ESL students can also participate in cultural events

It is a well-known tradition that American colleges organize events - such as cookouts or international fairs - that allow students from other countries to showcase their native traditions. However, many ESL institutions also do that for those who enroll in English language classes, even before they become full-time students.

There is a growing trend at institutions that prepare individuals from abroad for TOEFL or IELTS to sponsor events that not only teach students about each others' cultures and customs, but also allow them another opportunity to practice their language skills.

When they finally enroll in college, students are already familiar with these events, and they help them feel at home even as they live and study in America.

"It is really nice to be able to share some of your cultural knowledge with other people," said Mariana Rosas, a Mexican student who learned English at The English Language Institute at Rockford College, quoted by Rockford Register Star.

The college's Multicultural Club, in which Rosas serves as president, recently hosted its International Food Fair, showcasing dishes from 12 countries.

According to data from the Institute of International Education, a total of 671,616 international students were enrolled at American universities during the academic year 2008-2009. This represented an increase of 7.7 percent over the previous year, and constituted 3.7 percent of the total student population.