Ibrahim Gardner
International students face numerous challenges when studying abroad, and colleges have a responsibility to ensure equity and inclusivity for these students. While internationalization brings benefits to colleges and universities, it is imperative that institutions provide sufficient support services to help international students settle into a foreign country and succeed academically. This includes addressing language barriers, cultural differences, and academic placement policies. Colleges must also prevent racist incidents and isolation that many international students may encounter, promoting racial equity and inclusion. Furthermore, community colleges and smaller institutions may lack the funding and resources to adequately support international students, impacting their ability to provide equitable services. To achieve true equity, colleges must address these challenges and provide international students with the necessary tools to succeed, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to excel in their academic pursuits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in U.S. colleges | International students face challenges in adjusting to a foreign country, culture, and academic life. |
| Support for international students | Colleges may offer support services, such as an International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) office, to assist with practical matters, cultural adjustment, and academic pursuits. |
| Recruitment of international students | Colleges may actively recruit international students, especially highly skilled doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars, who can pay higher fees than domestic students. |
| Scholarships for international students | Some colleges offer scholarships specifically for international students, such as the Equity and Merit Scholarships at the University of Manchester, which are merit-based and aimed at students from the Global South. |
| Work opportunities for international students | International students on student visas are generally not allowed to work off-campus but may be able to work part-time on campus. |
| Health insurance for international students | Many colleges require international students to have health insurance, and the fees may be included in their tuition and other regular charges. |
| Using home equity for college funding | Homeowners can leverage their home equity to pay for their child's college education through home equity loans or HELOCs, but there are pros and cons to consider, such as interest rates, collateral risks, and impact on financial aid. |
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What You'll Learn
International student scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to fund your education as an international student. There are thousands of scholarship opportunities out there, some of which are open to students from just about every country in the world. Scholarships can be awarded based on merit, need, or even your chosen field of study.
Some scholarships are offered by specific colleges, such as Mission College, which offers various types of scholarships to international students. Other scholarships are offered by third-party organizations, such as MPOWER Financing, which offers scholarships to international students pursuing an MBA or studying in a STEM field. There are also scholarships specifically for students from certain regions, such as the Equity and Merit Scholarships offered by the University of Manchester for students from the Global South.
You can find scholarships by searching online databases such as InternationalScholarships.com, InternationalStudent.com, or IEFA.org. These websites allow you to search for scholarships by location, subject of study, student origin, or award name. Once you find a scholarship that interests you, you can contact the host institution directly to apply.
In addition to scholarships, international students may also consider other forms of financial aid such as college loans or postdoctoral fellowships. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application procedures for each scholarship or financial aid opportunity.
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International student support services
International students face a unique set of challenges when studying abroad, from navigating visas and immigration rules to dealing with culture shock and adjusting to a new academic system. To support these students, many colleges and universities have developed comprehensive support services to help international students succeed academically and socially. These services can be crucial in facilitating a smooth transition to life in a foreign country and creating a diverse and inclusive campus community.
One example of such services is the International Student Services (ISS) offices found at many U.S. colleges and universities. ISS offices serve as a central resource for international students, providing information and support on a range of topics, including visas, accommodations, campus resources, language assistance, and social activities. They often offer one-on-one consultations with advisers and host events to help international students feel welcomed and involved in the campus community.
Some institutions with sufficient funding and resources may have an International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) office, which provides more personalised assistance to international students. This may include helping students with practical tasks such as finding housing, setting up bank accounts, and obtaining driver's licenses, in addition to supporting them with the unique challenges of adjusting to a new culture and academic environment.
In the UK, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is a charity that has been supporting international students since 1968. UKCISA provides information, advice, and training to international students and the institutions that work with them. They operate a helpline, lobby the government on issues affecting international students, and run a student ambassador programme to help improve support for international students across the country.
Additionally, some colleges and universities may offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the University of Manchester offers Equity and Merit Scholarships to academically excellent students from the Global South who demonstrate the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. These scholarships aim to empower students who could not otherwise afford to study abroad.
Overall, international student support services play a crucial role in helping international students succeed and thrive in their new academic and cultural environments. These services can provide practical assistance, social connections, and emotional support, making the transition to life in a foreign country smoother and more positive.
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International student orientation
During international student orientation, students can expect to receive practical advice and information on a range of topics unique to their needs. This includes guidance on applying for and maintaining student visas, cultural adjustment, expectations of the classroom in their host country, healthcare, and insurance. Additionally, orientation programs may cover topics such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver's license, finding accommodation, and managing finances. These sessions aim to address the specific challenges that international students face when settling into a foreign country and provide them with the knowledge and resources to succeed academically and socially.
The University of Texas at Austin, for example, organises International Student Orientation through its International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). They hold concurrent sessions for degree-seeking students and exchange students, covering topics such as immigration, banking, budgeting, health insurance, and accessing ISSS resources. UT Austin also offers welcome events and social activities to help international students meet their future classmates and feel welcomed at the university and in the wider community.
Similarly, UT Dallas's Intercultural Programs (ICP) Team provides International Student Orientation, which is mandatory for F and J graduate international students and exchange students. UT Dallas recommends that students download their mobile application to access important information about the orientation and its resources. They also offer campus tours, presentations, and virtual information sessions to complement the orientation experience.
Northeastern University also requires all J-1 students and exchange students to attend their OGS orientation, which assists students in transitioning to a new city and understanding their responsibilities as international students.
To support international students effectively, universities should provide comprehensive orientation programs and ongoing support services. This includes offering practical advice, addressing individual needs, and creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment. By doing so, universities can promote the success and well-being of their international students and foster a truly internationalised campus community.
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Funding college with home equity
Firstly, it is worth noting that only a small percentage of parents use home equity loans to pay for their child's college education. According to the 2021 How America Pays for College Report by SallieMae, only 6% of parent borrowing for college came from a home equity loan. This is partly because, as the economy has improved, the percentage of parents opting for such loans has dropped.
There are two main methods for colleges to assess your need and eligibility for financial aid: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. Each treats home equity differently. The FAFSA calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI), estimating your aid eligibility based on financial resources, including available assets. The CSS Profile includes home equity and cash account values, which may reduce your aid. However, each college treats this information differently, with some capping or excluding home equity.
If you wish to use home equity to pay for college, there are a few options. Firstly, you can apply for financial aid through FAFSA and then take out a home equity loan. This way, the loan proceeds won't be counted as assets for that year. Alternatively, you can take out a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which allows you to borrow as needed over several years, without a large amount of cash affecting your aid eligibility. However, if a college uses the CSS Profile and considers home equity, these approaches may not be beneficial.
Home equity loans and HELOCs have their advantages. They often have lower interest rates than other loans, providing immediate liquidity and faster access to funds. However, there are risks. If you are unable to repay a HELOC, you may face foreclosure and lose your home. HELOCs may also have variable interest rates that increase over time, and using home equity limits your ability to borrow for future needs. Additionally, co-signing a private student loan is another option that does not require home equity and may offer more flexibility.
In conclusion, while home equity can be used to fund college education, it should be carefully considered alongside other options like scholarships, grants, and part-time work. The potential risks of impacting financial aid and losing your home should be weighed against the benefits of lower interest rates and faster access to funds.
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International student visas
International students who wish to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The most common types of student visas are the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those pursuing vocational studies.
To obtain an F-1 visa, students must first apply to a SEVP-approved school and receive a Form I-20. With this form, they can then apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in their home country. It is important to note that students with F-1 visas are generally not allowed to work off-campus due to immigration rules. However, they may be eligible to work on-campus or in a job related to their studies.
For an M-1 visa, the process is similar. Students must apply to a SEVP-approved school and obtain a Form I-20. They can then apply for the M-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait times for visa interviews vary by location, season, and visa category, so it is recommended to apply early. New students can obtain their visas up to 365 days before the start date of their course but cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days beforehand.
In addition to the F-1 and M-1 visas, there is also the J-1 exchange visitor visa. This visa is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, or research assistants.
The process of obtaining a student visa in the United States involves several steps, and prospective international students should ensure they carefully follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they will be applying.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student is someone who decides to pursue an education in a country other than their own.
International students often require additional support to settle into a foreign country and succeed academically. Some colleges have an International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) office with a team that assists international students with challenges like finding housing, setting up bank accounts, and obtaining driver's licenses. Other services include International Student Orientation (ISO), which helps students get acquainted with the campus, learn about student services, and meet with an academic advisor.
Many colleges offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the University of Manchester offers Equity and Merit Scholarships for academically excellent students from the Global South who demonstrate the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
International students on student visas are generally allowed to work part-time on campus but not off-campus due to immigration rules.
Aside from scholarships, international students can apply for health insurance, which is often included in tuition fees. Additionally, consider home equity loans or HELOCs, which are second mortgages that allow you to borrow against the equity in your home. However, these loans have pros and cons and should be carefully considered.
