Choosing to pursue your academic and athletic dreams in the United States is a significant decision. It's a pathway filled with incredible opportunities for personal growth, both on and off the field. At FirstPoint USA, we understand the excitement and potential anxieties that come with this transition. That's why we're dedicated to ensuring you not only thrive but also make the most of every aspect of your US university experience.
This blog will guide you through some of the key areas where universities offer extensive support, reassuring both students and parents that a strong network and dedicated resources are in place to help you succeed.
Settling In and Acclimatization: Your Home Away from Home
The initial weeks in a new country can be challenging. Universities recognize this and provide comprehensive orientation programs designed to ease your transition. These programs often include:
- Airport Pickup and Welcome Events: Some universities will offer airport pickup services and organize welcome events to help you connect with other international students and familiarize yourself with the campus.
- Cultural Adjustment Workshops: These workshops provide valuable insights into American culture, customs, and social norms, helping you navigate potential cultural differences.
- Buddy Programs: You may be paired with a current student who can offer guidance and support during your first few weeks.
Mental Wellbeing: Your Health is Your Wealth
Maintaining your mental health is crucial for success both academically and athletically. US universities offer a range of resources to support your wellbeing:
- Counselling Services: Most universities provide free and confidential counselling services, offering support for stress management, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
- Wellness Programs: These programs promote healthy lifestyles through workshops on nutrition, sleep, and stress reduction techniques.
- Support Groups: Connecting with other students who share similar experiences can be incredibly beneficial. Universities often facilitate support groups for international students.
Study Support: Excelling in the Classroom
Balancing academics and athletics require strong study skills and effective time management. Universities offer a variety of resources to help you succeed academically:
- Tutoring Services: Free tutoring is often available for a wide range of subjects.
- Writing Centers: These centers provide assistance with essays, research papers, and other academic writing assignments.
- Academic Advising: Academic advisors can help you choose courses, develop study plans, and navigate university policies.
Campus Life: Immerse Yourself in the Community
US universities offer a vibrant campus life with countless opportunities to get involved and make lifelong friends.
- Student Clubs and Organizations: From academic clubs to sports teams to cultural organizations, there's something for everyone. Joining a club is a great way to meet people with similar interests.
- Sporting Events: Attending university sporting events is a great way to show your school spirit and connect with fellow students.
- Cultural Events: Universities often host cultural events and celebrations, providing opportunities to share your own culture and learn about others.
Guidance on Future Career Opportunities and Internships: Preparing for Your Future
Your university experience is not just about academics and athletics; it's also about preparing for your future career.
- Career Services: Career centers offer a range of services, including resume and cover letter writing assistance, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
- Internship Programs: Many universities have strong relationships with local and national companies, providing access to valuable internship opportunities.
- Networking Events: Career fairs and networking events allow you to connect with potential employers.
Featured College: Randolph-Macon College
Randolph-Macon College, a FirstPoint USA partner and NCAA DIII institution, offers career coaching, internship connections, and post-graduate job placement assistance as part of their support service through their impressive Edge Career Center. All students are required to attend the edge career boot camp in their sophomore year. The Center helps students with career coaching, resume building, and preparing for post-college opportunities.
“The Edge Center at Randolph Macon College is one of our definitely one of our strong suits and we are consistently ranked within the top 15 or 20 career services centers for colleges and universities across the nation. We work really hard to make sure that students are prepared for their next steps for entering the workforce and our Edge Career Center provides a lot of resources like career coaching and one-on-one consultation,” said Gretchin Steele, International Student Recruiter at Randolph Macon College.
“We also help with internship connections, post-graduate job placement connections and preparations for graduate school. All of those opportunities are voluntary, so students really do have to have the agency to access them.
“RMC also offers a boot camp which students would typically take in their sophomore year, where they will come to campus and spend a whole weekend in the career center doing mock interviews for a career that they're interested in. This also includes participating in an etiquette dinner so that they know how to behave in a much more formal setting if that ever comes up in their future and doing all kinds of different things to make sure that they're honing the soft skills that can be applicable in any field.”
Connecting students with potential future employers is another great service available.
“We offer students looking into internships or postgrad employment the opportunity to engage with CEOs from local Fortune 500 companies. There are eight of those companies headquartered in the Richmond area and that network provides a wealth of opportunity for our students.
“Our careers centre provides a program called ‘Access C-suite’ which allows students to go and meet with the CEOs the CFOs of those large companies which has seen a lot of success, so just being able to access people at that high level is really helpful for a lot of our students.”
Opportunities to Work on Campus: Gaining Valuable Experience
Working on campus can provide valuable work experience and help you offset some of your expenses.
- On-Campus Jobs: Many universities offer on-campus jobs for international students, such as working in the library, cafeteria, or student center.
- Workshops and Training: Universities may offer workshops and training to help you develop your job skills.
- Networking: Working on campus can provide opportunities to network with faculty and staff.
Halls of Residence: Your On-Campus Community
Students can also receive vital support depending on where they live, and halls of residence provide a supportive and convenient environment. Living on halls gives you the opportunity to meet new friends, integrate with the wider community of fellow students and develop independence away from family living, helping you maximise your personal development.
- On-Campus Housing: Most universities offer on-campus housing options, providing a safe and convenient place to live.
- Residential Advisors: Residential advisors (RAs) are student leaders who live in the halls and provide support and guidance to residents.
- Social Activities: Halls of residence often organize social activities, providing opportunities to connect with other students.
Summary: Your Support System in the US
US universities are committed to providing a comprehensive support system for international student-athletes. This includes assistance with:
- Settling in and acclimatization: Orientation programs, cultural adjustment workshops, and buddy programs.
- Mental wellbeing: Counselling services, wellness programs, and support groups.
- Study support: Tutoring services, writing centers, and academic advising.
- Campus life: Student clubs and organizations, sporting events, and cultural events.
- Career opportunities and internships: Career services, internship programs, and networking events.
- Financial support/scholarships: Merit-based scholarships and payment plans.
- Halls of residence: On-campus housing and residential advisors.
- Opportunities to work on campus: On-campus jobs and job skills training.
Maximizing Your US University Experience: Your Action Plan
To make the most of your time in the US, consider the following:
- Be Proactive: Take advantage of all the support services available to you. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
- Get Involved: Join clubs, attend events, and immerse yourself in campus life.
- Build Relationships: Connect with professors, advisors, and other students.
- Plan for Your Future: Utilize career services and explore internship opportunities.
- Stay Connected: Maintain connections with family and friends back home but also embrace your new community. Gretchen advises being communicative throughout the application process and putting personal effort into the essay.
The US offers a unique and enriching experience for international student-athletes. By taking advantage of the extensive support services available and embracing the opportunities that come your way, you can achieve your academic and athletic goals while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
If you're keen on the life-changing opportunity to play and study in the US, register your interest with FirstPoint USA today.
