Lana Oconnell
International students, also known as exchange students or foreign students, are those who undertake part or all of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations. International students face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of support groups. They also contribute to technological innovation and enhance the diversity of their host countries. International students in the US are considered nonimmigrants with specific visa requirements and academic regulations. Universities often offer support and resources to help international students transition to their new academic and cultural environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students worldwide in 2022 | 6.9 million |
| Number of international students in the US in 2023-24 | 1,126,690 |
| Top origin countries of international students in the US in 2023-24 | India (331,602), China (277,398) |
| Top fields of study for international students in the US in 2023-24 | STEM (56%), Math and Computer Science (25%), Engineering (19%) |
| Definition of an international student in the US | Individuals studying on a non-immigrant, temporary visa for academic study at the post-secondary level |
| Definition of an international student at USC | Individuals who enter or plan to enter the US with a visa, including non-immigrant visas such as E2, H2, or L2 |
| Common challenges for international students | Language barriers, lack of support groups, financial pressures |
| Support available for international students | University pathway programs, international student offices, scholarships, health insurance tools |
| Opportunities for international students | Part-time jobs, preparation for English proficiency tests |
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What You'll Learn
International students are individuals who study abroad
International students are individuals who undertake part or all of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were over 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations.
International students contribute positively to their host countries in various ways, including economic gains and technological innovation. For example, international students in the US contributed to a growth in economic activity and enhanced America's ability to compete in the global economy through their diverse perspectives. However, international students may also face challenges during their academic journey abroad. Language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of support groups can make it difficult for international students to adjust to their new environment and connect with domestic students.
To facilitate the transition for international students, many universities offer support programs and resources. For instance, pathway programs at universities like the University of Kansas and Adelphi University help international students adjust to their degree programs by providing additional assistance and resources. Similarly, Auburn University and the University of Utah offer global pathway programs to ease the transition for international students and provide access to extra support and career growth assistance.
International students also need to navigate visa requirements and financial considerations. In the United States, international students are typically required to obtain a non-immigrant visa (such as F-1, M-1, or F-2) and demonstrate their ability to cover tuition and living expenses. To maintain their visa status, international students must comply with specific rules and regulations, such as maintaining full-time student status and adhering to employment restrictions.
Overall, the term "international student" encompasses individuals who embark on educational journeys abroad, enriching their host countries academically, culturally, and economically while navigating the challenges of living and studying in a new country.
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They are also known as foreign students
International students are individuals who undertake all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. They are also known as foreign students. In 2022, there were over 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations.
The term "foreign student" is often used interchangeably with "international student," and they are defined by their temporary immigration status in the country where they are studying. In the US, for example, international students are considered nonimmigrants as they are in the country solely to pursue an education at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The US government categorizes international students into F-1 nonimmigrants and M-1 nonimmigrants, with F-1 students pursuing academic or professional study and M-1 students attending vocational or other recognised non-academic institutions.
Foreign students often encounter challenges due to language barriers and cultural differences. They may struggle to make friends, adapt to the local culture, and navigate the new academic environment. Additionally, most foreign students lack support groups in their host country, although universities usually have an International Student Office to assist with the transition. Language difficulties can also lead to ignorance or disrespect from native speakers. To overcome this, many universities offer programs to help international students improve their language skills and prepare for English proficiency tests.
Foreign students contribute significantly to the economies of their host countries, and their diverse perspectives enhance technological innovation and global competitiveness. However, they may face suspicions of involvement in economic and industrial espionage. The process of marketing higher education to international students has become a significant trend, especially in English-speaking countries.
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The US government classifies them as nonimmigrants
International students, or exchange students, are individuals who pursue all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country besides their own. In 2022, there were 6.9 million international students, with the United States hosting 1,126,690 of these students, making it the most popular destination for international students.
The US government classifies international students as nonimmigrants, referring to foreign nationals admitted into the country temporarily for a specific purpose. In the context of international students, their purpose for entering the US is to complete a program of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The US Department of Homeland Security categorises students as F-1 nonimmigrants or M-1 nonimmigrants, with F-1 students pursuing a full course of academic or professional study, and M-1 students enrolled in a full course of study at a vocational or other recognised non-academic institution.
F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant students are subject to specific rules to legally remain in the United States, such as engaging in a full course of study. Additionally, they must follow regulations regarding employment authorisation, as student visas require full-time student status with limited job opportunities. Upon completing their program, nonimmigrant students must either change their status or depart the country.
It is important for international students to maintain their nonimmigrant status by complying with the relevant regulations and requirements. This includes providing proof of their ability to pay tuition and living expenses, adhering to visa rules, and maintaining their full-time student status.
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International students face challenges such as language barriers
International students are individuals who pursue all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a foreign country. In 2022, there were over 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations.
International students face numerous challenges, including language barriers, which can impact their academic performance, social life, and overall adjustability. Language differences can hinder communication and make it difficult for international students to make friends and adapt to the local culture. These barriers can also lead to accent stereotyping and discrimination from native speakers. While some international students arrive with an excellent command of the local language, others may need additional support to improve their language skills and overcome these barriers.
Language barriers can be particularly prominent for international students studying in countries where English is the native or official language. Although English may be the medium of instruction, international students may encounter challenges due to slang, fast-paced speech, and the use of prepositions in compound verbs. These differences can make both understanding and speaking in conversations difficult. Additionally, speaking with an accent or pronouncing words differently can contribute to accent stereotyping and discrimination.
To address these challenges, some countries offer programs to help international students improve their language skills before enrolling in university-level studies. For example, the Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) program prepares students for academic life and English proficiency tests. However, more studies are needed to understand the challenges faced by international students in non-English speaking countries, as language barriers may hinder the publication and accessibility of research in this area.
Furthermore, international students may face challenges beyond language barriers. These include financial stressors, cultural differences, discrimination, and mental health concerns. They may also experience difficulties in adapting to new foods, weather conditions, and other cultural aspects of their host country. These challenges can impact their academic performance and life satisfaction, and support services are crucial in helping international students navigate these transitions.
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They contribute to technological innovation and the economy
International students are individuals who undertake all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own. In 2022, there were over 6.9 million international students worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom being the top three destinations.
International students contribute significantly to technological innovation and the economy of their host countries. For example, international students in the United States have been found to contribute to technological innovation, enhancing America's ability to compete in the global economy. This contribution to technological innovation is also reflected in the United Kingdom, where international students bring creative disruption to the education sector, leading to increased innovation.
In economic terms, international students have a positive impact on the countries they study in. For instance, international students in the United States contributed $43.8 billion to the country's economy during the 2023-2024 academic year and supported more than 378,000 jobs. This contribution is not limited to the United States, as international students in community colleges also contributed $2.0 billion to the economy and supported more than 8,400 jobs. The economic impact of international students extends beyond job creation and monetary gains, as they also contribute to the growth of the local economy and various sectors such as higher education, accommodation, dining, retail, and health insurance.
The impact of international students on technological innovation and the economy is also evident in the entrepreneurship and startup space. In the United States, 55% of billion-dollar startups have an immigrant founder, and immigrants are twice as likely as native-born Americans to become entrepreneurs. This trend is also observed in Canada, where one in four small to medium-sized businesses is owned or run by immigrants, with many of these businesses introducing innovations.
Overall, international students play a crucial role in driving technological innovation and contributing to the economic growth and development of their host countries. Their diverse perspectives and skills enhance the educational and business landscape, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are students who undertake all or part of their secondary or tertiary education in a country other than their own.
The most popular destinations for international students are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
International students often encounter difficulties with language barriers, ignorance or disrespect from native speakers, and a lack of support groups in their host country. They may also face financial pressures and challenges adapting to a new culture.
