Nine items to help international students prep for college

Starting college can be a daunting experience for many learners, but especially 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 anticipated having challenges with social interactions or making friends.

The survey also found the most helpful events or services offered to international students by their institution upon first arrival are orientation (73 percent) and welcome and social events (63 percent). Around 10 percent of students wished they had had more cultural and social integration as they transitioned to campus, as well.

One initiative colleges and universities can provide international students is a student handbook curated around their transition to living in the U.S. and becoming a thriving member of the campus community.

What to include: For individuals looking to flesh out their college or university’s guide to the international experience, common topics addressed across existing guidebooks include:

1. Student life. A handbook is a good place to highlight various student support offices and resources to ensure students are aware of the suite of 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 international student scholar events and activities and the Buddy Program, which pairs two students from different countries to engage in cross-cultural learning.
2. Regulations. To maintain status as an international student in the U.S., individuals have to hold an F-1 visa, which comes with special regulations such as an I-20, a valid passport and full-time, in-person enrollment each semester. The F-1 visa also limits student employment and some travel, so making students aware of what they can and cannot do while in the U.S. is critical. The College of the Atlantic’s guidebook has a glossary of basic immigration terminology that breaks down the documents and paperwork needed to remain in the U.S. and at the college. Community college students may need additional guidance around how to transfer institutions, as well.
3. American customs. Just over 20 percent of Terra Dotta survey respondents said they wished they had received more guidance on cultural and social norms prior to arriving to campus. Students may need a reminder that American college is not like what they’ve seen in the movies. “It is not necessary to wear Western-style clothing,” according to the University of North Dakota’s international student guidebook. “Clothing you have brought from home is acceptable.” Beyond information related to being a young adult in the U.S., Gardner-Webb University’s guide includes information like federal holidays, metric to the U.S. system of measurements and clothing size conversions to demystify norms.
4. Slang. Thanks to social media, young people invent new terms and phrases every day, which can be hard for older U.S. adults to follow, much less those who are nonnative English speakers. A directory on American slang can help students feel more confident in engaging with their peers. Salisbury’s handbook defines terms like “BYOB,” “cop-out,” “hit the books,” “in a nutshell” and “under the weather.”
5. Mental health support. Adjusting to a new culture is difficult emotionally and may leave students feeling isolated or alone. Referring students to on-campus counseling resources or other services available can help them be aware of how they can be supported through challenges they may face.

6. Location. Because the U.S. is a large country, it may be hard for international students to localize where exactly their college or university is if it’s outside a major U.S. 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 as well, which can be helpful information to note along with how to obtain a driver’s license and a vehicle. Columbia International University has a section in its handbook dedicated to information on automobiles and licenses.
7. Weather. Some international students may be living in a brand-new climate when moving to the U.S. UND’s handbook takes special attention to highlight the winter season and some winter storm safety tips to ensure learners are confident and comfortable in all seasons.
8. Safety. One safety concern students said they held prior to their arrival to campus is around crime, theft and personal safety in the U.S. (49 percent), according to the Terra Dotta survey. The international student guidebook can highlight on-campus resources and security tips, such as the blue light emergency phone system and nighttime escort and shuttle services.
9. Postgrad planning. Over half (56 percent) of international students plan to seek employment in the U.S. after graduating, according to Terra Dotta’s survey. Handbooks can outline what is required for students to remain in the country, helping set expectations and kick-start career planning early.

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