Large numbers of foreign students attend United States colleges and universities, and the institutions can play a major role in facilitating the students' adjustment to life in a new culture. The foreign students' most common problems include homesickness, finances, housing and food, English language proficiency, understanding lectures and participating in class discussions, preparing written and oral reports, understanding American social customs, making friends, forming relationships with the opposite sex, and acceptance in social groups. The major variables affecting student adjustment are national origin, undergraduate versus graduate status, sex differences, marital status, and major field of study. Institutions can ease the adjustment process by making available English language instruction, orientation programs, counseling, host family programs, and programs linking foreign students with American student study partners. (MSE)