Savanna Hoffman
International students often face unique challenges when transitioning to higher education in a new country. To help them prepare, some colleges and universities in the U.S. offer guidebooks and orientation programs that provide essential information and advice on student life, cultural and social integration, and practical matters like transportation and weather. Additionally, English proficiency scores may be required for international students applying to certain programs, and visa requirements must be considered. While financial aid for international students in the U.S. is typically limited to merit-based or need-based scholarships, international students may be eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication to prevent HIV through state assistance programs or drug manufacturer patient assistance programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program | For high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds |
| Must be planning to apply to college during the fall of their senior year | |
| Must earn primarily A's in challenging courses | |
| Must display intellectual curiosity and strong writing ability | |
| Must rank in the top 5-10% of their class | |
| Must take Honors, AP, and/or IB courses (if available) | |
| Must submit standardized test scores (SAT: 1310-1490 or ACT: 26-31) | |
| Household income must be less than $65,000 annually for a family of four | |
| Must qualify for free or reduced-price school meals | |
| Must face financial hardship | |
| Northwestern College Preparation Program | Welcomes international students whose primary language is not English |
| Requires an English proficiency score for applicants whose primary language is not English | |
| Requires an application in English | |
| Requires a birth certificate, school report, Medicare card, and signed application form | |
| Requires a visa to enter the US and participate in the program | |
| Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) | Medicine for people at risk for HIV to prevent infection |
| Available through insurance coverage, state assistance programs, or patient assistance programs |
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What You'll Learn
- International students may need to apply for a visa to enter the US
- English proficiency scores are often required for international students
- International students can face cultural and social barriers to success
- Orientation and welcome events are helpful for international students
- International students may need to rely on personal sources of funding
International students may need to apply for a visa to enter the US
International students intending to study in the US must obtain a student visa. The most common types of student visas are F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those undertaking vocational studies. Additionally, J-1 exchange visitor visas are available for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, or research assistants.
The process of obtaining a student visa can be intricate, and international students should be well-prepared and informed about the requirements. For instance, students applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa must enrol in courses certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). However, it is important to note that visa policies and procedures can vary across different US institutions and states.
In recent times, there have been shifts in US policy regarding international students. In May 2025, the US State Department announced its intention to revoke visas for Chinese students, causing a decline in international student interest in the US. Additionally, in June 2025, President Trump implemented a travel ban affecting 12 countries, including Iran, Libya, and Somalia, which included restrictions on student visas. These developments have led to concerns about the US becoming less welcoming to international students.
The visa application process for international students typically occurs during the May-August period, which accounts for 70% of annual US student visa issuances. However, in 2025, a pause on scheduling new visa interviews during this critical period caused significant disruptions for prospective international students. This delay impacted the enrolment plans of many students intending to commence their studies in the upcoming academic year.
International students should be diligent in staying updated with the latest visa requirements and policies for their specific countries and institutions. They should also be mindful of potential cultural and social challenges when transitioning to US colleges and universities. To facilitate this transition, many educational institutions offer guidebooks and orientation programs to help international students navigate the academic, cultural, and social aspects of their new learning environment.
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English proficiency scores are often required for international students
International students often face cultural and social barriers to success in higher education. To help them prepare for college, some colleges and universities provide international students with a student handbook that includes information on student life, support offices, and resources. Some handbooks also include information on grocery and dining options, local sales tax rates, and weather.
There are multiple English proficiency tests available, and the choice of test depends on the requirements of the university. The most popular tests are IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC, but there are also the CELPIP, Cambridge English Qualifications (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE), and the Duolingo English test.
IELTS is the world's most popular English language proficiency test, recognized by over 11,000 organizations worldwide. It measures a person's fluency in academic English and tests listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each part generates an individual score, which is then added up to a total score reported as a band from one (lowest) to nine (highest).
TOEFL, another widely accepted American English proficiency test, is the most common requirement for universities in the USA. TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120, with a score of 100 or above indicating a high level of English proficiency.
While English proficiency scores are important, some universities may waive this requirement under certain circumstances. For example, international applicants may be exempt from submitting English proficiency scores if they hold a degree from the university or have completed a bachelor's degree in its entirety in an English-speaking country.
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International students can face cultural and social barriers to success
International students often face cultural and social barriers to success in higher education. These barriers can be off-putting and challenging, and they may hinder students' adaptation and academic success. However, some colleges and universities have implemented initiatives to help international students transition to life on campus.
Culture Shock
International students often experience culture shock when moving to a new country. They may be unprepared for the culture on American college campuses, such as co-ed dorms, informal relationships with authority figures, and differences in food and alcohol consumption. The openness around sexuality, gender identity, and sexual orientation can be uncomfortable for students from cultures where these topics are taboo. Additionally, the manner in which Americans eat while not seated at meals is considered rude in many other cultures.
Language Barriers
Language issues are a significant challenge for international students, especially in countries where English is not the native or official language. Students who lack complete fluency in English or have noticeable accents may face accent stereotyping and be treated as intellectually inferior. Language barriers can also lead to social isolation and difficulty understanding academic content.
Social Isolation
International students can feel marginalized in class and social settings, leading to loneliness and homesickness. They may face racial and ethnic prejudice, discrimination, and cultural bias. Additionally, they may struggle to form friendships with local residents, which can hinder their adaptation to the new culture.
Academic Challenges
The discussion format in American colleges, which encourages debating various points of view, may be unfamiliar to international students from cultures where countering or debating a professor's opinion is considered disrespectful. Differences in grading practices, such as the emphasis on classroom participation and utilization of office hours, can also be challenging. International students may also face academic pressures due to differences in education systems and standards.
Adjustment Difficulties
Leaving home and parents to live abroad can be challenging for international students. They may struggle with searching for identity and making career choices. Previous research has shown that international students who have difficulty adjusting may experience anxiety and depression. Social support from local friends and family is crucial in reducing homesickness and helping students develop cultural knowledge and competencies.
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Orientation and welcome events are helpful for international students
Orientation and welcome events are incredibly helpful for international students, who often face cultural and social barriers to success in higher education. These events are designed to help students settle in smoothly and make the most of their time at university. They provide essential information about the university, the city, and the support services available, as well as opportunities to meet fellow students.
International students often have to navigate unique challenges, such as understanding local customs and practices, finding their way around a new city, and adapting to a different education system. Orientation and welcome events can help bridge these gaps by offering practical advice and resources. For example, students can learn about opening a bank account, saving money, and avoiding scams. They can also be informed about prayer spaces, where to find specific types of food, and useful shops and places.
Welcome events and orientation programs can also cover important topics such as health insurance, immunizations, and immigration requirements. They can provide guidance on how to apply for a student visa, what to bring to the interview, and how to navigate interview questions. This ensures that international students are well-prepared and can focus on their studies with greater peace of mind.
In addition to the practical benefits, orientation and welcome events facilitate social connections and a sense of community. They provide opportunities for international students to meet their future classmates and feel less isolated in a new environment. Social events, workshops, and webinars enable students to interact, form friendships, and build a support network, which can be especially valuable for those far from home.
Overall, orientation and welcome events play a crucial role in helping international students transition smoothly into their new academic and cultural environment. They empower students with knowledge, resources, and social connections, contributing to their overall success and well-being during their time at university.
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International students may need to rely on personal sources of funding
International students seeking to prepare for college in the US may need to rely on personal sources of funding. For instance, the College Prep Program at Northwestern University is open to international students, but they must obtain a visitor visa to enter the US and participate in the program. This means that international students may need to fund their travel and accommodation in addition to any program fees.
Similarly, while QuestBridge's College Prep Scholars Program does not specify that applicants must be US citizens, it does state that only high school juniors currently attending high school in the US are eligible to apply. This suggests that international students living outside the US may need to rely on other sources of funding for their college preparation, such as personal or family savings, scholarships, or loans.
The costs associated with attending college in the US can be significant, and international students may face additional expenses, such as those related to travel, visas, and housing. While some colleges and universities offer guidebooks and orientation programs to help international students transition to life in the US, these resources may not always cover financial matters.
International students may also need to consider the cost of health insurance and any necessary medical treatments, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). While there are state and manufacturer assistance programs available to help with the cost of PrEP, these may not cover all expenses, and international students may need to pay out of pocket for some services.
Overall, while there may be some resources available to help international students with the financial aspects of college preparation, it is likely that they will need to rely on personal sources of funding to a significant extent.
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Frequently asked questions
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is medicine that people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
International students are eligible for PrEP. If you have insurance, you may be able to lower or eliminate the amount you owe as a deductible through co-payment assistance programs. If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible to receive medication at no cost through drug manufacturer patient assistance programs.
International students can seek financial aid in the form of scholarships, which are often merit-based or need-based. Some universities may also waive application fees. Additionally, some colleges and universities provide guidebooks or handbooks to help international students transition to life in the U.S. and integrate into the campus community.
Yes, there are college prep programs that cater to international students, such as the Northwestern College Preparation Program, which invites students from around the world to engage in rigorous coursework and experience American college culture.
