The Bright Side of being an student-athlete in the u.s.
Getting a chance to study abroad in the US is an opportunity many young Asian students have dreamt of. With the influence of social media, it’s easy to get a taste of the life there through the lens of your phone or laptop.
One of the most popular ways to get a chance to enroll in an American college is through sports. If you’re an athlete yourself, well you’re in luck! Coaches in America are looking to recruit athletes globally each day, with more than 20,000 international student-athletes currently enrolled and competing at NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) schools.
Moving to completely different country to start college is no doubt a huge challenge, but with hardships come many beneficial rewards too. In this post, we’ll be talking about what you can gain from studying in the US as a student-athlete.
●Brush up on English:
Without a doubt, going to college in the US would mean for you to engulf yourself in an English-speaking environment 24/7. It has been proven that listening helps you improve faster when learning a language, and on top of that, having the opportunity to communicate with your peers will greatly increase your English skills as well.
As English is a language spoken globally, mastering the language will help you open up much more job opportunities in the future.
●Train like a pro, earn a degree as you go:
Maintaining a professional standard playing and training routine is to be expected during your time as a student-athlete.
High-class facilities and staffs are always accessible to help you with your training and playing development. Studying in the US as an athlete will give you a glimpse of what professional life may look like.
NCAA research has consistently shown that student-athletes graduate at higher rate than the general student body, with an estimation college graduation rates of 88% for Division I, 71% for Division II and 87% for Division III athletes. Alternatively, college graduation rates for non-student-athletes is only 68%.
●Gain a new experience:
According to other international students, getting to study in the US brings in a whole new slice of life you’d never be able to experience elsewhere. Participate in American holidays as you soak in the culture and environment around you. Build relationships with your coaches and teammates that will lead to life-long friendships and unforgettable memories!
Despite all the pros, it’s also important to remember that being a student-athlete is not an easy ride. Knowing how to manage your time efficiently is crucial as you’ll be living a very busy schedule. In addition, US college expenses can be pretty hefty. As most students struggle with the economic portion of the process, it’s essential for you to do well both athletically and academically to obtain scholarships provided by the schools. Work hard, play hard!