Terra Dotta’s newest survey asked 356 international students in the US, 77% of whom were undergraduates, about various aspects of their study in the US – and while many responses echoed the general experience outlined by recent studies, immigration views were markedly different.
Just 6% said their decision to study in the US was “negatively impacted” – and only 28% said they had issues with their visa process.
Some 19% of the students responding to the survey were from China, and 17% were from India – but a smaller percentage were from countries in Africa, where the most issues with visa processes, including previous visa rejections, have been seen.
While there was a high satisfaction rate with post-graduation work opportunities, more support for finding jobs in the US after graduation was requested by 42% of respondents, with 28% also saying support for students to stay post-graduation altogether was a factor to work on.
To improve integration on US campuses for international students, 45% of respondents said that cultural activities would be necessary – something echoed by Terra Dotta’s CEO Ben Psillas.
“International students are drawn to the US for a multitude of reasons and it’s imperative that universities provide support in the search and application process, during their time at the university, as well as post-graduation efforts,” said Psillas.
“By adding more cross-cultural activities, enhancing the post-graduation opportunities and addressing key challenges, institutions can help stand out among current and future international students.”
A separate survey conducted by GradRight in May saw students saying that cost was a big factor in them not choosing certain institutions. Terra Dotta’s survey found that this issue continues even when students are on their course.
Affordability and financial aid eligibility was chosen by 68% of respondents as a factor that would “determine whether they would remain enrolled next year”.
Half of respondents also said that academic program satisfaction would be a factor that most determines their decision to remain in programs, and even family expectations was a big factor, chosen by 42% of respondents.
Cost and affordability would also hinge any decision for students thinking about transferring, with 63% saying it would influence them – but just 20% are unsure or actively thinking about transferring.
Safety was also a big factor for international students. Almost half (49%) of the respondents said that crime and personal safety was one of the concerns prior to their period of study in the US, representing over 20% more than any other concern.
It’s imperative that universities provide support in the search and application process, during their time at the university, as well as post-graduation efforts
Ben Psillas, Terra Dotta
However, after they’d been in the US, the concern of crime lessened, with only 31% listing it as a concern, and 45% saying they didn’t have any concerns whatsoever.
Nonetheless, the reality showed that 47% of respondents have witnessed some form of discrimination on campuses, showing that work may be needed to help students feel safer.
Surprising data came from the application patterns of the students responding. Some 60% only applied to three or fewer universities, with 21% applying to four to six – and only 10% applying to more than 10.
