Many students who want to study in the U.S. say they have little chance of admission to an American college or university because of weak English skills.

But what if that barrier was removed from the application process?

It's called conditional admission, and could pave the way for foreign students seeking an American higher education, says Rob Hardin. Hardin is the senior assistant director for international student recruitment at the University of Oregon in Eugene.

Many schools understand that some of the best students in the world may not speak English well. Over the past decade, more schools are using conditional admissions to help these students.

"It adds significant value to have a student from Beijing, a student from Hanoi, a student from London in the classroom with the student from Portland, Oregon," Hardin told VOA. "We think that enhances the student from Portland, Oregon's experience."

At the University of Oregon, international students apply as any other student would, providing grades, extracurricular activities, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, and other information.

While many colleges and universities reject applicants with low TOEFL scores, other schools are willing to take a deeper look, Hardin says.

If the University of Oregon thinks an applicant has other attributes that make up for a lack of language skills, it will accept them into a special program, according to Hardin.

The conditional-admission program teaches in seven levels of progressive English. As the student's knowledge increases, their test scores improve.

Hardin says many international students prefer to study English in their native countries to save money and be closer to home, until they can test into a traditional degree program.

But schools like the University of Oregon that offer conditional admissions start students on their degree program once they complete the highest level of the language program.

These conditional admissions programs help students get used to the American college experience. Cultural differences in teaching styles between school back home and school in the U.S. can be addressed. Also, while living on an American college campus, surrounded by English speakers, students often improve their language skills faster.

"You're going to have to figure out how to go to the grocery store and buy apples," Hardin said. "You're going to take what you're learning in the classroom and you're going to be able to immediately apply it to your daily life."

Hardin notes that this newer path to admission is not just for students with weak English-language skills. Even strong applicants may not realize that they lack the English abilities to fully succeed at the college level.

For students who need additional support, some schools offer a bridge program. At the University of Oregon, students in the bridge program take as many as six additional English classes, often related to subjects the students are taking.

International students should not expect every college and university in the U.S. to offer such programs. At top schools, competition is fierce and students who are already strong in English have a better chance at acceptance.

Have you not applied because you think your English skills aren't good enough? Tell us about it in the comments, and on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, thanks!

Ruth Chane, a computer science major from Ethiopia, writes about her experiences settling into student life at Whitman College in the U.S. state of Washington.

"The community at Whitman College made sure I felt welcomed even before I stepped foot on campus," she says.

Read her essay here.

In The Student Life, the student newspaper for the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five liberal art colleges and two graduate schools in Claremont, California, student Rochelle Lu writes about readjusting to her Shanghai home after spending a semester in the United States.

Read the full story here.

Cedarville University in the U.S. state of Ohio says it’s got more than 140 international students representing 44 countries.

Here, the school interviews Jonathan Sutton, director of international student services. He talks about his job and the opportunities for international students on campus.

Read the full article here.

Morehouse College, a private, historically Black liberal arts college in the U.S. state of Georgia, offers a guide for international students interested in attending the school.

Among the tips to apply and thrive at Morehouse:

• Take advantage of the school’s orientation program
• Turn to the school’s Center for Academic Success for tutoring, support and more
• Immerse yourself in campus life via clubs and societies

Read the full article here.

WASHINGTON — 

The administration of President Donald Trump said on Monday it will review Columbia University's federal contracts and grants over allegations of antisemitism, which it says the educational institution has shown inaction in tackling.

Rights advocates note rising antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias since U.S. ally Israel's devastating military assault on Gaza began after Palestinian Hamas militants' deadly October 2023 attack.

The Justice Department said a month ago it formed a task force to fight antisemitism. The U.S. Departments of Health and Education and the General Services Administration jointly made the review announcement on Monday.

"The Federal Government's Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is considering Stop Work Orders for $51.4 million in contracts between Columbia University and the Federal Government," the joint statement said.

The agencies said no contracting actions had been taken yet.

"The task force will also conduct a comprehensive review of the more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments to Columbia University."

The agencies did not respond to requests for comment on whether there were similar reviews over allegations of Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias.

Columbia had no immediate comment. It previously said it made efforts to tackle antisemitism.

College protests

Trump has signed an executive order to combat antisemitism and pledged to deport non-citizen college students and others who took part in pro-Palestinian protests.

Columbia was at the center of college protests in which demonstrators demanded an end to U.S. support for Israel due to the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's assault on Gaza. There were allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia in protests and counter-protests.

During last summer's demonstrations around the country, classes were canceled, some university administrators resigned and student protesters were suspended and arrested.

While the intensity of protests has decreased in recent months, there were some demonstrations last week in New York after the expulsion of two students at Columbia University-affiliated Barnard College and after New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the removal of a Palestinian studies job listing at Hunter College.

A third student at Barnard College has since been expelled, this one related to the occupation of the Hamilton Hall building at Columbia last year.