Stepping onto American soil as a student-athlete in their freshman year is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. It’s a chance to pursue academic excellence while showcasing your athletic prowess. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for this exciting transition:

Understanding Eligibility Requirements

Each college athletics governing body has specific eligibility criteria for international student-athletes. Understanding the rules regarding training, competition, and off-season activities is very important to make sure that you’re eligible to compete during your college career.

Embrace Cultural Differences

Adapting to a new culture can be both exciting and challenging. Be open-minded, embrace diversity, and immerse yourself in American customs and traditions. Do some research on the US and the state you’ll be located in before you go so that you’ll know what to expect.

There are some great traditions in the US including Thanksgiving and Spring Break that you will definitely want to get involved with!

Academic Preparation

Prepare for the academic side of college by understanding the US academic system, language nuances, and required coursework. If English isn’t your first language, make sure that you have taken your English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Athletic Training and Fitness

Maintain peak physical condition by continuing your training regimen after you’ve secured your place at college. Familiarize yourself with the style of play, rules, and expectations in American collegiate sports as it can differ slightly in each sport. 

Your coach will still want to communicate with your coaches back home, so make sure you keep up your training and fitness schedule. 

Connect with Future Teammates and Coaches

Reach out to your future teammates and coaches via social media or email. Building relationships early can ease the transition and create a support network. Your coach and team will become like your family so it’s important to establish a positive relationship with them as soon as possible! 

Understand Visa Requirements

The visa process can be complicated, so it’s important to do your research on what you’ll need when applying for this document and how long it will take. For example, we advise you don’t plan a holiday for around the time you’ll be applying for the visa as the embassy will need to take your physical passport in for processing. 

As part of our service, we provide a step by step guide on the visa process. If you’re one of our athletes and have received your i20, make sure to contact us for this document.

Enjoy the Experience

Prepare to savor the experience! Your freshman year as an international student-athlete is a unique chance to grow academically, athletically, and personally. Embrace every moment and make the most of this incredible opportunity.

As you prepare to embark on this exciting journey, remember that while challenges may arise, they are stepping stones to personal and athletic growth. With preparation, an open mind, and some resilience, your freshman year as an International student-athlete in the US can be a lifechanging experience.