For international students who plan to complete their degrees abroad, the process of applying to college and eventually traveling to the United States can be complicated and overwhelming. In addition to a world of cultural differences and language requirements, there are governmental hurdles to jump when it comes to visas. In light of this information, summer courses can offer you a unique opportunity to increase your chances for success by participating in a more relaxed learning environment.
With that being said, enrolling in summer classes can bring its own set of challenges, and you should certainly do your research before taking part. It is important to think about all sides of the issue before diving in, including the information presented below.
The benefits of summer courses
At many colleges and universities, the summer semester offers opportunities that students may not be able to pursue during the traditional school year. These opportunities include credit and non-credit courses in a variety of subjects (like the fine arts, math, and science), which can help you improve poor grades from a previous semester or explore new topics of interest—even those that do not relate to your major.
For international students, summer college classes can be a great way to ease into a new environment. Because some students prefer to use their summers for working, vacationing, or completing an internship or apprenticeship, summer courses tend to have much smaller class sizes. This can mean more one-on-one time with faculty members, as well as a less stressful environment in which to further develop your language skills.
The disadvantages of summer courses
Despite the above benefits of summer classes, there are several disadvantages to take into consideration. If you have yet to attend your first semester at an American college or university, you will still required to submit your TOEFL scores and to demonstrate English language proficiency in order to enroll in summer courses. There are also other logistical aspects to keep in mind, including additional costs and the potential for limited support during the summer months.
At some schools, the credit for summer classes may be awarded differently than in the fall or spring semesters. For this reason, you should speak to the international student affairs office or the registrar prior to enrolling in order to be certain that you will receive the credit that you expect.
Finally, the enrollment period for summer courses typically opens in late winter or early spring, and there may be a smaller registration window. If you are interested in taking a summer class, check with faculty or staff for more information and to ensure that you do not miss a key deadline.
For international students, summer courses can help you ease into a new environment and community, as well as allow you to explore other interests. If you do choose to enroll in one or more summer classes, be sure to check with the international student affairs office or the registrar to receive answers to any questions that you may have.
David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.