Spring is the time of year most colleges and universities in the United States hold campus visits for admitted students. These visits allow future students to gain a better understanding of the campus community. While a student living in the United States can benefit from these tours, an F or M student may be at a disadvantage when making a final decision while outside of the United States.

Some schools are using technology to share information with students through social media and online videos. The New York Times blog The Choice on India Ink asked university officials the different ways they provide assistance to international students unable to visit college campuses:

• Purdue University offers virtual tours of their several campuses through their website. Purdue uses social media to communicate with students and to allow parents and students to contact admission counselors and interact with others on Facebook about the transition to studying in the United States.
• Columbia University admission staff travels to a number of countries every year visiting high schools and hosting information sessions for international students. Admitted students can communicate with school officials through online chat, social media and email. Columbia also allows students to experience on- and off-campus life through an online interactive program.
• In addition to virtual tours and online chats, New York University (NYU) offers information sessions for prospective students via Skype. NYU is releasing a film in the early summer titled, Insider's Guide to Our New York Campus, which will offer virtual tours and will feature interviews with current university students.

Several universities offer numerous support systems for international students who need assistance. EducationUSAcan help you with information on the process of selecting a school and a course of study in the United States.

Sources:

• Experts Share Tips for International Students Unable to Visit College Campuses, The New York Times