta survey respondents said they wished they had received more information about cultural and social norms before arriving on campus. Students may need a reminder that American college is not like what they see in the movies. “You don’t have to wear Western clothes,” they say University of North Dakota International Student Directory. “Clothes you brought from home are acceptable.” In addition to information related to being a young adult in the United States, Gardner-Webb UniversityThe guide includes information such as federal holidays, US measurement system metrics, and clothing size conversions to clarify guidelines.
4. Slang. Thanks to social media, young people are inventing new terms and phrases every day that can be difficult for older people in the US to follow, much less those who don’t speak English as their first language. A guide to American slang can help students feel more confident communicating with their peers. Salisbury Directory defines terms such as “BYOB”, “excuse”, “sign up”, “in a nutshell” and “under the weather”.
5. Mental health support. Adapting to a new culture is emotionally challenging and can cause students to feel isolated or lonely. Referring students to counseling resources or other available services on campus can help them understand how they can be supported with problems they may be facing.

6. Location. Because the US is a large country, it can be difficult for international students to determine exactly where their college or university is located if it is outside of a major US city. California Upstate University The guide notes some of the grocery stores and restaurants available to students in the Sacramento area, as well as the local sales tax rate. Some campuses may also require students to drive, which may be useful information to take into account as well as how to obtain a driver’s license and vehicle. Columbia International University the directory has a section devoted to information about cars and licenses.
7. Weather. Some international students may find themselves living in a completely new climate when moving to the United States. The UND handbook focuses on the winter season and some winter storm safety tips to help students feel confident and comfortable no matter the time of year.
8. Safety. According to the Terra Dotta survey, one of the security concerns students had before arriving on campus was related to crime, theft and personal safety in the United States (49 percent). The international student guide may highlight campus resources and safety tips, such as the blue light emergency phone system and night support and transfer.
9. Planning of postgraduate education. More than half (56 percent) of international students plan to seek employment in the U.S. after graduation, according to a Terra Dotta survey. Handbooks can describe what is required of students to remain in the country, helping to set expectations and begin early career planning.

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