Will I Be Welcome in the United States? Yes!
Studying in the U.S. has been a dream of countless international students for years. Since the start of the 20th century, the United States has been welcoming overseas students to its colleges and universities. Today, over one million students from over 100 countries have come for associates, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
Advocating for you
Now more than ever, U.S. colleges are opening their doors to students like you who wish to explore what this country has to offer. A recent viral campaign on Twitter, #WelcometoSucceed, shows international educators in the United States, along with several prominent U.S. representatives and senators, support international students who want to succeed here. Many university leaders and international education professionals around the country advocate to our elected officials.
International educators in the United States want nothing more than to help students from overseas. Faculty members, advisers, and other campus support personnel also care deeply for your success. Communities around U.S. colleges benefit greatly from your presence as well. Even within the U.S. government, the State Department values mutual understanding as part of their public diplomacy mission. They believe that international students like you take what you’ve learned about this country back home, dispelling myths or misperceptions of what this country is like, in addition to being an unofficial ambassador for your homeland in the U.S.
You will be in very good company should you choose to study in the United States. Almost 300 past and current world leaders have participated in academic programs in the United States. As of 2018, 58 heads of government had studied here. That’s approximately one-third of all world leaders who received part of their post-secondary education in the U.S.
Welcoming you
In late 2016, a campaign began called #YouAreWelcomeHere (#YAWH) among U.S. colleges and universities wanting to share how their campuses felt toward students like you. There are a variety of ways institutions help international students settle in and feel a part of their communities. Whether it be airport pickups when you first arrive in the U.S., initial orientation and mentoring programs, or ongoing support in housing, student employment, internships, and more, many colleges provide a wide range of services to make you feel welcome.
As part of the #YAWH campaign, which continues today, over 350 U.S. colleges produced videos and other social media messages in support of not only their currently enrolled internationals but also future students like yourself. This past fall, over 50 institutions announced their participation in #YAWH scholarships worth at least 50% of the tuition costs at those universities and colleges. What better way to show support than providing financial aid to help make studying in the United States more affordable?
What do current international students say about their campus experience? Twenty-eight current students at American University in Washington DC gave their welcome greetings to this recently released video message. Is your country represented?
In the end, you and your parents will decide where you will study. If you do not already know older classmates or friends who are attending U.S. colleges right now, who can you ask about what it might be like for you? More than anyone else, students on the college campuses that you’re considering can help paint the picture for you of what life would be like.
If you need assistance in your search for the U.S. college that will be most welcoming to you, get in contact with a U.S. News Global Education counselortoday!