If you are an international student or parent, or anyone who wants to cut costs in college, you won’t want to miss last week’s episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation. Guest host Sally Ganga had experts on hand to talk about the many aspects of college admissions and enrollment for international students, and she welcomed a recent and gainfully employed college graduate, who shared some fantastic college cost-saving advice with our listeners.

International students face a special challenge as they pack their bags to study in the states: How do you move your life across the globe without racking up exorbitant airline fees or shipping costs? There will be some hard decisions about what to leave and what to take, but here’s some advice to get you started.

Making Sense of U.S. Universities while Living Internationally

Finding the perfect college or university a few hours’ drive from home is daunting enough, so imagine what it’s like for those geographically removed by an ocean or continent from their prospective schools.

For many international students hoping to study in the USA, the process of just getting in is overwhelming. By the time the acceptance letter is in hand and the deposit is made, it’s understandable to say, “PHEW! I’m done!” But after the relief wears off, a new wave of questions and anxieties usually hit families around. “How will I get from the airport to campus?” “Am I expected to find twin XL sheets on my own?” “What will I do when all of the American students leave campus for Thanksgiving?” There are so many unknowns for international students moving far from home to study in the USA.

Congratulations! You have been accepted to study in the United States! Last year, over one million international students studied in the U.S. in a variety of programs—from a six-month certificate to graduate-level work. Students pursued a diverse range of fields, including business, engineering, math and computer sciences, social sciences, and physical and life sciences. As a citizen of another country, you will need a student visa to study in the U.S., but today’s political climate is leaving many hopeful international students anxious about the visa process. Visit travel.state.gov to find out what to expect on your journey, and check out this brief outline of the visa process.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test that measures the English skills of non-native speakers. The Internet-based test consists of reading, writing, speaking, and listening sections, while the less common paper-based test covers only reading, writing, and listening. Most U.S. universities will expect you to take the TOEFL if you are a non-native speaker residing in a country where English is not the primary language. Even if you attend an English-language high school, many universities still expect you to take the TOEFL.

Sending your child off to college can be nerve-wracking for any parent, whether that campus is 20 minutes away from home or a two-hour plane ride. There is the inevitable push and pull of giving your child the space and opportunity to venture out on his own and simultaneously ensuring appropriate safety nets. But what if you’re sending your child to study overseas? How can you safeguard your child when you are literally a world apart?

Tips for International Students Visiting U.S. Universities

The vast majority of students applying to U.S. universities from overseas won’t have the opportunity to visit American campuses, and this fact won’t hurt your chances of admission. The university staff knows it can be impractical and costly to see all of your prospective schools if you live far away. However, if you find yourself in a position to travel to the U.S., be sure to take advantage of the extensive campus tours and information sessions most schools provide. This will not only give you a clearer impression of the schools and their rightness of fit, but may also give you a chance to show you’re actively interested in these universities. Here are our tips for how to make the most out of your college visits.

In the May 12^th episode of “Getting In: A College Coach Conversation,” guest host Ian Fisher welcomed three unique perspectives to discuss three very different topics.

Should I Take a Gap Year?

Earlier this month, Malia Obama announced that she’ll be taking a gap year before heading off to college, thus sparking many people to ask, “What is a gap year and should I also consider taking one?” College Coach admissions expert Kara Courtois joined Ian to discuss what a gap year is and the many reasons why a student might choose to take one.