Nine things to help international students prepare for college

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

International students often face cultural and social barriers to success in higher education; a June report from Terra Dotta shows one-third of international students are expected to have challenges with social interaction or making friends.

The survey also found the most useful events or services offered to international students by their institution when they first arrive are orientation (73 percent) and welcome and social events (63 percent). About 10 percent of students wish they had more cultural and social integration as they transition to campuses, too.

One initiative colleges and universities can provide international students with is a student book designed for them to settle in the US and become a successful member of the campus community.

What you should include: For people looking to supplement their college or university guide to an international experience, common topics covered in all available books include:

1. A student’s life. The handbook is a great place to highlight the various student support offices and resources to ensure students are aware of the program offerings available to them. Lamar University shares on- and off-campus resources and links to international student organizations in the handbook. Salisbury University also provides a link to all events and activities for international students and the Buddy program, which brings together two students from different countries to engage in cross-cultural learning.
2. Regulations. To maintain status as an international student in the US, individuals must hold an F-1 visa, which comes with special requirements such as an I-20, a valid passport and full-time, personal registration each semester. The F-1 visa also restricts student employment and certain travel, so letting students know what they can and cannot do while in the US is important. The College of the Atlantic guidebook has a list of basic immigration terms that breaks down the documents and paperwork required to stay in the US and attend college. Community college students may need more guidance on how to transfer institutions, too.
3. American culture. Just over 20 percent of Terra Dotta survey respondents said they wished they had received more guidance about cultural and social norms before coming to school. Students may need a reminder that American college is not like what they have seen in the movies. “It is not necessary to wear Western-style clothing,” according to the University of North Dakota’s international student handbook. “The clothes you brought home are welcome.” Beyond information related to being a young adult in the US, the Gardner-Webb University guide includes information such as state holidays, the US metric system of measurements and clothing size conversions to reveal trends.
4. Slang. Thanks to social media, young people are coining new terms and phrases every day, which can be difficult for US adults to follow, let alone non-native English speakers. A directory of American slang can help students feel more confident interacting with their peers. Salisbury’s book defines words like “BYOB,” “cop-out,” “hit the books,” “briefly” and “under the weather.”
5. Mental health support. Adapting to a new culture is emotionally difficult and can leave students feeling alone or isolated. Referring students to on-campus counseling services or other available services can help them know how to support them with the challenges they may be facing.

6. Location. Because the US is such a large country, it can be difficult for international students to find where their college or university is located if it is outside of a major US city. California Northstate University notes some of the grocery and dining options available to students in the Sacramento area and the local sales tax rate in the guidebook. Some college towns may require students to drive a car, which can be useful information to note and how to get a driver’s license and car. Columbia International University has a section in its directory dedicated to vehicle information and licenses.
7. The weather. Some international students may have to live in a brand new climate when moving to the US UND book takes special attention to highlight the winter season and winter storm safety tips to ensure students are confident and comfortable in all seasons.
8. Safety. Some of the security concerns students say they had before coming to school are about crime, theft and public safety in the US (49 percent), according to the Terra Dotta survey. An international student handbook can highlight campus resources and safety tips, such as a blue-light emergency phone system and nighttime escort and transportation services.
9. Postgrad planning. More than half (56 percent) of international students plan to seek employment in the US after graduation, according to Terra Dotta’s research. Handbooks can outline what it takes for students to stay in the country, help set expectations and start career planning early.

If your student success program has a unique feature or twist, we’d love to know about it. Click here to submit.