The transition from high school to college is daunting for all students but for ESL/EFL students, the transition can be even more intimidating and fraught with complications. First and foremost, there is the prospect of having to learn complex material in a foreign language. No matter how strong the English program in the student’s country of origin, usually studying English in the artificial context of a foreign language classroom is inadequate preparation for coping with idiomatic, informal English and the technical vocabulary of English used by a professor. Secondly, the social demands of speaking English to new friends and acquaintances between classes can be very challenging.

It is essential that ESL students have a strong support structure immediately upon arriving on campus. Professors teaching ESL students should encourage ESL students to contact a writing workshop or tutor with specific expertise in the needs of ESL students. Students should also be encouraged to participate in groups and organizations specific to their needs, to help them make the transition from one cultural context to the next. They need to reach out for help and not feel ashamed for doing so.

As well as the language barrier, many ESL/EFL students also experience culture shock. American universities are often considerably more dependent upon intense debate and discussion than foreign institutions. Success is defined not as merely repeating what the professor has said but in assimilating the material. Some students may come from cultures where disagreeing with the professor is considered rude and unacceptable. With assistance and guidance, of course, many ESL students thrive, but it is important that universities do not have a ‘sink or swim’ mentality regarding their success.