Expat Or International Student: What's The Real Difference?

International students are those who travel to a foreign country to pursue academic studies. They are considered non-immigrants, as their sole purpose for being in the host country is to complete their education. International students often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of support groups. They are usually required to obtain a student visa and may need to demonstrate proficiency in the local language. In the United States, international students are categorized as F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrants, depending on the type of institution they attend. Expatriates, or expats, on the other hand, are individuals who choose to live and work in a country other than their native country. While there is no clear definition of when a student becomes an expat, spending a significant amount of time, such as a semester, in a foreign country for studies could be considered an expat experience. The distinction between international students and expats can be blurry, especially when it comes to the admissions process and eligibility for financial aid.

Are international students expats?

International students are considered non-immigrants in the US

The term "expat" is short for "expatriate", which refers to a person who is living outside of their native country, either temporarily or permanently. While international students do live in a country other than their own for their studies, they are not usually considered expats due to the temporary nature of their stay. Instead, international students in the US are considered non-immigrants.

International students in the United States are considered nonimmigrants because their sole purpose for being in the country is to complete a program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The US Department of Homeland Security manages two different categories of students: F-1 nonimmigrant and M-1 nonimmigrant. An F-1 nonimmigrant is an international student in the United States who is pursuing a full course of academic or professional study (including a language training program) at an SEVP-certified school. An M-1 nonimmigrant, on the other hand, is an international student in the United States to pursue a full course of study at an SEVP-certified vocational or other recognized non-academic institution.

The spouses and qualifying children of F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrants are also considered nonimmigrants, but they are categorized separately as F-2 and M-2 nonimmigrants, respectively. To be admitted to the United States, nonimmigrants must be admitted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at U.S. ports of entry. They must present all required documents to the CBP officer when they arrive and ensure that they have multiple copies of their travel and immigration documents.

Once international students are accepted to an SEVP-certified school, they will receive a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." This form is a paper record of their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and is required for completing subsequent steps in the international student life cycle. After receiving the Form I-20, students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and apply for a visa from the U.S. Department of State. It is important to note that international students must also comply with specific rules to legally remain in the United States during their studies.

International students need to apply for a student visa

International students are considered non-immigrants in the United States, as they are in the country solely to complete a program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.

Before applying for a student visa, international students must first be accepted by an SEVP-certified U.S. institution of higher education. Once accepted, the student will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution's international student office, which is required for the visa application process. It is important to check that the information on the Form I-20 matches the details on the student's passport, and to make copies of all travel and immigration documents. The student must then pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and apply for a visa from the U.S. Department of State. This can be done at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Upon arrival in the United States, international students must present all required documents to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a U.S. port of entry. It is recommended to keep the original documents in a safe and secure location. To legally remain in the country, students must follow specific rules outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Expat students are often compared to local students

Additionally, expat students may have an advantage in terms of language proficiency compared to international students. While some international students may possess an excellent command of the local language, others may struggle with language barriers and find their proficiency inadequate for understanding lectures or conversing fluently. Expat students, especially those with an American passport and educational background, may face misconceptions about their language skills, as seen in the example of a student returning to the US from living in Africa.

In terms of cultural differences, international students may face challenges in adapting to a new environment and understanding local culture, including humour, vernacular, and connotations in speech. Expat students, particularly those with an American background, may have an easier time navigating these cultural nuances and fitting into the local student community. However, expat students returning to their home country may still experience cultural misconceptions and be subjected to questions about their time abroad.

Furthermore, expat students and international students may be compared based on their academic backgrounds and qualifications. International students from non-English speaking countries are often required to sit for language tests, such as the TOEFL, before being admitted to universities in English-speaking countries. Expat students, especially those with an American curriculum, may have an advantage in terms of meeting the academic requirements and expectations of the host country's educational system.

In summary, expat students are often compared to local students in various aspects, including admissions processes, financial aid eligibility, language proficiency, cultural adaptation, and academic qualifications. While expat students may have advantages in certain areas, such as language and cultural understanding, they may still face misconceptions and challenges when returning to their home country or navigating the higher education landscape.

International students can be eligible for financial aid

The term "expat" is often used to describe someone who is living and working in a country other than their home country, usually for an extended period of time. International students, on the other hand, are typically considered non-immigrants, as their primary purpose for being in a country is to pursue a course of study. While some may argue that international students can be considered expats due to their international experience and the duration of their stay, the key distinction lies in the purpose of their stay.

Now, onto the topic of financial aid for international students. International students, unlike domestic students, generally do not qualify for federal or state aid in countries like the United States. However, this does not mean that they are completely ineligible for financial assistance. There are several options available for international students seeking financial aid:

Institutional Aid

Many colleges and universities offer financial aid packages specifically for international students. These packages can include grants, scholarships, and merit-based aid. For example, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers Freshman Scholarships for first-time-in-college international students, which can provide a great opportunity to fund the first four years of their education.

Private Loans

International students can also consider taking out private loans to fund their education. However, it is important to exercise caution when taking on any form of debt. Financial aid experts generally advise against accumulating excessive debt, and suggest exploring alternative options or considering studying in a country with lower tuition fees.

Tax Exemptions

Under specific conditions, international students may be exempt from paying taxes on certain forms of financial aid. These exemptions often depend on factors such as visa type, duration of stay, and the type of financial aid award. Additionally, if the student's home country maintains a tax treaty with their host country, they may be eligible for a full refund of any taxes withheld from their financial aid award.

Employment

While employment may not be a primary source of funding, it can provide international students with some additional financial support during their studies. However, the rules regarding non-immigrant student employment are complex, and it is crucial to discuss eligibility for any form of work with the International Student Adviser on campus before accepting a job.

In summary, while international students may not be eligible for federal or state aid, there are still several options available to help finance their education. It is important to carefully research the financial aid options offered by specific institutions and countries, as well as understand the potential tax implications and employment opportunities available to international students.

International students are considered citizens of their home country

International students are individuals who choose to pursue their education in a country other than their own. They are considered citizens of their home country and are often on a non-immigrant, temporary visa that allows them to study abroad. The definition of an "international student" varies across countries, and their visa requirements and experiences differ accordingly.

In the United States, international students are typically referred to as nonimmigrants, indicating that their primary purpose for entering the country is to pursue academic or professional studies. The US Department of Homeland Security categorizes international students into F and M nonimmigrants. F-1 nonimmigrants are international students enrolled in academic or language training programs at SEVP-certified schools, while M-1 nonimmigrants attend vocational or other recognized non-academic institutions. Additionally, F-2 and M-2 nonimmigrants are categories for spouses or qualifying children of F-1 and M-1 students, respectively.

International students in the US are required to obtain a student visa, typically an F1 Visa, which is the most common type. To initiate the process, students must first gain acceptance into an SEVP-certified school. Once accepted, the designated school official will provide a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status," which confirms the student's information. The next steps involve paying the necessary fees, such as the I-901 SEVIS Fee, and applying for a visa through a US embassy or consulate. Maintaining their status and complying with specific rules are crucial for international students intending to remain in the US during their studies.

The popularity of studying abroad has led to an increase in international student enrollment worldwide. In 2022, there were approximately 6.9 million international students, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations. However, due to rising tuition costs and higher immigration barriers in traditional destinations like the US and the UK, many students are now considering alternative countries like China, which offers a growing number of scholarships and English-taught programs.

In summary, international students are considered citizens of their home country and undergo specific visa and admission processes to pursue their education in a foreign country. The experiences and requirements vary based on the host country's definitions and visa regulations. It is important for prospective international students to understand the application procedures and any unique benefits or challenges they may encounter during their academic journey abroad.

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