This paper looks at the recruitment and retention of international students for study in academic programs in the United States from the point of view of how institutions of higher education can best plan and implement such programs. The paper opens by defining international students as foreign students who seek their education in the United States and plan to return to their native countries. A quick review of reasons to seek foreign students notes that institutions should not do so without investigating the problems and additional duties that a foreign student program may entail. Also discussed are the diverse reasons why institutions seek international students; these range from financial gain to enriched experiences for the native students, to fostering an "international" education. A discussion of the politics and resources involved in a recruitment program offers suggestions for developing institutional readiness for the program. A further section discusses the practicalities and processes of recruitment and admissions including legal issues, communication, information and research, timing and transportation, and values. Also examined is the hosting of special programs and groups of international students. Two final sections offer resources for international recruiting (both passive and active strategies) and resources for international student retention (academically appropriate students, language skills, support services, and integration into the community). (JB)