In September, many students begin classes in the United States and exploring U.S. national parks is a great way to experience and learn the history of the United States. The United States has a wealth of natural diversity to discover. In 2012, President Barack Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors (AGO) Initiative to develop a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda.

According to SEVIS by the Numbers, 54 percent of all international students enroll in schools in California, New York, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois and Pennsylvania. From camping, climbing, paddling, running, cycling, water sports or hiking, here are examples of some outdoor fun:

• California: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore any of the 500 miles of trails.
• New York: Ten national parks and 22 unique destinations in New York City.
• Texas: The Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre and includes 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies and wind tidal flats teeming with life.
• Florida: The Everglades National Park, a habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile and the elusive Florida panther.
• Massachusetts: The Minuteman National Historic Park, the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War is brought to life as visitors explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775.
• Illinois: The Ida B. Wells-Barnett House was the residence of civil rights advocate Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) and her husband Ferdinand Lee Barnett from 1919 to 1930.
• Pennsylvania: Valley Forge National Historical Park, which was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the American Revolutionary War generation. In addition, Pennsylvania has the Gettysburg National Military Park, which is the location of a very important part of the American Civil War, also known as the War Between the States.

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