If you’re considering studying abroad, then visiting a college visit is an important step in deciding where you want to further your education. A college visit is your chance to explore the campus, meet with professors and students, sit in on a class and get a feel of the school culture. To be able to make an informed decision, here are vital questions international students should ask on a college visit.
Asking the right kind of questions can help you make the most of your college visit as well as make the right choice of college. Questions should border on specifics of the school such as academics, students, campus, etc.
Questions for the students you meet
- Why did you choose this college?
- What are your favourite and least favourite things about going here?
- How friendly and welcoming is the campus?
- How accessible are professors typically?
- What are the strong and weak majors?
Others are
- How hard do you have to work to get good grades?
- How easy is to get around campus or off-campus?
- Does the college pair roommates?
- Are you allowed to choose your roommate? If not, how is the pairing done?
- Do you feel safe on campus? What is the security like?
Campus Life
- What’s it like to be a freshman here?
- What’s a typical day like in the life of a student?
- How much time do students spend studying per week?
- What is the social life like?
- How’s the food on campus?
- How prevalent are drugs and alcohol on campus?
You can also ask
- Do most students live on-campus?
- In your opinion, what is the most special thing about this school?
- What health services are offered for students?
- Is tutoring available for students? Is it free?
- Where are the best places to study on campus?
Academics Questions
International students on a college visit can ask the following questions:
- Are classes more lecture-based or discussion-based?
- Are the professors accessible outside of class?
- How much freedom do freshmen have in choosing courses?
- Are some majors or departments considered stronger or more popular than others?
- Is the school on a semester, trimester or quarter system and how long are they?
- Would you describe any classes as especially innovative or project-based?
You can also ask
- What are the academic requirements to qualify for the honours college?
- What does the honours college offer?
- How much writing and reading is expected?
- Is it possible to do a double major?
- When do you have to declare a major?
- Are there any pre-requisites for graduation?
Student Body
- How would you describe your fellow students?
- What makes the student body unique?
- Is there diversity on campus?
- Do students of different races and classes interact easily?
Career Services
- How are the internships or co-op programs? How do you find them?
- Do employers recruit students on campus?
- How easy is it to find summer jobs and other kinds of work through your school?
- What kinds of hands-on or practical experiences can students have in and outside of the classroom?
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