Introduction

Craig Stead, International Division

As a high school student in Canada, The Sport Source provided me with the essential information and resources to help me realize my dream of playing collegiate soccer in The United States. Through hard work and perseverance I was able to secure a full athletic scholarship. This would not have been possible without using the Athletic College Guide, College Workbook or Matchfit programs. My goal is to help any international student-athlete who wishes to pursue their collegiate dreams in The United States. I encourage you to refer to our tips for international students, governing bodies section as well as your individual country page.

For further assistance or information feel free to contact me at sid@thesportsource.com

*The Sport Source Showcase and Combine held the first week of December each year in Dallas, Texas is open to international teams, should international players wish to come as an individual it is possible for them to guest play, space permitting*

Tips for International Students

Academics

• Be mindful of application and other deadlines to ensure your chance at being accepted
• If your country offers the SAT be sure to have applied and written the test, it is best to score above the minimal admission score for an opportunity for academic scholarship
• If your Country offers the TOEFL test it is a good idea to have that score as well
• You should begin taking standardized admission tests up to 18 months beforehand in case there is a need to re-take a test
• Try to have a good idea of your area of study, find schools that offer specialized courses in this area so to be well prepared for the work place after college
• Consider the different types of educational institutions (4 year university, junior college etc.) and which best suits your needs

Athletics

• Consider the region of the country that may be best suited for you based on your home country (i.e. colder or warmer weather)
• Consider schools that already have international student-athletes and even some from your home country
• If English is not your first language and will need to learn more before entering full studies in English, make sure the school offers an intensive English program
• When contacting the coach it is always best to be formal and professional in your approach ; treat it as if it was a job interview
• Be aware of your NCAA amateur status; for play in NCAA you will need to apply to the NCAA clearinghouse to be eligible to compete
• Note that College sports is not done on a relegation system, a division 1 team may not be any better than a division 2 program for instance
• Try to know your ability and find a level/program that best suits you; competing in sports can allow you to travel and see other parts of the country
• It is most important to remember that you are a student-athlete and that you must maintain a certain average in order to be able to compete, international students must ensure they are attending class and completing their school work

Other

• Ensure you have all proper documentation in order to begin studying in the USA (I-20, I-94, VISA etc.)
• Be aware when leaving the country you will need to travel with your proper documentation to be allowed back in
• Make sure your passport will remain valid during your time in The United States
• you will need to provide proof of your ability to pay for your schooling through proper documentation from your bank/financial institution
• When considering r the costs you must factor in not only tuition and fees but as well room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses (clothing, laundry, medical etc.) transportation as well as some emergency/discretionary money
• Ensure you have the proper vaccinations and are in good health to be travel and study abroad
• Work closely with your schools international student liaison to avoid surprises or disruption of study

Governing Bodies

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
www.ncaa.orgNational Collegiate Athletic Association, 700 Washington Avenue, PO Box 6222, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6222, Phone: (317) 917-6222 Fax (317) 917-6888

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
www.naia.org National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Headquarters, 23500 W. 105th Street, PO Box 1325, Olathe, Kansas 66051, Phone (913) 791-0044

National Junior College Athletic Association
www.njcaa.org National Junior College Athletic Association, PO Box 7305, Colorado Spring, Colorado 80933, Phone: (719)-590-9788, Fax: 719-590-7324

NCAA Clearinghouse
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net NCAA Clearinghouse, 2255 North Dubuque Road, PO Box 4044, Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4044, Customer Service Line: (877) 262-1492 (8 am – 5 pm CST) or 24 hour voice response: (877) 861-3003

Canadian Interuniversity Sport
www.universitysport.ca 801 King Edward, Suite N205, Ottawa, Ontario Canada, K1N 6N5, Phone: (613)-562-5670 Fax: (613)-562-5669

Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association
www.ccaa.ca, St. Lawrence College, 2 Belmont Street, Windmill Point, Cornwall, Ontario, K6H 4Z1