In another in our series of stories from our team, Sai Somboon will share his decision to apply to and attend college in the United States despite growing up in Thailand. We’re also offering tips for the Georgetown application essays and previewing the FAFSA and CSS Profiles so that you can pull together the information you’ll need to complete these when they become available this fall.

Guest post by Dr. Steven Tolman, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Georgia Southern University

International students help our college communities achieve globalization, preparing all students for a future that knows no boundaries between countries, cultures, and the differences between people that make them unique. As a college professor, I have had the pleasure and privilege to teach and mentor international students, and conduct academic research on their transitions into U.S. colleges and universities. Based on these experiences and those my students have shared with me, here are my suggestions for international students as they adjust to studying at colleges in the U.S.

Years ago I worked as an International Student Advisor at an independent English language school in Boston. Our students ranged in their language skills and abilities; some simply hoped to improve their conversational English while other students, university-bound hopefuls, studied hard to improve their TOEFL scores. Their goal was to enroll at one of the many universities in the area. If you’re considering an intensive English program, it takes time to narrow down options and do your research. For many international students who want to pursue a degree in the United States, an English language school (ELS) is often the first step.

Applying to US colleges can be complicated. The process can be even more difficult if you are coming from another country. We have advice designed specifically for international students who hope to attend college in the US. In Office Hours, we are answering your college admissions and finance questions.

How to Research US Universities When You Can’t Visit

There’s no doubt about it: If international students have the time and ability to visit campuses in the U.S., do it!  But that certainly isn’t always a realistic option.

Today we’re going to tackle a selection of questions frequently asked by “international” students, the answer to all of which could be: “It depends.” In fact, I put the word international in quotation marks because the answer to, “Who do colleges consider an international applicant?” is often, “It depends.”  That’s how diverse the range of responses from different colleges can be. But before I answer the questions below, as best as I can, let me tell you two things about international admissions that I know for sure:

There is a scholarship (or many scholarships) out there for everyone. Every student has some skill, interest, experience, or characteristic that may make them an attractive candidate for one scholarship or another. And while we often refer to scholarships as “free money,” scholarships don’t actually come for free. It takes work to thoughtfully consider your strengths and research the scholarships that might be most appropriate for you. While the effort that goes into finding and winning scholarships may be akin to a part-time job, we at College Coach want to make your job a little easier. This on-going scholarship series highlights a new scholarship each week. Check out the below, along with the other posts in the series, and you may discover a funding resource that will make covering that college bill a little (or a lot!) easier.

What International Students Can Expect from the US Admissions Process

Applying to a U.S. university from abroad can seem like a daunting process. Not only are you taking a leap from the familiar educational surroundings of your secondary school into the unknown waters of higher education, there’s a possibility you’re flying farther away from home than most of your peers and taking a chance on an entirely different country and educational system. Let’s just say, “we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Unless, of course, Kansas is your ultimate destination.

Whether you’re an American or international applicant, you may hope to spend your college years in a cosmopolitan campus setting, meeting students from around the world. Maybe this is because you’ve grown accustomed to a diverse population in your own school, or maybe it’s just the opposite—you’re ready for a big departure from your homogenous hometown. Regardless, there are plenty of colleges and universities famous for their international flavor and their variety may surprise you.

Despite a recent downturn in the number of international students moving to the United States to attend college, the U.S. remains a popular academic destination. But there’s no denying that the cost of an American education is a deterrent to many prospective students. If you’re eager to move to the U.S., but the price of our universities gives you pause, you may want to consider beginning your educational journey at a community college. Also referred to as junior or two-year colleges, these schools are usually much more affordable than a four-year institution, and the requirements to gain admission are minimal.