Why Choose A Pathway Program
Pathway programs are preparatory courses that are designed to help international students build the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that they will need to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. These programs generally last one academic year, and they do not end with a degree.
There are a number of reasons that international students might choose to attend a pathway program in the US. Some of the most common draws of pathway programs include:
Building the necessary language skills
International students who study in the US are required to have a certain level of proficiency in the English language. These levels are determined by standardized tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL. Students who do not achieve a certain score on these tests will not be accepted to study at a US college or university. However, pathway programs provide an opportunity for international students to study English while studying in the US, so if your English skills are not yet strong enough to pass the TOEFL, pathway programs are a good option for you. In addition, pathway programs teach English with a special emphasis on the academic language that students studying in the US will use in their classes.
More time to choose a major
Maybe you know you want to study in the US, but you’re not sure what subject you want to study yet. Or maybe you have a long list of interests, and aren’t sure how to choose between them. Pathway programs in the US allow international students the chance to take a year to try different study courses. This will give you a better idea of what you want to study when you enter college or university.
Better chance of undergraduate admission
Most colleges and universities that offer pathway programs for international students also offer conditional admission into the school after completion of the program. This means that international students who complete their pathway program with a certain GPA are automatically accepted into the main college or university.
If you are considering a pathway program, it’s important to research the admissions policy for each individual institution. Not all colleges and universities guarantee admittance after the pathway program; some offer personal college admissions advising, instead.
The chance to adjust to US culture
One of the greatest benefits to pathway programs in the US is the opportunity to learn alongside fellow international students as you all adjust to studying in the US. In many other countries, higher education takes place entirely in the lecture. Students listen and take notes, and very rarely engage in dialogue. In the US, things are a bit different. College students in the US are expected and encouraged to take part in discussions and debates about the material. In fact, many instructors require participation, and factor each individual’s participation into their overall grade. Instructors in pathway programs understand that in addition to language skills, international students also need to learn about American campus culture and classroom culture.
Once you’ve decided that a pathway program is the right choice for you, the next step is to decide which pathway program to attend. We’ve put together some tips to help you choose the pathway program that best suits your needs.
Pathway Programs to Consider
The International Student and Scholar Office at UMass Boston works with more than 2,400 students and 300 scholars from more than 100 countries. The school welcomes students into a vibrant international community. Learn more!
With 175+ undergraduate degree programs to choose from, students in the Cleveland State Global pathway program are set up for success in the global workforce!
Ranked within the top 5 US colleges with the happiest students, Auburn is a university you’ll want to consider. Study at one of the largest universities in the southern United States and see why it receives so many awards.
Located in one of the most easily recognizable US cities, Salt Lake City, the University of Utah was ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the 104 best National Universities and among the top 40 Public Schools in 2020. The Utah Global pathway program helps international students succeed through specialized services.
Studying internationally at the University of Kansas - Academic Accelerator means having academic and English support, help transitioning to the U.S., and career assistance. Learn more!
Adelphi is a highly awarded, nationally ranked university that offers exceptional programs in Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Plus, it’s located just 40 minutes away from New York City!
96% of University of Dayton graduates find success which means students can expect great things from Dayton! Also, with its central location in the US it’s a great launching point to visit other great US cities.
Florida International University Global First Year provides support services, instruction tailored to your academic and language level, and cultural experiences for international students, helping ensure future success. Learn more!
Students who pick American University are choosing to study in the exciting city of Washington D.C., at one of the top 100 universities in the US. See if this institution that’s leading global education is a good option for you.
The Center for International Education at Maryville College provides services and programs for international students, faculty, and staff at Maryville and their families. The international student services include: an Orientation program, International & Exchange Student Advising, information on cultural adjustment, airport pick-up service, and much more!
The International Student Association at Louisiana State University - Global Pathway organizes various programs and social activities that include cultural music, dance, and exhibition in which students from over 100 countries are brought together.
UOP International has three distinct campuses united under one common goal: to educate and prepare the leaders of tomorrow through intensive academic study, experiential learning, and service to the community.
Being enrolled in Gonzaga University’s Gonzaga Global pathway program means you get extra support services including visa application and interview help, student and family orientation, English-language tutoring and ESL classes, personalized courses, internship opportunities and professional development workshops.
The International Student and Scholar Office at UMass Boston works with more than 2,400 students and 300 scholars from more than 100 countries. The school welcomes students into a vibrant international community. Learn more!
With 175+ undergraduate degree programs to choose from, students in the Cleveland State Global pathway program are set up for success in the global workforce!
Ranked within the top 5 US colleges with the happiest students, Auburn is a university you’ll want to consider. Study at one of the largest universities in the southern United States and see why it receives so many awards.
Located in one of the most easily recognizable US cities, Salt Lake City, the University of Utah was ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the 104 best National Universities and among the top 40 Public Schools in 2020. The Utah Global pathway program helps international students succeed through specialized services.
Studying internationally at the University of Kansas - Academic Accelerator means having academic and English support, help transitioning to the U.S., and career assistance. Learn more!
Adelphi is a highly awarded, nationally ranked university that offers exceptional programs in Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Plus, it’s located just 40 minutes away from New York City!
96% of University of Dayton graduates find success which means students can expect great things from Dayton! Also, with its central location in the US it’s a great launching point to visit other great US cities.
Florida International University Global First Year provides support services, instruction tailored to your academic and language level, and cultural experiences for international students, helping ensure future success. Learn more!
Students who pick American University are choosing to study in the exciting city of Washington D.C., at one of the top 100 universities in the US. See if this institution that’s leading global education is a good option for you.
The Center for International Education at Maryville College provides services and programs for international students, faculty, and staff at Maryville and their families. The international student services include: an Orientation program, International & Exchange Student Advising, information on cultural adjustment, airport pick-up service, and much more!
The International Student Association at Louisiana State University - Global Pathway organizes various programs and social activities that include cultural music, dance, and exhibition in which students from over 100 countries are brought together.
UOP International has three distinct campuses united under one common goal: to educate and prepare the leaders of tomorrow through intensive academic study, experiential learning, and service to the community.
Being enrolled in Gonzaga University’s Gonzaga Global pathway program means you get extra support services including visa application and interview help, student and family orientation, English-language tutoring and ESL classes, personalized courses, internship opportunities and professional development workshops.