A lot of international students desire to attend college or university in the United States, but find it difficult to gain admission. Often, international students lack the proper guidance when choosing between the thousands of American universities. Their English skills may also be a problem when applying to a university in the US.

Attending high school in the US helps international students improve their English proficiency. In addition, joining an American high school helps them learn about how to gain admission to top-tier U.S. universities and adjust to an entirely new culture.

English Language Courses

English is not an easy language to master. It can be especially difficult to learn English if you do not get the opportunity to speak it regularly. In an American high school, international students attend class, play sports, and spend all their time with English-speaking students. This creates a helpful environment for learning English. This gives them the chance to make friends and communicate in English every single day.

To help international students learn English more quickly, some parents choose to send their kids to full-time English courses in the US before they start their high school classes. These English classes are generally very small, with a maximum of 12 students in a class. ESL (English as a Second Language) courses are designed to improve an international student’s speaking, reading and writing abilities. English language schools in the US provide international students an excellent opportunity to enhance their English proficiency.

University Preparation

Both high schools and English language schools offer international students access to seasoned college counselors. These advisors can help you select schools and prepare you for the application process. Many English language schools also offer special classes to help you prepare for the TOEFL or TOEIC exams, which are often required for international students. The school’s goal is to help international students get into and succeed in American universities.

International Friendships

Both high schools and English language schools in the US offer a unique opportunity for international students to meet and make friends with students from other cultures. You will be exposed to people from different religious, geographic, and linguistic backgrounds. You will make friends with people that you would usually not have a chance to meet. Being part of a boarding school community can help you overcome cultural barriers associated with living outside your country.

Online High Schools

For those who do not have the means to attend a boarding school or high school in the US for monetary or family reasons, the good news is that online high school is becoming more and more popular in the US. Though it does not offer the full benefit of being immersed in the American culture and way of life, it is a good alternative for those who cannot afford to send their kids to the US. You’ll get to follow an American high school curriculum, plus you’ll get access to counselors who understand how American colleges and universities work.