As a foreign student myself, I have found it important to leave a good representation of international students around my campus and during my recruiting process back in 2019. It is always important to have a good image in front of others, and even more so when you are away from home!

The recruiting process will take time and dedication, so it is important to take it seriously. Not only is it important for  your recruiters to have a good impression of you, but it is important for them to be aware you are an international student trying to get recruited. And, it's important for you to know that it may influence how they view and recruit you.

Related: 5 Factors International Student-Athletes Need to Consider When Deciding Where to Commit

Being a student-athlete makes a person competitive. It goes the same way for international students. International students have a bigger weight to carry as they are in competition with all of the national people also entering the recruiting process. Standing out and having a good representation for your recruiters is vital. 

Make Sure Your Recruiters Know
Make sure that your recruiters know you are an international student-athlete. This might catch their attention and lead to them paying more detailed attention to you. Recruiters are already paying careful attention to prospective athletes, but if you are able to stand out and make a good impression, that's always a plus. 

Related: How Student-Athletes Can Make a Good Impression on Recruiters

Be Respectful
Always be respectful towards your recruiter and reach out to them with good manners. It is important for them to know you were raised well and with good ethics, albeit in a different country. 

International student athletes come from all over the world and with different languages. When talking to recruiters, try your best to adapt yourself to their preferences and become more involved with their culture. This will not only show you respect them, but that you're aware of your surroundings and eager to live in the U.S. It is always good to speak the language everyone around you knows, for inclusion and respect purposes; no one wants to feel left out or thinking they're talking about you in front of them. 

Related: 5 Culture Shock Tips for International Student-Athletes

Check Your Ego
Never feel entitled or better than anyone just because you are an international student-athlete. There has to be a sense of equality and humbleness. Someone who brags is never looked at as good. It has happened on teams that I have been in where one athlete feels better than the other one just because they come from somewhere else. This is never good and is never perceived as a good quality. Use your background as a tool instead of a weapon against others.

Talk about Your Home
When it is right, bring up good qualities from back home that can represent you and your background. This can help your recruiters get to know you better and have a better idea of how people outside of the U.S. are! In my case, I would talk about my diverse background and how it has helped me to adapt to very different situations all around. In addition, it really helps you with getting out of your comfort zone more often and not being afraid of putting yourself out there!

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Represent Your Whole Team
More often than not, sports outside of the U.S. may be less competitive and may not have many options to compete outside of your school's team. Make sure that your high school team is well represented and you have enough material to present to your recruiters! 

Related: 4 tips for International Athletes Applying to College in the United States

Ask Questions and Be Involved
Every recruiter loves when you've done your research about the school you're visiting. Not only will it show you are interested, but it will show your recruiter you are a committed person when interested in something. Asking questions will also give you more information and will make an impact in your recruiter's mind. They may even be more inclined towards recruiting you.

Always have fun and don't be stressed! 

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* Originally published on March 16, 2022, by Lilia Farach