International Students: Taking Classes Outside University

International students in the US have faced uncertainty and changing rules around their course enrolment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that new international students would not be able to enter the country if they planned to take only online classes. This was a shift from the flexibility offered to international students during the pandemic, when federal agencies allowed them to take classes online. However, the rules have continued to evolve, and as of November 2024, international students with an F-1 visa can take online courses in specific academic programs or online summer courses, as long as the program is not fully online. This means that any online courses must be part of a hybrid program that combines online and in-person classes.

International students must take in-person classes to remain in the US

International students on an F-1 visa are not permitted to take a fully online course of study in the US. This means that, to maintain their F-1 visa status, their chosen program must not be fully online. Instead, international students can take hybrid programs, which combine online learning with in-person classes.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, international students were only permitted to take one online class per term. However, in March 2020, the US government updated its guidance, allowing international students to take multiple online classes. This guidance has been extended for the 2021-2022 academic year.

For new international students, their ability to take online classes depends on several factors. Firstly, they must be enrolled in at least one hybrid or in-person course to meet their full-time enrollment requirements. Undergraduate students must take a minimum of 12 units, while graduate students must take nine units. Secondly, international students must have received acceptance at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school.

International students on an F-1 visa who take a semester off are not permitted to remain in the US. They must be enrolled for a full course load or have a pre-approved reduced course load with appropriate documentation for allowable reasons, such as medical or academic issues.

Online courses are permitted for F-1 visa holders, but only one per semester

International students with an F-1 visa are permitted to take online courses, but there are some important conditions to be aware of. Firstly, online courses can only count towards a full course of study for an F-1 student if they make up no more than one class or three credit hours per semester. This means that F-1 visa holders must physically attend the rest of their classes on campus.

Additionally, the program enrolled in must not be fully online. In other words, any online course offerings must be part of a hybrid program, with a mix of online and in-person classes. This is an important requirement for maintaining F-1 visa status while studying in the US. Before applying, prospective students should confirm that their university of choice offers a hybrid model to ensure they can maintain their visa status and avoid any delays or enrollment issues.

It's worth noting that there is some flexibility for F-1 visa holders during the summer or winter sessions, when enrollment is typically optional. During these sessions, international students can take as many online courses as they like, provided they are not completing their academic program during that summer term.

In summary, while online courses are permitted for F-1 visa holders, it's important to be mindful of the restrictions and ensure that both the program and the number of online courses taken comply with the requirements outlined above.

Hybrid learning combines online and in-person classes

Hybrid courses offer flexibility, allowing students to access course materials at their convenience and balance other commitments such as work and family. They also cater to diverse learning styles, giving students autonomy over their education and the opportunity to engage with course materials in their preferred manner. For example, visual learners can review slides and auditory learners can rewatch lectures.

However, hybrid learning also has its challenges. It limits real-time interaction with instructors and peers, which may be detrimental for students who thrive on social engagement and find it difficult to connect virtually. Additionally, hybrid learning demands good time management and self-discipline, as it can be challenging to complete online work independently.

The structure of a hybrid course varies depending on the course, institution, and instructor. Typically, students attend class in-person on specific days and complete the remaining work online. The time split between these two components can range from 25-75%, with an example split being 50% in-person and 50% online.

Hybrid learning is more than just dividing a syllabus between virtual and physical classrooms. It involves a comprehensive approach, utilising technology to create an ideal learning experience that combines the benefits of both formats. This includes the use of video conferencing tools to connect students learning remotely with those in the classroom.

In summary, hybrid learning offers a flexible and personalised educational experience, catering to diverse learning styles and providing access to global educators and classmates. However, it also presents challenges in terms of reduced social interaction and increased demands on students' time management skills.

International students can take online classes for convenience and flexibility

International students can benefit from the convenience and flexibility of online classes. Online learning has become an increasingly popular option for international students, with around 7,313,623 students enrolled in distance learning courses in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as travel restrictions and health concerns prevented many students from attending in-person classes.

Online classes offer international students a convenient and flexible way to pursue their degrees. They can save on living and travel costs, and easily adapt their schedules with pre-recorded lessons. Additionally, the wider adoption of online courses has led to improved technology and supplementary software, enhancing the overall student experience.

International students with F-1 visas can take online courses in specific academic programs or online summer courses in the US. However, it is important to note that their program must not be fully online. To maintain their F-1 visa status, they need to enrol in a hybrid program, combining online and in-person classes.

Before applying, students should confirm that their preferred university offers a hybrid model to avoid any delays or enrolment issues. Some universities offering hybrid programs include the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Cleveland State University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of the Pacific.

International students can also consider starting their studies online from their home country and then transferring to a partner US campus to complete their degree. This option provides flexibility and a smooth transition to studying in the US.

Online learning became more important during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rapid shift to online learning, with many academic institutions having to adapt their teaching methods and curriculums to digital formats. This transition presented challenges, as staff and students had to adjust to new tools and ways of teaching and learning. However, it also offered opportunities for innovation and flexibility in education.

The move to online learning was particularly abrupt for many universities, which had to shut down their campuses and shift to fully online courses. This change was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus and keep students and staff safe. While some universities had experience with online learning, others had to rapidly adopt new technologies and methods. This transition was stressful for many, as they had to quickly educate themselves on distance education tools and adapt their teaching methods.

Despite the challenges, the shift to online learning during the pandemic had several positive outcomes. It prompted a giant leap forward for many academic institutions in terms of digital familiarity and comfort. Both teachers and students experienced increased flexibility in preparing learning materials and studying. Online learning also allowed for asynchronous learning, where students could access pre-recorded lectures and study at their own pace.

However, not all aspects of education could be easily transferred to a digital format. Practical components, such as those in nursing education, posed challenges. Nevertheless, certain subjects, such as nursing informatics, lent themselves well to distance learning, especially for students who were also working.

The impact of the pandemic on online learning extended beyond the education sector. It spurred the development and application of innovative digital health solutions to provide educational content. The pandemic may have also contributed to a "new digital dawn," with a growing recognition of the importance of digital tools and the need to sustain and utilize them in future practices.

Overall, while the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges, it also accelerated the adoption of online learning and highlighted its potential benefits. This period of rapid transition and innovation in education may have long-lasting effects on the way teaching and learning are conducted in the future.

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