Prep For International Students: What's The Eligibility Criteria?

International students often face cultural and social barriers when moving to a new country to pursue higher education. To ease this transition, some universities in the United States offer international student preparation courses that provide essential information and advice. Additionally, while international students are generally not eligible for federal financial aid, they may qualify for financial aid allocated specifically for international students, scholarships, grants, and private student loans.

International students' eligibility for federal financial aid

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid in the US. However, they may be eligible for merit or need-based aid, grants, and scholarships at the institutional level.

Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid

International students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid in the US. Only US citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees qualify for federal financial aid. However, in very rare cases, a school may require international students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to attempt to receive institutional aid. But since a Social Security number is required to fill out the online FAFSA, the form would have to be submitted on paper.

Options for Financial Aid

Although funding for international students is often more limited, they may qualify for certain types of merit or need-based aid, grants, and scholarships. Both private and public institutions may waive application fees in some situations. Merit-based scholarships are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Undergraduate international students are more likely to gain tax exemption if their financial aid is designated as an educational award rather than a work-related award.

Prep Programs for International Students

There are also prep programs that can help international students with the application process. For example, the College Prep Scholars Program by QuestBridge helps high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. However, this program is only open to US citizens and permanent residents, including those living abroad.

Transitioning to US Institutions

International students can also face cultural and social barriers to success in higher education in the US. To address this, some US institutions have created guidebooks to provide essential information and advice for their international learners. These handbooks can include information on various student support offices and resources, as well as social and cultural norms to be aware of. Orientation and welcome events are also considered helpful for international students transitioning to a new campus.

Scholarships for international students

Enrolling in a prep school as an international student can be challenging, especially when it comes to finances. However, there are some schools that offer scholarships to international students. Here are some options and recommendations to consider:

The Saint Thomas More School offers a select number of scholarships available to international students. These scholarships recognize students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and fine moral character. Similarly, the Bolles School offers scholarships to international students based on financial need. The amount of money awarded is determined by the applicant's circumstances, so it is advised to apply early and submit all supporting documents.

Secondary School Scholarships

The Trinity Foundation, in partnership with Marianapolis Preparatory School, offers financial assistance and scholarship opportunities to international students. The foundation provides one full scholarship, three half-tuition scholarships, and six quarter-tuition scholarships based on academic excellence, high entrance exam scores, and teacher recommendations.

University Scholarships

There are various universities in the United States that offer scholarships to international students. For example, American University in Washington, D.C., offers partial merit scholarships ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 per year to first-year applicants, including international students. Clark University in Massachusetts provides the Presidential Scholarship, which is open to both domestic and international students and covers full tuition and on-campus room and board for all four years, regardless of financial need.

Online Scholarship Resources

Websites like InternationalStudent.com and eduPASS provide comprehensive and searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs specifically for international students. These platforms can help you discover opportunities like the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, which supports graduate students from select developing countries, or the Foreign Fulbright Student Program, which offers scholarships for graduate students worldwide to study in the USA.

Additional Recommendations

It is recommended to start your research early and contact the financial aid offices of the schools you are interested in. Many universities have university-based scholarships that are open to international applicants, and they can provide you with specific information on eligibility requirements and application processes. Additionally, focus on scholarships that align with your strengths and background, such as demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and strong academic performance.

Student visas and employment

International students on a student visa are typically allowed to work while studying in the United States, but there are restrictions on the number of hours they can work and the type of work they can do. The specific rules and regulations regarding student visas and employment vary depending on the country and the type of visa issued. It is important for international students to understand these regulations to ensure that they maintain their visa status and do not put their ability to stay in the country at risk.

In the United States, students on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during vacation periods. On-campus employment is generally defined as work that takes place on the school's premises, such as working in the school's library, cafeteria, or administrative offices. F-1 students can also work off-campus in certain situations, such as practical training or economic hardship, but they must obtain authorization from their school's international student office and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Students on a M-1 visa, which is for vocational or technical programs, are not allowed to work during their studies. However, they may be eligible for practical training after completing their studies if their program is related to their field of study.

It's important to note that international students on student visas cannot work self-employed or freelance jobs, start their own business, or work in a position that is not related to their field of study. They must also maintain a minimum course load and make progress towards completing their degree to remain eligible for employment.

To ensure compliance with visa regulations, international students should keep records of their employment, including offer letters, timesheets, and pay stubs. They should also be aware of any tax obligations they may have, as they may need to file tax returns and claim treaty benefits if their country has a tax treaty with the United States.

Overall, while international students on student visas are allowed to work in the United States, it is important for them to understand and follow the regulations surrounding their employment to maintain their visa status and avoid any legal issues. They should consult with their school's international student office and seek professional advice if they have any questions or concerns about their specific situation.

Social and cultural challenges

International students face various social and cultural challenges when studying abroad. These challenges can impact their overall academic performance and success. The most common social and cultural challenges they face include:

Language Barriers

Language barriers are one of the most significant challenges international students encounter. While many international students have studied English in their native countries, they may struggle with the fast pace and slang commonly used by their peers and professors. This can make both understanding and speaking in conversations difficult and lead to social isolation.

Communication and Interaction with Professors, Classmates, and Staff

International students often face challenges in communicating with professors, classmates, and staff. They may need to adapt to different educational values and interaction styles, which can impact their ability to form relationships and fully engage in the academic environment.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

International students often experience social isolation and loneliness due to differences in cultural norms, traditions, and extracurricular activities. They may gravitate towards others from similar cultures, but these groups tend to be small, further isolating them from fully integrating with their peers.

Culture Shock and Adjustment

Students from other countries may experience culture shock when exposed to the host country's unfamiliar culture, values, attitudes, habits, and ways of thinking. For example, international students in the US may need to adjust to co-ed dorms, informal relationships with authority figures, and differences in food and alcohol consumption in social settings.

Discrimination and Prejudice

International students can also face racial and ethnic prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping based on their identity, language, skin colour, and cultural practices. These challenges can hinder their ability to adapt and succeed academically.

Holiday and Tradition Differences

International students may feel isolated as their own holidays and traditions are not always acknowledged or understood by their peers. This can further contribute to their sense of cultural isolation and homesickness.

To support international students in overcoming these social and cultural challenges, universities play a crucial role. They can provide dedicated services such as counselling, international student services, and peer support groups. Additionally, universities should strive for campus-wide cultural competency and sensitivity training to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels accepted.

Orientation and welcome events

Orientation Activities:

Colleges can organize a range of orientation activities to engage incoming international students and help them integrate into campus life. Here are some ideas:

• Information Booths: Set up booths to provide information about student groups, clubs, and organizations. This can include community service groups, sports teams, language clubs, theatre groups, and science clubs. This way, international students can learn about the various extracurricular opportunities available to them and find like-minded peers.
• Icebreakers: Encourage students to introduce themselves and share unique facts or talents. This helps everyone relax, feel comfortable, and get to know each other.
• Scavenger Hunts and Games: Organize fun activities like scavenger hunts, dance parties, or theatre performances. These events can be a great way for students to take a break from the overwhelming amount of information they're processing and simply enjoy themselves. It also fosters a sense of community and helps students make new friends.
• Online Orientation: For international students who cannot attend in-person orientation, consider an online welcome package full of gifts, posters, swag, information, and personalized notes. This can make them feel included and excited about their new university even before they step foot on campus.
• Student Handbooks: Create comprehensive handbooks that serve as a guide to campus life, including information on student support offices, resources, and even cultural and social norms. This can be incredibly helpful for international students navigating life in a new country.

Welcome and Social Events:

In addition to orientation activities, welcome and social events are crucial for international students to feel a sense of belonging. Here are some suggestions:

• Buddy Programs: Implement programs that pair international students with domestic students from different countries. This facilitates cross-cultural learning and helps international students form meaningful connections.
• Social Gatherings: Host events specifically for international students to meet and greet, fostering a sense of community and support among students facing similar challenges.
• Cultural Integration: Organize events that celebrate and showcase the cultural diversity on campus. This can include international food festivals, cultural performances, or even language exchange workshops.
• Community Connections: Encourage international students to get involved in community service projects or public service programs before the start of the academic year. This helps them build connections with their new home and feel a sense of contribution and belonging.

By offering a variety of orientation and welcome events, colleges can ensure that international students feel supported and excited about their new academic journey. These events can help students navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new country and set the stage for a successful and fulfilling college experience.

Frequently asked questions