Extracurricular activities are more than just a way to fill time outside of class: They play a significant role in an international student’s personal growth, professional development, and college experience. This guide explores the types of extracurricular activities, how to benefit from them personally and professionally, and which options are available on US college campuses, particularly Shorelight universities.
What Are Extracurricular Activities?
Extracurriculars can be any pursuit that is in addition to a student’s academic curriculum and are an invaluable way for international students to explore interests and develop skills outside the college classroom.
Extracurriculars are typically voluntary, social, or philanthropic. A list of extracurricular activities could include creating art or music, joining a student organization or club, helping with community service, pursuing a personal project, or participating in a sport. (For the latter, you don’t need to be on an official school team to get involved: Many universities offer intramural sports, which are tailored for various athletic skill levels as a way to stay active, build camaraderie, and have fun outside of the classroom.)
How Extracurricular Activities Differ from Academic Activities
Unlike academic activities, which are structured around coursework and exams, extracurricular activities emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to acquire skills and knowledge in a non-classroom setting.
Cocurricular activities are designed to specifically complement academic study, such as internships, volunteering, research, or leadership roles in organizations, among others. All cocurricular activities are extracurriculars, but not all extracurriculars are cocurricular.
While academic activities focus on intellectual development, extracurricular activities contribute to personal growth by nurturing interpersonal skills, creativity, and leadership, among others.
Benefits of Participating in Extracurricular Activities
There are many benefits to participating in extracurricular activities while studying in the US, including:
Development of essential life skills
Time management: Balancing coursework and extracurriculars requires effective scheduling and prioritization.
Teamwork and collaboration: Students must work as a team while participating in sports, group projects, or clubs.
Leadership: Engaging in activities that require organizing events, managing others, and taking personal responsibility for a finished project enhances leadership capabilities.
Communication skills: Many extracurricular activities encourage international students to step outside of their comfort zone with public speaking, debating, or writing for a student publication, which can boost confidence and clarity in communication.
Enhancement of academic performance
Improved focus and discipline: Having to balance coursework with extracurricular responsibilities teaches students how to manage their time effectively, which often leads to better academic performance.
Cognitive development: Students can stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills by participating in activities like chess, art, or music.
Stress reduction: Physical activities and creative hobbies help reduce stress, which can lead to a healthier mental state and aid with focus in academics.
Opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery
Explore interests: Discovering new passions can help shape future career choices and personal aspirations.
Build confidence: Overcoming challenges in extracurricular settings among peers helps boost self-esteem for life’s hurdles.
Network: International students can build a support system by connecting with peers, mentors, and professionals through student organizations, clubs, and events.
How to Choose the Right Extracurricular Activities
With such a wide range of extracurriculars to choose from, knowing which activity to join can feel overwhelming. There are, however, a few ways to narrow down which one will be right for you.
Start by identifying what you are most interested in and passionate about and how those things will enhance your long-term career goals. For instance, environmentally conscious students can join a sustainability club or volunteer for community conservation projects.
Next, explore opportunities that align with your interests within the local community, including campus resources, community events, and online platforms.
Finally, consider the time commitment required for each activity and how to best balance priorities. It is crucial to evaluate how activities will align with academic workload and personal well-being. Starting small with one or two activities will make it easier to know your limits without feeling overwhelmed.
Impact of Extracurricular Activities on College Applications
US college admissions officers view extracurricular involvement as a reflection of a student’s character, interests, and potential. They are typically looking for:
Consistency: Sustained participation in a particular activity demonstrates commitment and passion.
Leadership Roles: Positions of responsibility, such as team captain or club secretary, highlight leadership skills.
Impact: Meaningful contributions, such as initiating projects or achieving awards, indicate initiative and dedication.
Diversity of Experiences: A variety of activities showcases adaptability and a well-rounded personality.
Examples of Extracurricular Activities at Shorelight Universities
US college campuses provide a great deal of opportunities for extracurricular engagement. Here’s a list of extracurricular activities offered at five Shorelight universities:
Hartwick College
With more than 35 clubs and organizations, Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, encourages students to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to a wide range of interests and talents. The Student Government Association and the Hartwick Campus Activities Board host many events and provide opportunities for student involvement throughout the year. Other extracurricular opportunities include:
Academic and professional organizations: Chemistry Club, Geology Club, Department of Career and Network Development, and Writing Underground.
Hobby and interest-based clubs: Art Club, Clay Club, Equestrian Club, and Crochet Club.
Service and community engagement: Office of Civic Engagement, Clothing Closet, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and Hartwick College Food Pantry.
Cultural and identity-based groups: International Club, African Student Association, Latinos Unidos Association, and Asian Culture Club.
Recreational and competitive sports: WICKed Sports, Cheerleading Club, and the Hawketts Dance Team, among others.
Lewis University
Lewis University, just outside Chicago, Illinois, is “committed to developing the student mind, body and spirit as you discover the benefits of being part of something bigger than yourself,” and offers a variety of extracurricular activities to get students started, including:
Academic and professional organizations: Student Senate, Society of Physics Students (SPS), National Society of Leadership & Success, Women in Business, and Lewis Robotics Club.
Hobby and interest-based clubs: Women in Aviation Club, Harmonic Uprising (a cappella group), Art Club, Radio Station WLRA, and Lewis Drama Club.
Service and community engagement: Sustainability Club, Habitat for Humanity.
Cultural and identity-based groups: International Student Association, Lewis Indian Student Association, Latin American Student Organization (LASO), and Filipino American Student Union (FASU).
Recreational and competitive sports: intramural sports (badminton, dodgeball, and billiards) and club sports (archery, chess, and pickleball).
Faith-Based Organizations: Muslim Student Association (MSA).
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
With more than 750 student-run clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests and goals, Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including:
Cocurricular academic and professional organizations like the National Society of Leadership and Success, Archeological Society, and Artificial Intelligence Club.
Cultural and identity-based groups like the Asian Student Council, the Center for Latino Arts and Culture, and Vietnamese Student Association.
Intramural leagues, fitness classes, or nearly 60 club sports, including badminton, sailing, ice hockey, bowling, and more.
Creative and performance arts groups including dance, theater production, or singing.
Hobby and interest-based clubs, such as billiards, culinary, organic gardening, karaoke, cosplay, and more.
Service and community engagement including social justice clubs focused on making a positive impact.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
Ranked #26 in the US for student experience (2024 WSJ/College Pulse survey), The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) offers more than 400 student organizations, featuring everything from fraternities and sororities to faith-based groups. Examples of available extracurriculars include:
Academic and professional organizations: American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Global Intelligence Association, and the Pre-Law Association.
Hobby and interest-based clubs: anime, book clubs, ceramics, photography, and more.
Service and community engagement: volunteer initiatives on campus, as well as ways to give back to the local community.
Leadership programs: student government and mentoring programs.
Cultural and identity-based groups: Global Alliance Association, Hispanic Student Association, and Indian Cultural Student Association.
Recreational and competitive sports: dance, pickleball, soccer, rock climbing, kickball, aquatics, bowling, fencing, rugby, and more.
Whittier College
As a liberal arts university, Whittier College in southern California encourages students to take part in student government, as well as its many clubs and organizations, including:
Academic and professional organizations: Women in STEM Club, Pre-Health Club, and Psychology Club.
Hobby and interest-based clubs: Bug Club, Poet eSports, and the Whittier College Dance Team.
Service and community engagement: the Sustainability Club.
Cultural and identity-based groups: Asian Students Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSA), The Desi & Middle Eastern Club, and Transgender, Other-identified, Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Allies for Diversity.
Extracurricular Activities and Career Development
Extracurricular activities can play a vital role in helping students succeed in their chosen career by enhancing skills that are highly valued in the professional world, such as problem-solving, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.
Students can also take advantage of the many networking opportunities and industry exposure by working as an intern, attending conferences, or finding a mentor.
Those who truly want to use extracurriculars to their advantage can take cocurricular activities that align with specific career goals and will only enhance their CV or resume.
Overcoming Challenges in Participating in Extracurricular Activities
As mentioned earlier, it is vital to find a balance between extracurricular activities and academic needs to avoid feeling overwhelmed. There are three strategies that will aid in your success, including:
Time management
Prioritization: Listing tasks by importance and deadlines.
Scheduling: Using planners or apps to allocate dedicated time slots for activities.
Delegation: Sharing responsibilities in group activities to lighten individual workloads.
Balance of responsibilities
Setting boundaries: Limiting involvement to a manageable number of activities.
Communicating with professors: Seeking support and setting expectations during busy periods.
Staying organized: Keeping track of assignments and commitments to avoid last-minute stress.
Support and resources
Seeking mentorship: Connecting with senior students or faculty advisors.
Utilizing campus resources: Accessing counseling, workshops, or student success centers.
Joining supportive communities: Finding peers with similar goals or challenges to share experiences and advice.
Take Advantage of Extracurricular Activities
For international students, thoughtful engagement in extracurricular activities not only enriches the college experience, but also strengthens future opportunities in the professional world. Whether joining a campus club, volunteering in the community, or pursuing creative hobbies, students will learn invaluable skills that will benefit them greatly throughout their lives.
