The 2024 International Student Survey presented by Terra Dotta sheds light on the preferences, challenges and aspirations of international students in the United States. It considers responses from 356 students, providing invaluable insights into the long-standing value of US universities and recommending opportunities for improvement in supporting international students.
The survey highlights the strong appeal of US higher education, driven by the high reputation of universities (58%), the quality of educational programs (48%) and promising employment prospects (45%). However, it also reveals the social and academic challenges faced by international students, including homesickness and difficulty in social interactions. Despite these challenges, the survey shows a high satisfaction rate (63%) with post-graduation work policies, highlighting the significant influence of university policies on students’ decisions to seek employment in the US post-graduation and 72% experienced no difficulties in the visa process indicating a generally positive experience with immigration procedures
Key findings
International student demographics
The survey encompassed a diverse group of 356 international students studying in the US. Among these students, 77% are undergraduate, 13% are pursuing graduate or master’s degrees, 6% are doctoral students, 4% fall into other categories. The top countries of origin of these students are China, representing 19%, followed by inti at 17%, the United Kingdom at 6%, Canada at 5% and Vietnam at 4%. In terms of fields of study, the majority of respondents are enrolled in Business (19%), Health Professions (18%), and Engineering (17%). Other significant fields include Biological and Biomedical Sciences (16%), Social Sciences (12%), Legal Professions and Studies (10%), Physical Sciences (9%), Architecture and Related Services (6%), Education (5%), and Public Administration and Social Service Professions (3%).
Attraction to US universities
A significant 58% of international students are drawn to US universities due to their renowned reputation. Additionally, 48% are attracted by the quality of educational programs, while 45% are motivated by job prospects in the country. These numbers point out the competitive nature of US higher education and the need for universities to continue differentiating themselves to attract top talent.
Information sources and application trends
The majority of students (65%) use university websites for research, emphasising the importance of these platforms. Additionally, 38% engage with agents, indicating the value of personal guidance in the decision-making process. According to the survey, most international students adopt a focused application approach, with 60% applying to one to three universities and 87% receiving acceptances from a similar number, suggesting a strategic selection process.
Social and academic integration
33% of students anticipated challenges associated with social interactions and homesickness, while 29% expressed a desire to seek support in these areas. In contrast to the 53% of students who reported feeling well-integrated into campus culture, nearly half of the students reported observing discrimination. This reveals the necessity of continuous efforts in order to foster inclusivity and support, as well as the intricate social environment that exists on campuses.
Post-graduation aspirations
There is a strong inclination among students to seek employment in the US post-graduation, with 56% intending to work at local universities. Post-study work policies have a substantial impact on these decisions, as 63% of students report satisfaction with the policies regarding post-graduation employment. In general, US immigration policies and visa processes were not significant deterrents, with 67% of respondents reporting that they were not discouraged by immigration policies in their decision to study in the US and 72% experiencing no difficulties with the visa process.
Future enrolment influences
Affordability and academic program satisfaction are critical factors for future enrolment decisions. A significant 68% of students cite cost as a key consideration, while 38% prioritise academic program satisfaction. These findings stress the importance of financial support and academic excellence in retaining and attracting international students.
Challenges and support needs
The amount of schoolwork (46%) and the pressure to perform well (37%) are among the numerous challenges that international students face. Furthermore, 40% wished they had received more guidance on cultural differences before arriving. Students also expressed a need for more cross-cultural activities to improve integration and interaction.
Safety and well-being
Before their arrival, crime and safety were major concerns among students, with 49% expressing apprehension regarding crime. However, there was a substantial decrease in the level of concern regarding crime following the arrival, with 45% of respondents expressing no concerns. This suggests that universities’ safety measures are effective in alleviating these fears.
Attraction of international talent
The international student survey also provides a comprehensive understanding of the experiences and aspirations of international students in the US While US higher education remains highly attractive, there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in supporting social and academic integration, addressing discrimination and enhancing post-graduation opportunities. By prioritising student well-being and advocating for supportive immigration policies, US institutions can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring their continued success in attracting and retaining international talent.
To know more about opportunities available for international students and updates about education in the USA, check out our blog or reach out to our North American team at gspna@globalstudypartners.com.
To view the full report, check out the 2024 International Student Survey.
