Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior and I've been thinking a lot about colleges. I really value diversity and international perspectives, and I'm curious which U.S. colleges and universities enroll the most international students, and which have good support systems and structures in place for international students on their campuses. Does anyone have any insights or suggestions?
Certainly, a diverse student body can enrich the educational experience. Among universities with large international student populations, you'll find New York University (NYU), University of Southern California (USC), Northeastern University, and Columbia University. These institutions boast robust international communities, often constituting 15-20% of the overall student body.
One thing to bear in mind is that a high number of international students doesn't always translate to effective support systems. Therefore, it would be beneficial to look into the specific services each college offers, such as orientation for international students, English language support, immigration advising, and cultural organizations, clubs and events.
For instance, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, another school with a large international presence, provides personalized advising for international students alongside programs addressing cultural adjustment and professional development.
Remember, however, a college's commitment to supporting international students can be found in schools of all sizes, and a smaller international community doesn't necessarily mean less support or less commitment to global perspectives. For example, Macalester College in Minnesota is known for its emphasis on internationalism, cross-cultural understanding, and student support despite a smaller student body.
In summary, while the above schools I've mentioned may have more international students, it is crucial that you check for established support systems and services for this demographic at any school you consider. Don't hesitate to reach out to each school's international student office for more detailed information.
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