Overview of the unique challenges that international students face when attending higher education institutions, including language barriers, cultural differences, and navigating the visa application process.
Student Visa: A visa that allows foreign students to study at a higher education institution in a foreign country.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships: The cost of tuition and scholarship opportunities available to international students based on their academic record and financial need.
Language Requirements: The language proficiency and ability requirements needed to study in a foreign country.
Cultural Adjustment: The process of adjusting to living in a foreign country, including adapting to new customs, practices, and social norms.
Campus Resources: Academic and non-academic support resources available to international students on campus, such as counseling services, international student centers, and health services.
Campus Life and Extracurricular Activities: Opportunities for international students to participate in clubs, organizations, and events on campus.
Housing: Options for international students to live on campus or off campus, including housing programs that support international students.
Employment and Internships: Opportunities for international students to work or intern while studying, including eligibility requirements and work visa regulations.
Academic Advising: Support and guidance provided to international students in regards to course selection, degree requirements, and academic goals.
Student Health and Safety: Health and safety policies, procedures and resources available to international students, including emergency response procedures and health insurance.
Degree-seeking international students: These students come to a foreign country to obtain a degree from an institution of higher education, such as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. They usually have to fulfill certain academic requirements, such as language proficiency and specific coursework.
Exchange students: These students participate in a study abroad program that allows them to enroll in courses at a host institution while still remaining a student at their home institution. Exchange programs are typically arranged through agreements between institutions, and students are expected to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Language learners: These students come to a foreign country specifically to learn the language and culture of the host country. They may enroll in language courses or language immersion programs at an institution of higher education or language schools.
International Scholars: These students are typically pursuing academic research programs or fellowships that typically last between a few months to a few years. They may be doing research or teaching at an overseas institution and studying local culture.
Study Tourists: These are usually not full-time students in the traditional sense, but they travel to a foreign country to participate in short courses that are designed more for leisure, cultural enrichment, or language and skill-building purposes.