This paper outlines the broad scope of difficulties that international students encounter upon their arrival at an American institution. These students are confronted with unfamiliar customs, unappetizing food, a novel educational system, loneliness and isolation, communication difficulties, prejudice, confusion about relationship building, and lack of knowledge about social and student etiquette and American survival skills. Colleges provide a variety of support services for the incoming American freshman student, but all too often ignore the unique problems of the foreign student. Institutions that expect to serve adequately the international student population need to provide an ongoing counseling program designed specifically for students from abroad. (Author)