International Students: More Successful Or Not?

International students are an integral part of the higher education system in the United States, contributing to cultural diversity, enriching the student experience, and supporting the economy. In the 2022-2023 academic year, over one million international students enrolled in U.S. institutions, making up 5.5-5.6% of the total student population. These students bring valuable knowledge, perspectives, and financial contributions to their host institutions. However, international students also face unique challenges, including logistical difficulties, cultural differences, and the need for career preparation and social integration support. This paragraph introduces the topic of international student success by highlighting their significance, enrollment trends, contributions, and the challenges they navigate during their academic journey in the United States.

International students' economic impact

International students have become essential contributors to the economies of many countries, including the United States and Canada. In 2018, international students contributed $45 billion to the US economy, according to the US Department of Commerce. This figure rose to $39 billion in 2019, supporting more than 400,000 jobs, according to NAFSA, the association of international educators. In New York State alone, international students contributed $5 billion to the economy and supported 58,000 jobs.

International students are also vital to Canada's economy and future workforce. In 2022, international students and their visiting families contributed a remarkable $37.3 billion in total annual expenditures in Canada, resulting in a $30.9 billion increase in the country's GDP, which represents 1.2% of the national GDP. The expenditures of international students supported approximately 361,230 jobs in Canada and generated $7.4 billion in tax revenue. International students in Canada also help alleviate labour shortages in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, and they represent a highly skilled talent pool in areas such as engineering and computer sciences.

The presence of international students in US colleges and universities also provides cultural and educational benefits. Learning alongside people from around the world helps domestic students learn to avoid stereotyping, form more informed opinions, and gain a better understanding of international issues and foreign affairs. It also provides opportunities for unique cross-cultural experiences and allows students to confront different interpersonal and communication styles, making them better active listeners and critical thinkers. Additionally, international students bring global perspectives and cultural diversity to campuses, enriching the educational experience for all students.

However, it is important to note that international students face significant challenges when studying in a foreign country. They may encounter difficulties with visa status, cultural differences, social interactions, and feelings of homesickness. International students in Canada have reported feelings of exploitation and isolation due to inadequate support and resources, and they face a significant disparity in tuition fees compared to domestic students. In the US, international students may struggle with the transition to life as a college student, and they often need support in finding employment and navigating work visas. Despite these challenges, international students continue to view North American countries as promising opportunities for a better future and permanent residency.

Social integration

International students may struggle with social interactions and making friends, with 33% of students anticipating these challenges before arriving in the US. To promote social integration, colleges can provide additional cultural and cross-cultural activities, as well as spaces for international students to connect with domestic students. These activities and connections can help international students feel more integrated into their college community.

Colleges can also offer orientation events and seminars specifically for international students, which can help them feel more at home and promote a sense of belonging. These events can also educate international students on academic and city or state norms, helping them to acclimate to their new environment.

Furthermore, international students can benefit from peer guidance and support from other international students. This can provide interpersonal and academic support, as well as help with cultural differences and adjustments.

In addition to peer connections, international students can benefit from interactions with faculty and staff. Informal interactions with professors and mentorship opportunities can enhance their college experience and provide valuable guidance.

Career preparation

International students in the US face several challenges in transitioning to life as college students. These include difficulties with visa status, logistical challenges, and cultural differences. However, international students are a valuable asset to colleges and universities, bringing knowledge, perspective, and cultural enrichment to campuses. They also contribute significantly to the US economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

International students often need support in preparing for their careers, with 42% of respondents in a survey stating that finding employment in the US is the area where they need the most institutional support. Over half of international students plan to stay in the US after graduation, but many need help from their institutions in several areas. These include identifying an employer to sponsor them (43%) and help with their work visas or permits (41%).

International students can benefit from additional support in the following ways:

• Career fairs with international-friendly employers: Institutions can organize career fairs or networking events that specifically cater to international students, inviting employers who are open to sponsoring or hiring international talent.
• Alumni networks for global student career connections: Building and leveraging alumni networks can help connect current international students with graduates who have successfully navigated the job market in the US or other countries.
• Cross-cultural activities: Providing opportunities for cross-cultural interactions can help international students improve their interpersonal and communication skills, making them more competitive in the job market.
• Orientation and transition support: International students can benefit from orientation programs or seminars that help them navigate the cultural and logistical challenges of studying and working in a new country.
• Academic and educational initiatives: Investing in academic support and educational initiatives can help international students feel more integrated into their colleges and better prepared for their future careers.
• Proactive communication: Institutions should proactively communicate with international students about academics, state or city norms, and cultural differences to help them understand and appreciate their college experience and better prepare for their careers.

By providing comprehensive support and career preparation, colleges and universities can empower international students to succeed in the job market and make a smooth transition into their chosen careers.

Academic quality

International students in the United States come from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds, with over 238 countries represented in 2023, spanning all continents except Antarctica. This diversity brings a range of perspectives and experiences to the classroom, enriching the learning environment for all students. International students are a valuable source of talent and contribute significantly to the US economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

International students often face unique challenges when transitioning to life as a student in the US, including logistical challenges such as visa difficulties, cultural differences, and social integration. Institutions play a crucial role in supporting the success of international students by providing academic and social support, promoting cultural activities, and offering career guidance.

The quality of academic programs and instruction is of utmost importance to international students, with 50% of respondents in a survey ranking satisfaction with academic programs and 38% ranking the quality of instruction as top factors for remaining enrolled. International students also benefit from informal interactions with professors, mentorship opportunities, and cross-cultural experiences with domestic students.

To promote the academic success of international students, institutions should focus on proactive communication about academics, educating students on local norms, and providing accurate information about college life in the US to manage expectations shaped by Western movies and social media. Additionally, practical measures such as offering orientation events, seminars geared towards international students, and assistance with move-in processes can make a significant difference in their overall experience and academic success.

International students' graduation and success rates are not consistently tracked or reported at a federal level in the US, highlighting the need for institutional investment in understanding and supporting their outcomes.

Visa challenges

International students are an important part of the student community, bringing in diverse perspectives and enriching the learning experience for all. However, they often face challenges that can impact their overall experience and success. One of the biggest challenges is navigating the complex world of visas and immigration.

The process of obtaining a visa can be daunting, with international students having to navigate a labyrinth of requirements and regulations. This is further complicated by the fact that visa rules and policies can vary across countries and change over time. For example, in South Korea, more than 86% of international students seek employment, but visa challenges persist. An amendment to allow international students to apply for the E-9 visa has been pending since November 2024, hindering their job prospects and limiting opportunities to ease the manpower shortage in SMEs.

International students in the US often require assistance with their work visas or permits. They may need help identifying an employer willing to sponsor them or navigating the complex legal landscape. This is where institutions can play a crucial role by offering support services and resources to help international students overcome these challenges.

Additionally, cultural differences can create obstacles in the visa process. International students may be unfamiliar with the social norms and customs of the host country, which can impact their understanding of and compliance with visa requirements. Language barriers can further complicate matters, making it difficult for students to access and understand the necessary information.

To address these challenges, institutions can provide dedicated support services for international students, offering guidance on visa requirements and regulations. They can also facilitate cross-cultural activities and provide proactive communication about academics and local norms to help students navigate the complexities of the visa process and their overall transition to a new educational environment.

Frequently asked questions