1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

What International Students Can Expect from Online Courses

What International Students Can Expect from Online Courses

Aug 14, 2020

By Niki Bridges

Enrollment in online courses seems to grow with each passing semester. After all, the convenience of completing classwork independent of location is a large draw for many students in this busy world.

But when it comes to international students and online courses, there are several restrictions to keep in mind. Students with F-1 visas are only allowed to take one online class per semester toward their minimum number of credits for that term. J-1 and M-1 students typically cannot take online courses, and F-1 and M-1 students cannot earn online degrees. Students who fall into other visa categories (i.e. H-4 or L2) are not subject to these restrictions.

If you are an international student who is interested in taking online classes from an American university, review your visa restrictions first. Then, consider these aspects of online education:

1. Online classes in the United States are frequently conducted in English

The typical online course consists of pre-recorded lectures, reading assignments, electronic quizzes and tests, message board discussions, and the like. English language learners will have little to no opportunity to exercise their speaking skills, and students who are not confident in their listening, reading, and writing abilities may quickly feel overwhelmed. Remember that your access to your classmates and professor will be less immediate (as will their answers to your questions), and consider whether that will hinder your English development.

2. Online classes sometimes take a hybrid form

A hybrid course is one in which the class is primarily online, but may meet once a week or so in a brick-and-mortar classroom. This style of course is very much like a strictly online setup, where you are expected to maintain your own schedule and to complete work by a given deadline. Meetings in the classroom may be focused on select readings or projects, or they may simply facilitate discussion about topics related to the course. While these types of classes are not too different from traditional online classes, it is important to note that hybrid courses do involve face-to-face classroom time.

3. Certain organizations may require additional information prior to enrollment

Registering for an online course is not as simple as filling out a short form and paying a fee. For instance, if you will be enrolling at a school that is not your home university, will you be eligible for financial aid? Will you need to provide your TOEFL results, and will the class be accepted by your primary school?

4. There may be other requirements within the class to consider

Your internship or work schedule (if applicable), extracurricular commitments, and familiarity with technology can all play a role in the successful completion of your course or degree program. You may have to respond to a question posed by an instructor several time zones away, or you may have your WiFi die during a testing session. Do you have contingency plans in place to handle small emergencies like these?

5. The online class is a very different experience than the in-person class

If you intend to earn an A in an online course, you will need to be highly self-motivated, as well as able to manage your time wisely. If you are a night person, you may be able to complete your classwork or view lectures in the late evening, but if sleep or personal time is important to you, you will have to find another, more effective arrangement. Most universities offer academic or technical support online, but they may not be available 24 hours a day. Will this work with your learning style?

Online courses are a great way to take advantage of accredited—and potentially unique—curriculum from competitive schools and distinguished organizations around the nation. Conduct careful research to ensure that the university you register with is fully accredited, that you can reasonably fulfill the requirements of the class, and that the course is well-suited to your academic goals. (If you are a current student at an American school, investigate their online options first, before considering other universities or companies.) Assessing the above aspects can help you get the most out of your educational experience.

 

Follow us:
Written by

Niki Bridges


Niki Bridges is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Main image for the article titled Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Main image for the article titled What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Main image for the article titled Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Longwood University

Longwood University

$35,000—$40,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Masters
Contact
Western Washington University

Western Washington University

$1,000—$5,000 Quarter

English Programs Bachelor Degree Masters
Contact
Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology

$5,000 - $25,000 Semester

English Programs Summer Certificate/Short Term
Contact

Featured Programs

George Mason University

Typical cost per Semester: $35,000—$40,000

Bachelor Degree Masters
Learn More

Mississippi College

Typical cost per Year: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Irvine Valley College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

Which Schools Offer Conditional Admission?

three students discussing their online school application
Which Schools Offer Master’s Degrees in Engineering?

Main image for the article titled Which Schools Offer Master’s Degrees in Engineering?
What is Conditional Admission in the USA?

Main image for the article titled What is Conditional Admission in the USA?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

Most U.S. apartments come unfurnished. Make your move easy with a student furniture rental package from CORT. Flexible lease terms. Delivered before you arrive. Starting at $99 per month.* *with a 12-month lease

Read more
Partner service logo for campusSIMS

campusSIMS

campusSIMS helps students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Get a US phone number while in your home country so you have service that’s ready as soon as you land. Plans start as low as $15/month.

Read more
Partner service logo for Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance

SURE offers hassle-free renters insurance that'll protect your clothes, furniture, and even yourself from unexpected damages and injuries. The SURE team will get you set up with a free quote and the correct coverage that you need!

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Studyusa.com has given me a lot of useful resources that helped me find the best college for me. I learned about the United States' educative system and how I could benefit from going to a community college first then transfer later.

Glodi Kayembe Congo

Thank you for your e-mail. I am already studying at Valencia College.

Maristela Duarte Brazil

I learned about F-1 and M-1 student visas from Study in the USA and also it helped me find good F-1 accredited universities across different states.

Yasir Tahir Pakistan

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.