For international students who are thinking about studying in the US, but worry that their English language skills aren’t strong enough, pathway programs, also known as bridge programs, are a good option. Read on to learn more about pathway programs for international students — and take a look at a few top pathway programs:
Pathway Programs to Consider
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
U.S. News and World Report ranked Ole Miss #152 among National Universities and #76 among Top Public Schools in 2020. International students make up 1.6% of the Ole Miss student population and are set up for success through the Ole Miss Global Pathway.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
U.S. News and World Report ranked Ole Miss #152 among National Universities and #76 among Top Public Schools in 2020. International students make up 1.6% of the Ole Miss student population and are set up for success through the Ole Miss Global Pathway.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
What is a Pathway Program?
A pathway program allows international students who want to study in the US to take English as a second language (ESL) courses while also taking courses that will count as credits toward their degree. These programs last about a year and generally offer “conditional acceptance” to the college or university they are affiliated with. This means that students who finish the program with acceptable English language skills and a high enough GPA are automatically accepted into the affiliate school.
Pathway programs are especially useful for international students who want to study in the US, but don’t yet have the English language skills they need to score well on the English language standardized tests that are required for US colleges and universities.
There are a number of reasons that international students might consider enrolling in a pathway program before moving on to a college or university. If you are wondering if a pathway program is the best option for you, read on to learn about the benefits that pathway programs have to offer.
Choosing the Right Pathway Program
Once you’ve decided to attend a pathway program, the next step is to choose the program that you want to attend. Read on to learn what questions to ask when choosing the pathway program that best suits you.
A great way to begin your journey as an international student in the US is through a pathway program, but it can be difficult to find the perfect one to fit your needs. Since there are pathway programs at numerous schools throughout the United States we have narrowed down the list for you with a few great options that you’ll want to explore as you get started on your search. Explore Pathway Programs »