ISJ April 2017: ‘Best fit’ college placement for student-athletes: a comprehensive model for international schools

Annie Constantinides

Abstract:

   A number of universities are investing a great deal of resources in an effort to recruit internationally: international student-athletes with superior athletic ability can also bring cultural diversity, which is a much desired outcome of higher education institutions. Past studies confirm an increase in the number of international student-athletes participating in a variety of men’s and women’s sports (NCAA, 1996). This trend continues to this day for a number of collegiate sports.

   Recruiting the ‘right’ international student-athlete is important for any institution seeking students who can be successful in both an academic environment and the athletic arena. Sport specific studies on international student-athlete adjustment and satisfaction have produced some interesting observations. Ridigner and Pastore (2000) concluded that “obtaining an education was of prime importance to the international student-athletes and they were usually academically well prepared” (p. 39). Following this observation, Ridigner and Pastore went on to speculate that “international recruits may pose less of an academic risk than some of their American counterparts” (p. 39).