Resources
Tips & Guides for
International Students
Homestay life, culture adjustment, city guides, and advice to help you thrive in the U.S.
Student Life
Budget Tips for International Students
If you’re one of the thousands of international students who will be coming to the United States this year, make sure you plan a budget out beforehand using the following tips
Student Life
How International Students Can Make Friends
International students have so much to look forward to about living and learning in a new country. Aside from the normal college experience, international students have all kinds of other good times ahead of them
Student Life
Americans 101: A Guide for International Students
No matter where you’re from in the world, there’s no place like America. Even their two neighbors, Canada and Mexico, are completely different. While a country with well over 319 million people that prides itself on dive...
Student Life
6 Tips for International Students During Their Final Weeks in the U.S.
As international students will have the time of their lives in the U.S., it should come as no surprise that most of them also struggle during their last few weeks leading up to their departure. The following six tips wil...
Student Life
4 Challenges Every International Student Will Face
International students have a lot to look forward to in America. You may have heard of the place you’re about to live for years. Even if you’ve never heard of it before, it will be a new location and culture that you’ve ...
Culture
Major U.S. Holiday International Students Should Know About
International students spending time in America should know about the major holidays they’ll experience. While some of the below examples may also be celebrated in your country, it’s still worth noting any differences
Student Life
What International Students Should Expect from College in America
Although international students coming to America have a lot to look forward to, it’s understandable that they might be a bit nervous, as well. They’re going be in a completely new place with all kinds of different custo...
Student Life
6 Tips for International Students Traveling to the U.S.
Are you signed up to go study abroad in the United States? If so, the following six tips are important to follow before you leave
Homestay
Homestay Expectations vs. Reality
No adventure quite compares to a homestay
Student Life
How International Students Can Make the Most of Their Stays in the US
Are you an international student traveling to the United States in the near future?
Homestay
How to Make a Good First Impression with Your Homestay Family
Before you embark on your homestay journey, make sure you keep the following in mind.Be Honest About Your Needs
City Guide
International Students City Guide: Los Angeles
International students attending school in or around Los Angeles will have a lot to look forward to. After all, LA is one of the most famous cities on the entire planet. It’s known for its many celebrities, athletes, mov...
City Guide
International Students City Guide San Francisco
San Francisco is a city unlike any other on the entire planet. It has a rich cultural history and continues to be a vibrant hotspot that brings tourists in from all over the world. Any international students who plan on ...
City Guide
International Students City Guide: Tempe
Every year, many international students will travel to Tempe, Arizona to attend school and enjoy living in this unique and fun city. If you’re doing the same, the following city guide we’ve made specifically for internat...
Student Life
What International Students Should Bring to the U.S.
Preparing for their time in the U.S. can be a bit stressful for international students. That’s why we’ve put together the following list of items. While everyone will have some unique items they decide to pack, the follo...
Student Life
What International Students Shouldn’t Bring to the United States
Before you begin packing for your time abroad as a student in the United States, make sure you understand what to leave out
Homestay
Housing for Custom Designed Program at UC Irvine Extension
Not all students come to study in America through the traditional means. In fact, we frequently help arrange homestay accommodations for international interns and students. One of the great things about the American high...
Student Life
5 Essential Things for International Students to bring while Studying in the USA
Getting accepted for an international study program in an American college or university was just the beginning of your new adventures. Now that you’re in, you’ve got at least a few years of exciting new experiences ahea...
Hosting
3 Fun Things to Do with Your Host Family in Costa Mesa
One of the best ways to get to know your host family during your time as an international student in America is to have fun together. Hanging out at home for cozy family meals is going to be the staple of your new friend...
City Guide
5 Foods to Try in San Francisco
When you are living with your host family in San Francisco, there are many great things to do around the city. One of the best things about the Bay Area is all the great food. Trying new foods and drinks is a great way t...
Tips
5 Things to Do Outside in Phoenix
Choosing Phoenix, Arizona for your international study program or internship means being surrounded by some of the most beautiful desert landscapes America has to offer. Phoenix is a sprawling urban area that is full of ...
City Guide
5 Things to Do with Your Host Family in San Francisco
When you’ve chosen one of America’s most beautiful cities for your international study or internship, you will never want for amazing sights and cultural events to attend. Your host family is often concerned with showing...
City Guide
A Quick Guide to Using American Currency
When you are studying or working in the U.S.A, using and receiving money can be confusing. Making change or paying with the correct amount is difficult with unfamiliar bills and coins. Exchanging money from or for your h...
Student Life
Becoming an International Student at Arizona State University
Phoenix, Arizona is a bustling urban area surrounded by beautiful desert. It is a great example of the American melting pot, with many cultures being presented in the lifestyle exemplary to Phoenix. It’s also an outdoor ...
Student Life
Becoming an International Student at CCA
California College of the Arts in San Francisco, California, is a great college if your future lies in creative work. Their interdisciplinary critical studies of art, writing, design, and architecture are applied to the ...
Culture
Going Home: Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock
When your internship or international study program ends, and it’s time to head back home, you may feel a wide variety of conflicting feelings. Feelings of excitement at seeing your home and family again, sadness at leav...
Culture
Introducing Your Host Family to Your Culture
You chose to live with a host family during your international educational program or internship for many reasons: to study, work, improve your English, and learn the culture were surely at the top of the list. Likewise...
Tips
Making Friends While Abroad
Completing your education or gaining valuable work opportunities aren’t the only reasons you choose to live abroad. Experiencing life in a new country teaches many life lessons that can’t be learned in any other way. Bec...
Tips
Staying in Touch After Your Stay
Most international students or interns will live with two or more host families during their stay. When you’ve moved to a new family, or are ready to go back home, staying in touch with the friends you’ve made is a great...
Tips
Staying Safe in Your International Home
Working or studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity that can open doors for your future you didn’t know existed. When you are unfamiliar with your surroundings, or not fluent in the language, safety can be a concern. M...
Hosting
4 Benefits of Traveling With a Group and Staying With a Host Family
If you’re an international student and you want to improve your English speaking and writing skills, as well as gain a first-hand understanding of university life in the United States, you can benefit a great deal from s...
Tips
4 Benefits of Working With USH to Place Your Group
If you have a group of students headed to the United States to study in an American university, work at internships, and/or for ESL studies, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to place them all in safe, comfortab...
Hosting
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Homestays With Host Families
Whether you’re an individual student planning an educational trip to the US or you’re planning a trip for a group of students, you might not have considered all of the benefits and opportunities that come with homestays ...
Homestay
Why Homestays Are the Best Option for Groups
When organizing trips for groups of international students to go to the United States, you may be tempted to rent a block of apartments or to try to find a decent rate for a similar block of rooms in an extended stay hot...
Student Life
2 Essential Steps for Placing International Students
If your institution or organization has a program to bring groups of students to the United States for exchange or ESL classes, placing everyone in affordable, safe, and convenient housing is likely one of your biggest c...
Tips
2 Ways to Save Money When Planning an International Group Trip
When putting together a group study abroad or ESL program, you know that your students are going to have to pay for a package that includes travel and room and board, as well as tuition, not to mention other living expen...
Student Life
3 Organizational Tips for International Student Group Trips
If your institution offers student group trips to the United States (or if you’re considering offering them) for study abroad and ESL studies, you can make your life easier as an organizer with a few simple tips. Just by...
Student Life
3 Tips for Traveling With Student Groups
If you’re putting together a group trip to the United States to help your students learn the English language and gain invaluable experiences in American university classrooms, you’re definitely taking on a great project...
Student Life
3 Ways Homestays Help ESL Students
If you’re planning on coming to the United States as an ESL student, or if you are organizing a trip for students to stay in the US to learn English and attend classes at an American college or university, you should rea...
City Guide
The Best Situation for International Students and Interns in Los Angeles
There are so many issues that an international student or intern has to deal with, and though many of them are expected or easy to anticipate (applications, travel arrangements, and so on), one of the most challenging is...
Student Life
International Students and Interns Should Consider Homestays in Tempe, Arizona
Whether you are an international intern lucky enough to get a spot at the Apollo Group, Inc or you are headed to Arizona State University, Le Tutor Language School, or other Phoenix and Tempe area institutions, you will ...
Student Life
Community Colleges, Homestays, and You
Not long ago, US News noted that international students should consider attendance at community colleges as these can help with English skills, save them a lot of money, and let them become familiar with the American edu...
Student Life
3 Reasons Furnished Apartments in Westwood Are Ideal for International Students
There are countless reasons that you might choose to attend a college or university in the Los Angeles area of California, and there are a lot of reasons why you might also choose one sort of housing over another. Howeve...
Homestay
Never Too Soon to Arrange Housing
No matter where you are in your studies (just beginning, half way through, nearing the end), if you are looking for some time spent studying in the U.S., it is a matter of “the sooner the better”. Not that you have to ge...
City Guide
5 Reasons for International Students to Choose Housing in Westwood California
Whether you are registered for classes at UCLA campus, Kaplan, or Santa Monica College (among others), you need housing. If you are an international student about to begin classes in the Los Angeles area, you may already...
Student Life
Life in the United States – A Brief Guide for Foreign Students
You have decided that you want to take a semester, or even two, abroad. Perhaps your firm is offering an overseas internship in the U.S. and you want to accept it. Any of these opportunities are amazing, but they do come...
Student Life
ESL Students in Arizona Should Consider a Homestay
A homestay is different from traditional student housing in many ways, and when you are studying a language school, you can benefit immensely from choosing a homestay option.For instance, international students of the Le...
Homestay
Interns Can Enjoy Premium Short Term Housing Too
The value of an internship just cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, some of the most competitive or useful internships are only available in the United States and only to students, and this leaves foreign students a...
Culture
Homestay as Cultural Experience
As an international student considering their housing options during studies in the United States, you have a nice array of choices. You might choose a dormitory on your school’s campus, you could rent or share an apartm...
Homestay
Ensure Your Group Success With the Right Housing
When international students hear the term “homestay” they automatically feel it is something available only to individual students. This is a disappointment to many who would have preferred a home-like setting while stud...
Student Life
Learn how you can save money while studying in US.
If you an athlete and plan to study in the US you need to read this article
Culture
Don’t Fear Culture Shock When You Choose a Dependable Student Housing Option
Whether you have been away from home many times or never, when you relocate for weeks or months of studies it can be overwhelming. In fact, some international students say that it is only when they step off the plane and...
Student Life
International Exchange Students: UCLA Extension Program
Are you an international exchange student? Are you thinking of furthering your education in California? Are you looking into different continuing education programs? What are you interested in studying? Furthering your e...
Student Life
Travel Tips for Foreign Exchange Students Going on Homestays
As a foreign exchange student with the chance to live and study in the United States, you are no doubt very excited. However, reality is more than likely going to set in the second you step off the plane and that’s compl...
Student Life
Irvine Valley College – Your Future Starts Now
As one of California’s leading community colleges and one of Orange County’s best known educational institutions, Irvine Valley College (IVC) provides students exceptional educational opportunities in outstanding facilit...
Student Life
Homestay Services for Santa Monica College Students
International students who participate in an homestay at SMC will discover rich educational and social opportunities with other internationals and local Americans. A homestay for SMC students provides more than lodging a...
Student Life
Arizona State University – One University in Many Places
ASU is one of the largest public universities in the United States. ASU has four distinctive campuses throughout metropolitan Phoenix. Tempe campus, West campus, Polytechnic campus, and the Downtown Phoenix campus. Check...
Student Life
Homestay Programs for Students at Kaplan International Center in Westwood, LA
Universal Student Housing provides homestay or apartments that are perfect for international students or professionals looking for short or long-term housing while attending Kaplan’s Westwood school in Los Angeles
Student Life
Latest SEVIS by the Numbers Report on International Students
SEVIS by the Numbers is a quarterly report using data from theStudent and Exchange Visitor Information System(SEVIS), which SEVP uses to track and monitor the status and activities of nonimmigrant students and exchange v...
City Guide
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 30 Seconds
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a vibrant and global community located on 356-acres in the heart of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Here is a 30-second video public service announcement for CSUN
City Guide
New York Film Academy High School Programs in Los Angeles [Video]
New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus is located in the heart of Hollywood providing students with endless opportunities to realize their goals in the entertainment industry
Student Life
Apartments in Westwood, LA for UCLA, Kaplan and Santa Monica College students
Universal Student Housing (USH) apartments are perfect for international students or professionals looking for short or long-term housing while attending UCLA, Santa Monica College, Kaplan or schools in Westwood Village...
City Guide
Summer Housing in Los Angeles for Students and Interns
Summer is approaching and you may be thinking about studying abroad or interning at a company. If you are an international student or intern and need affordable and quality housing, you’ve come to the right place. USH ha...
Student Life
Top 10 National High Schools for STEM Education
U.S. News & World Report recently released the2014 U.S. News Best High Schoolsrankings featuring information on more than 19,000 eligible schools
Tips
One-minute Visual Tour of Phoenix [Video]
Beautiful Phoenix brings fresh scenic, cultural, social and educational choices to study-abroad students
City Guide
Kaplan’s English School in Westwood, Los Angeles [Video]
Kaplan’s English school in Los Angeles is located in Westwood, near to the campus of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
City Guide
Apartments in Los Angeles for UCLA, Kaplan and Santa Monica College Students
Universal Student Housing (USH) is a leader in locating the best housing for international students all across the US and Southern California. Our apartments are perfect for international students or professionals lookin...
Student Life
FIU a Hub for Foreign Students [Video]
Considering Florida International University has more than 3,000 foreign students, one could say the school is aptly named
Student Life
International Students at ASU [VIDEO]
Arizona State University (ASU) is ranked one of the best universities in the world. ASU is ranked 11 in the United States among all colleges and universities according to the Institute of International Education. Here is...
Tips
The Purpose of Learning
Tips
International Enrollment Trends in STEM Fields – WES Research & Advisory Services
According to the IIE’s 2013 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, more than one in three international students in the U.S. were enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
Student Life
LA Welcomes International Homestay Students for SMC
Santa Monica welcomes many international visitors who come from abroad to experience the homestay program at SMC. Santa Monica College (SMC), as its name implies, is situated in the beachside community of Santa Monica th...
Tips
Don’t aim for success….
Culture
UCLA Extension’s American Language Center (ALC) English Programs
As one of the departments within UCLA Extension, the American Language Center provides English language training to speakers of other languages. Learn more about the programs in this video
Homestay
Advantages of Homestay
A Homestay is popular, quality, and affordable student housing options among International students looking for a short or long term stay with a family near their school
City Guide
Transworld Schools ESL Program in San Francisco
Transworld Schools is one of the best English Language Institutes in U.S.A
Student Life
SEVIS by the Numbers Provides Comprehensive Data on International Students
SEVIS by the Numbers is a quarterly report using data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which SEVP uses to track and monitor the status and activities of nonimmigrant students and exchange...
Tips
Structure of the U.S. Education System
Here is a diagram of the education system in the United States
Student Life
Campus Resources for International Students
Acclimating to college in the United States can be a challenge for international students. Here are 8 resources you should know about, according to an article fromU.S. News and World Report
Student Life
How to Adapt in Your New School
It takes time for an international student to feel at ease in a new place. Change is part of the adventure of traveling and studying ESL abroad. Students from overseas have the chance to make new discoveries in the U.S
City Guide
Homestay Program in California for International Students [Video]
Universal Student Housing provides Homestay program in California for international students
Culture
USC Language Academy: Your Bridge to the World
Do you want to study English at a top US university? Let USC Language Academy be your bridge to the world!
Student Life
IIE’s Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad
IIE lists the top 10 reasons to study abroad from a new book,A Student Guide to Study Abroad, which was published by IIE in collaboration with the AIFS Foundation, and is packed with essential tips and information for st...
Tips
The Purpose Of Education
City Guide
Explore the University of San Francisco [VIDEO]
Are you planning on attending the University of San Francisco in 2014? Here is a nice video – which shows the culture and history of the University of San Francisco
City Guide
Homestay in San Francisco
Universal Student Housing (USH) provides affordable and safe Homestay programs in San Francisco that suit the needs of both students and busy professionals
Student Life
USH provide affordable Homestay program for ASU Students
Homestay for ASU students arevery affordableand Brings New Arizona Views to International Students
City Guide
Homestay Housing for UCLA Extension students in Los Angeles California
International Homestay for UCLA Students is Rich in Opportunities