Student Union
- By Pete Musto
Think Your English Skills Aren't Good Enough for Study in the US?
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!
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Trump administration opens antisemitism inquiries at 5 colleges, including Columbia and Berkeley
The Trump administration is opening new investigations into allegations of antisemitism at five U.S. universities including Columbia and the University of California, Berkeley, the Education Department announced Monday.
It's part of President Donald Trump's promise to take a tougher stance against campus antisemitism and deal out harsher penalties than the Biden administration, which settled a flurry of cases with universities in its final weeks. It comes the same day the Justice Department announced a new task force to root out antisemitism on college campuses.
In an order signed last week, Trump called for aggressive action to fight anti-Jewish bias on campuses, including the deportation of foreign students who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests.
Along with Columbia and Berkeley, the department is now investigating the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University and Portland State University. The cases were opened using the department's power to launch its own civil rights reviews, unlike the majority of investigations, which stem from complaints.
Messages seeking comment were left with all five universities.
A statement from the Education Department criticized colleges for tolerating antisemitism after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and a wave of pro-Palestinian protests that followed. It also criticized the Biden administration for negotiating "toothless" resolutions that failed to hold schools accountable.
"Today, the Department is putting universities, colleges, and K-12 schools on notice: this administration will not tolerate continued institutional indifference to the wellbeing of Jewish students on American campuses," said Craig Trainor, the agency's acting assistant secretary for civil rights.
The department didn't provide details about the inquiries or how it decided which schools are being targeted. Presidents of Columbia and Northwestern were among those called to testify on Capitol Hill last year as Republicans sought accountability for allegations of antisemitism. The hearings contributed to the resignation of multiple university presidents, including Columbia's Minouche Shafik.
An October report from House Republicans accused Columbia of failing to punish pro-Palestinian students who took over a campus building, and it called Northwestern's negotiations with student protesters a "stunning capitulation."
House Republicans applauded the new investigations. Representative Tim Walberg, chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, said he was "glad that we finally have an administration who is taking action to protect Jewish students."
Trump's order also calls for a full review of antisemitism complaints filed with the Education Department since Oct. 7, 2023, including pending and resolved cases from the Biden administration. It encourages the Justice Department to take action to enforce civil rights laws.
Last week's order drew backlash from civil rights groups who said it violated First Amendment rights that protect political speech.
The new task force announced Monday includes the Justice and Education departments along with Health and Human Services.
"The Department takes seriously our responsibility to eradicate this hatred wherever it is found," said Leo Terrell, assistant attorney general for civil rights. "The Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is the first step in giving life to President Trump's renewed commitment to ending anti-Semitism in our schools."
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STEM, business top subjects for international students
The Times of India breaks down the most popular subjects for international students to study in the U.S.
STEM and business lead the pack. Read the full story here. (January 2025)
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Safety and visa difficulties among misconceptions about US colleges
U.S. News & World report addresses some of the misconceptions about U.S. colleges and universities, including the difficulty of getting a visa.
Read the full story here. (January 2025)
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Work opportunities help draw international students to US schools
US News & World Report details the three top factors in foreign students' decision to study in the U.S. They include research opportunities and the reputation of U.S. degrees. Read the full story here. (December 2024)
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British student talks about her culture shock in Ohio
A British student who did a year abroad at Bowling Green State University in Ohio talks about adjusting to life in America in a TikTok video, Newsweek magazine reports.
Among the biggest surprises? Portion sizes, jaywalking laws and dorm room beds.
Read the full story here. (December 2024)
