International  Programs,  Kutztown  University  

Campus Life in the United States

By  Nargiza  Jedwab  February  19,  2011  

 The United States of America is a nation of immigrants, and its melting pot identity is exhibited on

the campuses of its colleges and universities. Many higher educational institutions and programs

in the United States offer international students great opportunities for learning and enrichment.

Universities and colleges help their students become involved in university life through a variety of

activities with one common goal engaging students and inspiring leadership as they create an

unforgettable collegiate experience.

Opportunities for students vary from university to

university. Traditionally, a vast variety of

university student organizations include: advisory

councils, academic, campus media, diversified

interest, Greek Life, performing arts, public

service, residency issues, social justice, spiritual,

special interest, sports (club and recreation), and

visual arts affiliates; musical entertainment,

dances, lectures, comedy, excursions, and cultural events.

Greek Life

Universities across the United States have a rich tradition of running

fraternity and sorority community groups called “Greek life”. Greek

life provides many opportunities to meet people, promote academic

achievement, contribute to the community through service and

philanthropy projects, and develop leadership skills. Fraternities,

referring to male group members, and sororities, female members,

represent these organizations and offer academic support,

fellowship, leadership training and prepare future graduates as they

start their careers upon graduation. Traditionally, these groups are named with letters of the

Greek alphabet and go by the name of Greek Chapters.

 

International  Programs,  Kutztown  University      

Academic/Arts/Social Organizations

Other university campus groups can comprise of hundreds of clubs and societies to cover every

academic subject including arts and music, as well as community and voluntary service

organizations. For instance, students organize science, law, political, business, anthropology,

history, English and many other clubs in order to discuss the role of their subject in the society

and keep up-to-date with its current developments. Arts and music organizations range from a

traditional Marching Unit that performs during sports tournaments, to singing, dancing and

entertainment clubs that participate in events in off-campus events.

Students inspired in bringing awareness and fundraising for organizations that deal with the social

and economic concerns of the society, form community outreach groups and volunteer

organizations that serve in bettering the lives of local communities. Students participating in these

clubs are exposed to a personal benefit of contributing to the larger society.

International Student Services

International education is an important

component of academic excellence and a

part of many universities’ strategic initiatives.

With the rapid growth of the international

student population in the United States, many

colleges and universities are committed to

creating the environment that fosters ethnic

and cultural diversity, as well as diversity of

thought.

Today’s colleges and universities strive to

prepare students to live and work in, and contribute to an increasingly global society. In order to

better serve the international student body, many universities have departments that provide the

prospective, accepted and current students the necessary guidance and resources to assist and

encourage students in their educational studies. Furthermore, they are dedicated to supporting

international students and making their academic and personal experiences in the United States

as productive and fulfilling as possible.

Many colleges and universities in the United States are also committed to promoting friendship

and culture exchanges between local communities and the international population. Various

 

International  Programs,  Kutztown  University  

events hosted by local communities are held in order to help international students become

acquainted about the local culture, customs, traditions and daily life. Often local citizens are

interested in learning more about the cultures international students represent, as well as helping

new students to settle in their local communities.

International Student Organizations (ISOs) present in many universities across the United States,

are made up of students from all corners of the globe. International Student Organizations are

considered to be one of the major international student bodies on America’s campuses. Many

international students who become active in the International Student Organizations experience

its important role in their social life. ISOs are usually non-political bodies whose primary goal is to

be an effective avenue for addressing issues pertaining to the needs of international students.

International Student Organizations seek to work with the university administration and various

other departments and student organizations to ensure that the welfare and rights of international

students are upheld during their course of study.

Campus Athletics

Numerous universities in the United States boast of their outstanding athletics departments that

offer a range of options for athletes who are interested in intramural and club sports, to varsity

team sports. As members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) many

universities offer athletic scholarships to allow students to use their athletic talent and pursue an

academic degree at the same time. Since college athletics departments continue to grow due to

the increase in popularity of inter-collegiate sports, a number of colleges and universities are now

looking for athletes internationally.

Career development centers

Career Development Centers services range from helping students compile résumés to assisting

them in deciding on a major, offering information about career fields and finding an internship or a

professional position. Career Development Centers partner with local businesses to provide

internships opportunities for current students and graduates.

Student life and employment

It is common for international students to combine their study with employment. While most

international students are not allowed to work off campus, they can accept on-campus

employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. This depends on the type of visa a

 

International  Programs,  Kutztown  University      

student is issued before arrival to the United States. For example, after the first academic year,

students with F-1 type visa can seek off-campus employment. The United States Citizenship and

Immigration Services website http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis offers detailed information on

employment possibilities for international students.

American universities offer outstanding educational opportunities to international students.

Collaborating with various facets of the university life and the local community, they allow a truly

integrated collegiate experience, bridging the journey from prospective student to alumnus.

American university programs are designed to foster student well-being, address the needs of a

diverse student population and prepare students for lifelong challenges and responsibilities.