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Pathway courses - or foundation degrees as they're known in the UK and elsewhere - are designed to prepare students for degree level study. If you want to apply to an American university but don't quite meet the admission requirements, a pathway program will get you up to speed and secure your place in higher education!
Pathway programs are an incredibly popular option for international students who want to obtain a degree from the USA, live independently away from home and improve their English language skills.
Here's our quick guide to pathway programs for international students in the USA!
Who provides international foundation courses?
Unlike British universities and colleges, who provide 'foundation courses' on campus, more and more American universities are outsourcing pathways programs to external - and independent - providers. There are several organisations who provide pathway programs throughout the USA and each one is working with universities in their region.
Universities usually decide the requirements for candidates to enrol on pathway programs related to their courses and external providers - such as Global Pathways or Kaplan International - carry out the teaching.
Do I need to do a foundation course?
In the USA, young people are in high school until they're 18 and study a broad range of compulsory subjects (such as english, mathematics and sciences) as well as elective subjects, which are interest-specific and often form the basis of college/university study. Upon completing high school, American students apply for university.
In many other countries, secondary school education is only 11 or 12 years and pupils study a broader range of subjects. The international foundation year is designed to bring students with these broader educational backgrounds up to the same academic level as those who have undergone a specialist high school education in the USA.
Countries affected include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South America, Taiwan, Turkey, Vietnam and United Arab Emirates.
What can I study?
Pathway programs are available in subject areas including Business Management, Computer Science, Science, Engineering, Social Science and Arts & Humanities. In the USA, your pathway program will directly lead to study for a bachelor's degree so make sure you pick a subject that you want to study long-term!
If I do a pathway course will I get onto my chosen course at my chosen USA university?
In nearly all cases, yes. Your pathway course will be directly related to the university you want to study a degree at. Upon successful completion of a pathway program, you'll be entered into either the first or second year of a bachelor's degree course and your desired university.
In terms of course content for a pathway program, your time will be split between first year degree content and group tutorials to improve the standard of your English.
How do I apply for a foundation course?
You'll be able to apply through a university or the external provider who will deliver your pathway course. If applying online, most pathway providers will want to find out about your academic background and interests before suggesting the right university and course for you.
Pathway programs will still require applicants to have a level of english that they deem acceptable. The minimum standard of spoken english is an IELTS score of 5.0 or a TOEFL score of 60. Most univeristies will also require you to have completed secondary education to a standard that's equal to an American 2.5 GPA (Grade Point Average).
Where will I live?
Accomodation will be arranged in accordance with your chosen university and pathway provider. You can expect to either live in student accomodation on campus or in a nearby residence alongside other students.
Can I get a job while I’m studying?
If you hold an F1 visa - which is the standard visa for international students in the USA - the easiest way to earn extra cash is through on-campus work, which doesn't need to be government approved. Otherwise, you can find work that's deemed as optional practical training (OPT), which would be employment directly related - and of benefit to - your degree.
Furthermore, those students who find themselves in "severe economic hardship", can work up to 20 hours per week.
Will I get free healthcare?
You'll need to purchase a form of health insurance. Seek assistance in this from your university and pathway provider.
