Guiding American University Leaders in Supporting Foreign Students in Higher Education
In an increasingly globalized world, higher education institutions are taking proactive steps to attract and retain international students, recognizing their significant contributions to the economy and the enrichment of academic communities.
Recent data reveals that in the 2021-2022 academic year, international students contributed over $33.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 335,000 jobs. Moreover, many international students remain in the U.S. after graduation, contributing to industries such as healthcare, engineering, finance, and technology.
To cater to the needs of these students, institutions must implement student-centered strategies that go beyond reactive measures. Here are evidence-based steps higher education leaders can take:
## Institutional Support Systems
Institutions should offer flexible enrollment policies, such as deferred starts, hybrid or online courses, and part-time study options, to accommodate students facing visa delays or policy changes. Ensuring financial aid packages cover summer studies or offering free/online summer courses can also help international students maintain visa compliance.
Colleges can broaden eligibility for on-campus housing during summer breaks and establish dedicated support funds to help students afford housing, meals, and job opportunities when off-campus options are limited. Partnering with donors to provide free or subsidized housing for international students has proven effective at some institutions.
Connecting international students with robust career services—including job preparation workshops, paid internships, and mentorship programs—demonstrates a concrete commitment to their long-term professional success. Highlighting post-study work opportunities and graduate employment rates is increasingly important as students weigh the value of international education.
## Communication and Outreach
Institutions should regularly update internal and external stakeholders—students, agents, partner institutions—about the latest visa and admissions policies, ensuring clarity and reducing anxiety about the process.
Strengthening agent partnerships helps institutions tailor recruitment and support strategies to individual needs. Engaging successful international alumni to share their experiences, provide mentorship, and help current students navigate both academic and post-graduation pathways is also crucial.
## Diversification and Adaptation
Relying on traditional recruitment markets may leave institutions vulnerable to abrupt policy changes. Proactively expanding into new regions and tailoring messaging based on local priorities can help institutions attract a broader, more resilient international student body.
Understanding and responding to regional student concerns—such as post-study work rights in South Asia or access to scholarships in the Middle East—through targeted communications and program development is essential.
Highlighting cultural celebrations, inclusive practices, and student success stories in admissions and recruitment materials can help international students feel welcomed and valued.
## Advocacy and Institutional Leadership
Actively seeking student input through listening sessions and publicly communicating institutional support for international communities can reassure students and families during uncertain times.
Higher education leaders should engage in coordinated advocacy to promote stable, predictable visa and immigration policies that support international student mobility.
In conclusion, by investing in flexible academic models, comprehensive student support, transparent communication, diversified recruitment, and proactive advocacy, higher education leaders can not only help international students navigate uncertainties but also position their institutions as global destinations of choice in a competitive and rapidly changing landscape.
Notably, some well-known CEOs, like those of Microsoft, PepsiCo, and Stripe, began as international students in the U.S., underscoring the potential impact of these supportive measures on the future leaders of global industries.
Hanmei Wu may find these educational opportunities advantageous, as higher education institutions worldwide invest in student-centered strategies for online learning, hybrid courses, and flexible enrollment policies to cater to international students. These support systems, designed for maintaining visa compliance and offering dedicated resources, demonstrate a commitment to fostering the education-and-self-development of international students.
