Pathway Programs to Consider
If you’ve decided that a pathway program is the best course for you, the next step is to choose which pathway program you want to attend. There are a number of excellent pathway programs throughout the US, in every region of the country. We’ve put together a list that includes a couple of pathway programs to consider within each region of the US.
West
The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah offers more than 100 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines. Salt Lake City is known for its stunning mountains and national parks which bring in a lot of visitors year-round. The culture in the city is largely international, making it easier for students to find a place to fit in while they study outside of their home country. The Utah Global pathway program makes international student success possible through a wide range of services including application assistance, visa assistance, English language exam help and academic advising.
UOP International welcomes international applicants from all over the world. The pathway program is committed to helping students get acclimated to life at a university in the US. Once the pathway is complete, students can choose from more than 80 majors to continue their education at UOP and earn a degree.
The city of Spokane, Washington is characterized by its stunning scenery and rich Native American history. It’s also known as home to Gonzaga University, one of the top universities in the west and the entire US. You may know Gonzaga for its world-renowned NCAA basketball team. However, the truth is, Gonzaga is so much more than just a basketball school. Ranked #80 for National Universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2021), Gonzaga offers outstanding academics, ongoing support services, and a welcoming environment for international students. With support provided at no extra cost through the Gonzaga Global pathway program, you’ll receive exclusive benefits like visa application and interview help, student and family orientation, English-language tutoring and ESL classes, personalized courses, internship opportunities and professional and developmental workshops.
Southeast
Auburn University’s undergraduate admissions process for international students takes “pathway” to new heights. How? It’s simple. You make one application directly to the university, and receive an offer to the program that best suits your academic and English language qualifications, whether that’s direct admission to Auburn, an Auburn Global accelerator program, or pre-sessional English. Whatever your point of entry, you will receive best-in-class support services, including a streamlined application process and extensive pre-arrival support, and access exclusive career programs, cultural events and experiences that ensure success in and out of the classroom.
Louisiana State University - Global Pathway
Louisiana State UniversityStudents enrolled in Louisiana State University - Global Pathway can expect to have an easier transition, extra support, and career growth assistance. The pathway program touts an International Student Association (ISA) that organizes various programs and activities including social activities like International Fusion which includes cultural music, dance, and exhibition wherein students from over 100 countries join together. Through these events, ISA promotes understanding between the international community and the larger Baton Rouge community.
Florida International University Global First Year
For international students, the move from high school in your home country to a university in the United States can be challenging—a new language, new ways of learning, and a new home. FIU’s Global First Year programs ease this transition by combining credit-bearing courses from the first year of your degree with additional support services, instruction tailored to your academic and language level, and cultural experiences, helping ensure your future success.
Maryville College's English as a Second Language (ESL) Pathway Program supports international students in their efforts to improve their English language skills while earning credit toward graduation. Students in the pathway program benefit from:
- Advising services to plan your course of study toward graduation
- Placement into college courses, depending on English proficiency score, that prepare you for the academic rigor of an American university
- Period of adjustment in the United States and its academic system
- Inclusion in a diverse community of international students from over 25 countries
- Cultural programming and trips
- Placement with a local host family if desired
- Active, residential campus that immerses internationals with American students, staff and faculty
- Full access to Maryville College's resources and facilities, such as the library, computer labs, Academic Support Center and Writing Center
It is recommended that students who know or suspect they need further English language training, make plans to attend the ESL program during the summer prior to their desired college start date.
Midwest
International students study at Cleveland State Global because Cleveland is an excellent place to earn a degree and start a career. The city, set on the beautiful Lake Erie, is home to eight Fortune 500 companies including Progressive Insurance, Sherwin Williams and Goodyear Tire. Enrolling in Cleveland State Global’s pathway program means that you will have access to exclusive services from when you apply to when you graduate and start looking for a career.
Students start out the pathway program with an easier transition to the university as expert advice is provided by advisors who know how to streamline the application process. These advisors are able to assist with English proficiency exams and help students find the perfect major for their interests and career desires. Advisors also help with the student visa process, filling out forms and housing and dining choices. Once enrolled in courses, students in the pathway program will have access to extra tutoring support, an assigned counselor and cultural group outings. Finally, students will have access to career growth support to help in finding an internship or job to enhance professional development.
University of Illinois at Chicago Global
At the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Global, students will be located in the third-largest city in all of the US. UIC hosts more than 3,500 international students from all over the world making the campus one of the most ethnically diverse and culturally rich in the country.
Through the UIC Global Pathway Program, students will have exclusive access to services built to prepare them for their educational future. Students will receive top-notch services such as application support, pre-arrival guidance, campus transition help, academic support, and career growth assistance.
The University of Kansas (KU) Academic Accelerator Program is a specially designed pathway program that ensures students have personal and academic success leading to positive opportunities and lasting impact. KU welcomes students from around the world. Over 2000 international students from more than 100 countries study at KU. International Support Services provides a wide range of services and programs to help international students adjust to cultural life in Lawrence, Kansas. An experienced immigration advising staff helps to answer questions and process paperwork international students need.
There are many reasons why international students choose to study at the University of Dayton. As a medium-sized city with 140,000 people, Dayton offers culture and community without the overwhelming nature of a big city. A center for technology, the city is a magnet for engineering and home to corporations such as Taylor Communications and LexisNexis. Just a short distance from campus, downtown Dayton is a thriving hub for the arts, along with delicious culinary delights. With its central location, Dayton University also allows students to easily access other interesting cities and states in the U.S.
The University of Dayton makes the transition to studying in the US easy. By offering support through the application and admission process as well as programs for English language support, students adjust to life in the U.S. with the help of on-campus staff.
Northeast
American University - International Accelerator
The Undergraduate Accelerator Program at American University is the ultimate international student experience at one of the nation’s top universities (#69 National Universities, U.S. News and World Report). Adjusting to college life in the U.S. can be challenging but American University works to make your transition as easy and productive as possible. The Undergraduate Accelerator at American University is a one-year program that sets you up for success with academic, English language, cultural support, college credit towards your university degree, and access to exclusive courses and cultural events.
Located in Garden City, New York, Adelphi University is just a short train ride away from the heart of bustling New York City. Students at Adelphi enjoy the sprawling 3,000 acre campus, while having the city life within reach. A free shuttle service to local train and bus stations ensure access to city locations and beyond.
A great location isn’t all Adelphi University has to offer; the school boasts a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, more than 50 academic programs of study, and were even recognized by Money magazine for excellence in Educational Quality, Affordability, and Alumni Earnings. In addition, Adelphi International offers the Success Pathway Program which makes the challenging adjustment to college life in the US easier on students.
UMass Boston (UMB) is a public research university designed to allow students to discover and innovate. Being located in the major US city of Boston is a huge advantage because students will be able to connect with employers in industries like finance, healthcare, technology, service, and education.
UMB offers the Global Student Success Program as a pathway for students who might not be ready for entry into their degree program. Through this program, students will be adequately prepared to transition to life at a major US university.
How to Choose a Pathway Program
Like when choosing a college or university, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a pathway program. Perhaps the most important question to ask is whether or not the program offers guaranteed or conditional acceptance to a college or university upon completion. You will also want to look at pathway programs that are associated with colleges and universities you are interested in studying at after your pathway program completion.
Additionally, location and size are key. Are you interested in studying in the northeast, or do you have your heart set on the south? Would you prefer a campus in a rural, urban, or suburban area? Are you looking for a large or small campus?
Some pathway programs specify which degree programs international students can enter, so if you have a specific degree in mind, you’ll want to research the pathway program to make sure the degree you want to pursue is possible to obtain. You’ll also want to do some research to find out what other kind of academic services the program has to offer. Are you required to take an English language test before you complete the program? If so, does the program offer preparation courses for students getting ready to take the test? Will advisors available to help you adjust to university life in the US? It is important to do your research to find a pathway program that best fits your needs.
Learn about how to apply for an F1 visa.