myUface Blog

One thing you may want to consider when researching potential U.S. universities is how many international students study there.  A university that has a high percentage of international students is going to provide a different experience than a university that has almost no international students.

U.S. News and World Report has a list of the universities with the highest percentage of international students, just to give you an idea of what a “large international student population” means.  Note that the university with the highest percentage of international students still has 78% American students.

Many universities you’re researching won’t be on this list.  Finding out the percentage of international students that study there should nonetheless be easy.  Many university websites will have that information, or you can write to the admissions office.

Now, the important question is, do you want to go to a university with a high or low percentage of international students?  There are benefits to both approaches.

Typical benefits of going to a university with a high percentage of international students:

• students, professors and administrators will be familiar with international students and more sympathetic to problems you might have
• there will typically be an international student office to help you with issues specific to international students
• there will usually be an international student community which can provide you with a good social network and support system

Typical benefits of going to a university with a low percentage of international students:

• because there won’t be a large group of international students to spend time with, you’ll be “forced” to develop more friendships with American students
• you’ll be treated exactly like all the other students
• because you’ll be one of a few international students, American students may be more interested in your country and your story

For your consideration: would you like to go to a university with a high or low percentage of international students?  Why?

Posts in this Series

1. Conclusion - How to Choose a U.S. University - 02 Jun
2. Activities Around a University Campus - 01 Jun
3. Check Out U.S. Universities on iTunes U - 26 May
4. Extracurricular Activities - 25 May
5. Get to Know Your Potential Professors - 21 May
6. Don't Forget Your Life! - 20 May
7. What Do You Want to See in the U.S.? - 19 May
8. How Many International Students go to your Chosen University? (This post)
9. The Problem with University Rankings - 17 May
10. Using Facebook to Research Universities - 14 May
11. Look at the Surrounding Neighborhoods When Looking at a U.S. University - 13 May
12. How Weather Should Factor Into Your Search for a U.S. University - 12 May
13. Looking for a University in the United States: Cost of Living - 11 May
14. Looking for a University in the United States - 10 May